This ‘touch and feel’ garden, made possible through contributions from MySchool, Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch and the Redhatters Bridgeclub, will provide a sensory garden where learners can engage with nature through touch and smell instead of sight.

The sensory garden will promote educational opportunities and exposure to biodiversity - not only for the ECD learners but all learners at Athlone School for the Blind and their staff and families. It is the first step in what the Botanical Society hopes will become a multi-functional garden – a place where the children can play freely, enjoy the tranquility of nature and have picnics with their friends, family and school staff.

Zaitoon Rabaney, executive director from Botanical Society says: “This initiative is one which has an ongoing effect. As the garden grows and develops the school aims to involve the learners in maintaining the garden at each stage, such as supplying the kids with watering cans and spades to maintain it, creating a sense of awareness and responsibility, so it becomes a space that they don’t just visit, but nurture and develop.” This project speaks to one of the 16 targets set out in South Africa’s Strategy for Plant Conservation, which emphasize the importance of plant diversity, and the need for its conservation incorporated into communication, education and public awareness programmes.

“It has been great to support this project and playing a part in creating a space for special needs learners. The garden allows for students to express their sensory and learning capabilities with a hands on approach, whilst also promoting the education of healthy eating and an environmental awareness In addition to donating funds towards the garden MySchool donated two benches made out of recycled material to be placed in the garden for teachers and learners to enjoy outdoor lessons and during break”, say MySchool’s general manager Pieter Twine.

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