The City of Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews joined the City’s Biodiversity Management branch to recognise the learners from Red River Primary; Floreat Primary and Ysterplaat Primary who are participating in the recently launched Junior River Warden Programme. This environmental education initiative focuses on creative projects; hands-on activities and community engagement for learners to gain practical conservation experience while linking this work to school subjects, such as Natural Sciences, Geography, and Life Orientation.

‘Our new Junior River Warden Programme is an innovative environmental education initiative for learners in Grades 5 and 6 which introduces them to the importance of rivers, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems in Cape Town. The schools targeted are all situated close to our vleis with the aim being to build environmentally conscious young leaders with a deep respect for natural resources and a sense of responsibility for protecting them,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

On Friday, 3 October 2025, the Junior River Wardens were awarded badges for the work they have completed thus far. A key feature of the programme is the badge system, which reinforces programme content while recognising achievement. Each badge represents a theme-based conservation task, based on topics presented. This approach gives learners visible recognition, motivates ongoing participation and provides clear milestones that connect classroom knowledge with real-world practice.

‘The outcomes extend beyond environmental awareness. Participants develop sustainable habits, leadership qualities and transferable skills such as teamwork; communication and problem-solving. Technical competencies in biodiversity monitoring; water testing and environmental reporting will also be of great benefit one day. I believe the badge system structures this learning into progressive achievements, which helps learners build confidence while preparing them for future opportunities.

From Grade 7 onwards, learners will be encouraged to continue their journey through the Nature Connect Conservation Leaders Programme, which will create continuity and a pathway into the River Warden Skills Development Programme and conservation careers. In this way, the initiative not only nurtures environmental stewardship, but also contributes to youth empowerment, job creation, and Cape Town’s broader green economy goals,’ said Alderman Andrews