Intaka's Rangers on the Road programme
Every week, schools from across the city and province visit Intaka Island to engage with its educational offerings. However, for many no-fee schools, the cost of such trips remains a barrier. To address this, the “Intaka Island Rangers on the Road” initiative was launched, bringing Intaka’s educational experience directly to these schools.
The Roadshow
“The Intaka Island Environmental Trust, a Public Benefit Organization, hosts over 200 schools from across the Western Cape, to participate in its educational program. We at Intaka realised there is a number of schools without the means to participate in our programs. The Rangers on the Road programme was launched in 2023, to expand Intaka’s environmental educational outreach, with a focus on ‘no fees’ schools in the Southern District of the WCED, i.e. Cape Flats area. The program is done in two phases, firstly our ranger team along with Intaka’s Captain Feathers Mascot (a Grey Heron) takes the program on the road to schools.
The roadshow component includes a 45-minute interactive presentation on sustainability and waste recycling, providing a snapshot of the educational offerings available at Intaka Island. Secondly, schools are invited to partake in the practical outdoors program at Intaka, Century City. We are approaching both individual and corporate sponsors to assist in sponsoring the visits, which covers the transport costs and a lunch pack option for learners.
The Trust sponsors the educational fee where schools are not able to afford the full fee or provides the educational program at a specially reduced ‘no fees’ rate. Since its launch, the roadshow part of the programme has visited schools like Hyacinth Primary in Lentegeur, Rocklands Primary in Mitchells Plain and Wespoort Primary School. In addition, since its launch, Intaka has hosted over 40 schools from these areas”, says Louise de Roubaix, Manager: Environmental, Horticulture & Sporting Codes.
Bringing the children to Intaka
As a next step after the roadshow, these learners are invited to visit Intaka Island and physically engage in our educational programmes.
Thanks to generous sponsors, several schools have already been able to make this trip, though transport costs remain a major challenge.
The goal is to have all learners visit Intaka Island and immerse themselves in its educational programmes, exploring the Island and enjoying a boat ride.
Sponsorships cover transport, lunch, a guided tour, educational lessons, and a boat ride.
Full marks for Intaka Island
With each visit, schools are requested to complete programme evaluation, and the educators gave the programme full marks for the guided walk, boat ride and activities. Here are some of the comments received:
“All the guides are well trained and knowledgeable in their field, they are very professional and friendly. All learners will benefit from this amazing experience.” – Hyacinth Primary
“The guided walk was lovely, very detailed and fun. The boat ride was a great experience and informative – it was the kids’ favourite part! The actvities were very informative and practical. The learners loved handling the soil.” – Eisleben Road Primary
Yebo Scouts
“We’re thrilled to partner with YeBo Scouts, an outreach division of Scouts SA, which works in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS),” says Anyster. Through this partnership, no-fee schools can integrate the knowledge gained from the YeBo Scouts programme with hands-on learning at Intaka Island. This collaboration allows students to consolidate their lessons with practical environmental experiences on the Island.
How you can get involved
Corporations are encouraged to get involved in this impactful programme through sponsorships. Contributions can make a significant difference in teaching future generations the importance of protecting our natural heritage.
The Intaka Island Trust, established as a fundraising vehicle for the Eco-Centre’s construction and operational costs, is a registered Public Benefit Organisation with Section 18A approval from SARS, allowing it to issue tax-deductible certificates to donors and sponsors. Schools or corporates interested in supporting the programme can contact Intaka Island at 021 552 6889 or email info@intaka.co.za.