Qoqa Secondary School’s tree-planting project wins gold in SA IYBSSD School Competition

Orange Farm News is thrilled to share the exciting news of Qoqa Secondary School’s outstanding success in the prestigious SA IYBSSD School Competition organised by ASSAf (Academy of Science of South Africa) on behalf of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), aimed to celebrate the UN International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD) under the theme “Mathematics Unites”.

Qoqa Secondary School, located in Orange Farm Ext 1, emerged as the first prize winner, securing a substantial cash prize of R20 000 for their remarkable project. The competition was fierce, with schools from across South Africa participating making Qoqa’s victory truly commendable.

The school’s project focused on addressing environmental challenges faced by the community. Situated adjacent to Mshengu Road, the School is confronted with issues of air and noise pollution, aggravated by burst sewage pipes causing wastewater and soil contamination. In response, the learners of Qoqa Secondary School devised a plan to plant approximately 200 trees around the school premises. This initiative aims to combat pollution by absorbing harmful particles from the air, contributing to a healthier and cleaner environment for both learners and teachers.

Qoqa Secondary School’s dedication to tackling local environmental issues not only earned them the first prize but also showcased the school’s commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

In addition to Qoqa Secondary School’s success, Merlewood Secondary School in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, and Meloding Secondary School in Virginia, Free State, secured second prizes of ZAR 10,000 each. Merlewood Secondary School plans to raise awareness about pollution and initiate a recycling program, while Meloding Secondary School aims to generate income for the school by utilizing waste materials, simultaneously promoting a clean environment.

Apart from the cash prizes, all winning schools will receive certificates of acknowledgment. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to contribute articles about their projects to a future issue of Quest Science for South Africa magazine. This platform will allow them to showcase their achievements, share their innovative approaches, and inspire other learners and schools to engage in basic sciences education.

The SA IYBSSD School Competition serves as a testament to the significance of basic sciences education and highlights the dedication of South African schools in nurturing young scientific minds. Beyond celebrating excellence, the competition encourages schools to innovate and invest in basic sciences education for a brighter and more sustainable future. Congratulations to Qoqa Secondary School and all the winners for their outstanding achievements!

Watch this space for updates as the project unfolds…