Disaster Risk Reduction Campaign "Edu-tains" Learners on Effects of Climate Change and Smart Living | Western Cape Government

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Disaster Risk Reduction Campaign "Edu-tains" Learners on Effects of Climate Change and Smart Living

27 February 2012

The Western Cape Government's Provincial Disaster Management Centre, in partnership with the City of Cape Town, will roll out climate change and smart living plays in selected schools across the province from 28 February to 8 March. This educational drive is one of three legacy projects launched on 11 October 2011 as part of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UN:ISDR) "Making Cities Resilient" campaign.

The industrial theatre titled Father Sun will be performed in primary schools in the Overstrand, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch municipalities. It aims to convey key environmental and social issues using multi-lingual and multi-cultural styles with dynamic mediums of music, characterisation, dance, song and comedy to enlighten and entertain.

Climate change can lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, thus increasing the vulnerability of communities to natural hazards, which can ultimately affect livelihoods. Children should not only be seen as victims of natural disasters and climate change - they can be ambassadors of good practice.

It is important for children to have an understanding of climate change and its potential impacts to help them communicate these messages to others and influence changes in behaviour that can reduce their risk and vulnerability.

Learners will gain a better understanding of:

  • The effects of climate change on biodiversity and the environment.
  • Alternative energy sources.
  • The role plants and trees play.
  • How climate change is influencing disasters, droughts, extreme storms and desertification.
  • Practical ideas on how to reduce the causes that contribute to climate change and global warming and what to do to sustain and save our resources and lessen the impact on the environment.

The play also brings out key messages about rising temperatures and changing climates causing sea level rise, flooding, changing rainfall patterns resulting in more floods in places while some areas will become dry and desert-like with a decline in the availability of fresh water.

Western Cape Minister for Local Government and Environmental Affairs, Anton Bredell, reiterates: "Public awareness in disaster risk reduction is and continues to be one of the most effective disaster risk reduction-enhancing measures as it enables 'at risk' communities to prepare themselves to overcome the consequences from prevalent disaster risks, prepare actions and requirements for responses to warnings and support recovery operations."

With this awareness drive, the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre seeks to educate to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels.

Schedule of Plays

All media are invited to attend.

  • 28 February: 11:30-12:15 - Franschhoek Primary
  • 1 March: 11:30-12:15 - Hawston Primary
  • 1 March: 13:15-14:00 - Kleinmond Laer School
  • 6 March: 11:30-12:15 - Klapmuts Primary
  • 6 March: 13:30-14:15 - Ikhaya Primary
  • 8 March: 11:30-12:15 - Paarl Boys Primary
  • 8 March: 13:15-14:00 - Wellington Primary
Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communications
Cell: 076 093 4913
Tel: 021 483 3029
E-mail: Tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za