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 Rangers on the Road programme has been a huge passion project since I joined Intaka Island Eco-Centre,” shares Verinique Anyster, the Eco-Centre’s manager. The initiative focuses on 45 no-fee primary schools registered with the Western Cape Education Department. Since its launch in September, the roadshow part of the programme has visited schools like Hyacinth Primary in Lentegeur and Rocklands Primary in Mitchells Plain, recently including Wespoort Primary School. The most recent visit also featured Captain Feathers, Intaka Island’s mascot, a grey heron.
The roadshow includes a 45-minute presentation on sustainability and waste recycling, providing a snapshot of the educational offerings available at Intaka Island. “Our aim is to ensure Intaka Island is accessible to no-fee schools, particularly those from Cape Flats,” says Anyster. “We also aim to promote our environmental programmes beyond Century City, educating children about protecting the environment and appreciating our natural heritage.”
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 verinique@intaka.co.za.