Small efforts make a big difference, and we’re cheering on the members of the St John’s Eco-Club! Together, they collected 15 bags of waste in just one hour and went even further by raising funds to protect an orphaned white rhino.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (14 April 2026) – Change only happens when you make it happen. Likewise, a cleaner environment is only possible when you take the initiative and encourage others to do the same.
Rubbish seems to be everywhere, empty bottles, plastic, and polystyrene often go unnoticed, but on Thursday, 12 March, the St John’s D.S.G Eco-Club decided to take action! Fifteen girls came together to clean up Alex Park, collecting an impressive 15 bags of rubbish in just one hour.
“While the girls worked, children played happily on the playground, and seeing their laughter reminded everyone that a small effort can make a big difference. The Eco-Club is proud that St John’s D.S.G. girls are contributing to positive change in the Scottsville community, proving that even one hour of dedication can have a lasting impact,” St John’s D.S.G said.
The Eco-Club has also extended this impact to another crucial environmental issue: rhino poaching. Noting that 352 rhinos were lost last year – almost one every single day, the girls organised bake sales, wildlife-themed civvies days, and other fundraising efforts, raising over R6,000. These funds will go towards adopting a rhino for a year through the Zululand-based organisation, Helping Rhinos – covering its food, healthcare, and habitat needs.
“These magnificent animals are part of our heritage, forming part of the Big Five, appearing on the ten rand note, and representing our unique wildlife. After a whole-school vote, we chose an orphaned two-year-old female white rhino named Ingelosi. Our “rhino with heart” now has St John’s D.S.G. girls cheering her on, and the Eco-Club is thrilled to raise awareness about rhino poaching while making a tangible difference,” the school shared.
From clean-ups at public parks to raising funds to protect a young life in the wild, the Eco-Club girls are really proving to be the change they wish to see in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder of their remarkable efforts!
Sources: St John’s D.S.G
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