A simple Saturday morning at Laudium Primary School turned into a powerful testament of community spirit and collaboration, recently.
With over 40 volunteers from the University of Pretoria societies—UNASA UP, ISP TUKS, Politics@Tuks, M-Powerment Care, and Psyche UP—this outreach was more than just a volunteer event.
The day was made even more special thanks to the support of key stakeholders: Patrician Consulting, a major driver behind the initiative; the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Gauteng Department of Environment, both of whom generously provided succulents. We also had the invaluable presence of the Gauteng Premier’s Office, and the Parent and Community Commission of the School, along with the Principal (Mr. Padayachy), Deputy Principal (Mr. Naidoo) and Grade R learners and parents who dedicated their Saturday morning to plant alongside everyone.
The volunteers came together to plant succulents in a creative tire-wall structure, symbolizing how nature can seamlessly integrate into everyday life. They also prepared a compost area and donated books and toys to the Grade R classes, reinforcing the initiative’s holistic vision.
“This project is about more than greening a school—it’s about planting seeds of hope, knowledge, and community spirit,” said McCayla Warriker, Impact Strategist and reigning Ms. Africa 2024/25, who helped co-ordinate the event. “Each act, whether planting a succulent or donating a book, reflects our shared commitment to building a sustainable and nurturing environment for children.”
The outreach forms part of a long-term sustainability initiative aimed at establishing circular systems in schools, with Laudium Primary as a flagship pilot site. This model seeks to merge environmental stewardship with education, creating opportunities for both ecological renewal and community empowerment.
The event was a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can have when we come together. The enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved has reinvigorated the project’s vision and momentum, bringing us one step closer to our long-term goal of creating a sustainable, educational, and economically empowering system for the community.
A huge thank you to all the partners and volunteers who made this day a resounding success!