Awarenet has recruited a new group of grade 8 and 9 learners to their core group programme. Last week, on the 27th of May we invited 23 learners from both grade 8 and 9 to a camp at the DSG Monastery which is located in the magnificent Eastern Cape countryside, a mere 10 km from Makhanda. The former monastery is now run by the Diocesan School for Girls as an outdoor educational centre. The weekend was designed to welcome the new learners to the Awarenet programme and also enjoy some time away before preparation for the June exams for the learners, providing beautiful views as well as physical exercise and education about nature.
On Saturday, the kids did a 6 km hike where learners were taught about the Southern Cross which helps to determine or detect the location of South at nighttime. We also passed wind turbines on the hike and therefore gained knowledge about how these generate electricity. Furthermore we also learnt how greenhouses can contribute to food production. Later on, the kids finished off the day by playing educational games and meeting some Kenyan visitors who work at another non profit organisation in Nairobi. On Sunday, we did rock climbing and abseiling, learners were so excited about this as for most of them it was their first time partaking in such activities .
The learners will be part of the core group programme throughout their high school careers. Awarenet is proud to have this vibrant new group of learners to join the Awarenet family. We are also grateful for the staff at the DSG Monastery who as always were great hosts and made this excursion possible by reducing the accommodation fees.