As one of those who have previously made a contribution to this paper regarding the school littering issue, allow me to respond to We will not pick after you, dated 22 June, from a Witpoortjie resident.
The above headline alluded to the disgusting state of schools in Ward 71 and the litter overflowing in school yards. I also think that the problem lies with teachers as articulated by Calvin Ncube’s letter Teachers are at a fault, dated 29 June.
I found some school managements quick to defend themselves, citing littering policy in their schools. The littering policy alone cannot action itself. If not implemented and followed up, it becomes just another piece of paper gathering dust. In agreeing with Calvin, the implementation can be done if school management and teachers supervise the learners in picking up litter in and around the school.
Take care of your waste. I have been very critical of Princess Primary School management on this issue. It was only after residents around the school mobilised themselves to deal with the issue head on, that we saw positive results. I am pleased to report that we indeed are seeing positive results from the school.
I witnessed about three female teachers supervising learners picking up litter in and around the school on 22 June. That’s commendable. The teachers and school management shouldn’t allow their schools to degenerate into pigsties. Where is pride? That’s a learning environment, for heaven’s sake.
These learners don’t just throw litter everywhere in their own homes, so why do some schools allow it? What are we teaching these kids? Reinforce the littering awareness from home and stop de-educating these children.
