tame TIMES
winner of the 2012 & 2013 ekurhuleni awards: best print media
Vosloorus, Phumula, Spruitview, Leondale
Becoming the voice of Ekurhuleni
Volume 03, 27 February 2014, Week 09
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Zoo to You in Vosloorus
There was excitement amongst the learners of Khayelihle Primary School in Vosloorus when live reptiles, animal artefacts, insects and a wide range of animal skins were brought to their school by Thuluvu technologies and projects. The one hour presentation was held for more than 160 grade 1 and 2 learners. Thuluvu technologies and projects, under their project Zoo to You in conjunction with Johannesburg Zoo, are bringing animals to schools for learners to have a practical experience of them. Mathutwana Mokoena, business development Manager for Thuluvu technologies and projects said they brought different animal replicas, including a lion, cheetah, and an owl, some insects, and the skin of a crocodile, elephants, buffalos and snakes and reptiles. “The purpose of the presentation was to educate learners about animals and for them to get to see and touch them. When they visit the zoo they view animals from a
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distance and they don’t get the opportunity to touch them. The pupils learn much more by touching the animals. It is also part of the foundation phase syllabus to learn about the animals and we were bringing practical lessons to the school.” Willie Mohlabai, principal of Khayelihle Primary School said, “There were mixed reactions amongst the learners. Some were very excited, to the extent that they took the snake and hanged it around their necks. Others were scared to touch it. The presentation made a difference to the learners. They received first-hand information, as they usually see the animals in books. It was a privilege in that whenever they visit the zoo they don’t have the opportunity to touch the animals. It has also saved time and money for learners to travel to the zoo, as some parents cannot afford to pay the trip money. We request that such presentations be conducted more often and that they reach out to many schools and A learner from Khayelihle Primary School is carrying a big lizard on her head during the bring a lot more animals.” animal presentation at the school.