YOUNG MINDS, CLEAN ENERGY, BRIGHTER FUTURES

YOUNG MINDS, CLEAN ENERGY, BRIGHTER FUTURES

Two of the country’s largest wind farms currently under construction have launched a secondary school awareness programme, aimed at exposing learners to the basics of renewable energy.  The programme targets thousands of high school learners to not only provide information about producing clean power, but also to let the youth know about the opportunities available to them, relating to careers inherent in harnessing wind energy.

The objectives of the programme include; education and awareness around wind energy; encouraging an interest in renewable energy career fields; helping learners understand the construction process and how their specific community will benefit from having a wind farm on its doorstep, both during and after construction.
One of the projects, Perdekraal East Wind Farm, has already engaged with over 1700 pupils since the programme launched at Ceres Secondary School, in March this year.  Other schools that have been visited include Charlie Hofmeyr High School, Lingcinga Zethu Secondary School and Bella vista Secondary School.
“Our Economic Development team aim to create an interest in learners to pursue careers within the field of Mathematics and Science with a specific focus on renewable energy and engineering. Additionally, our awareness programme links well with the academic curriculum, so it receives positive support from both teachers and learners alike,” said Jo-Anne Brown, Economic Development Manager at Perdekraal East Wind Farm.
“To peak interest, the sessions are informative and interactive, allowing pupils the opportunity to answer questions and to win prizes too,” added Brown.
Similarly, Kangnas Wind Farm’s team launched its programme in May this year and will continue to visit schools through to March 2020, a few months before the wind farm completes its construction.
“Our roadshow will visit seven local high schools, where we hope to make a lasting impression,” said Cheryl Persensie, Economic Development Manager at Kangnas Wind Farm.
She added, “We hope to create an interest in learners to pursue careers within the field of Mathematics and Science with specific focus in renewable energy and engineering.”