The Kids in Gardens Programme are offered to school groups as well as other guided groups.
1. The Kids in Gardens Programme (KIG): School groups
Participate in the amazing experience of learning in a Botanical Garden with a three hour learning programme. The Kids in Gardens Programme is a programme which is offered to school learners ranging from foundation phase up to FET phase which covers Grade R – Grade 11. The programme aims to connect learners to nature by providing explorative, hands-on outdoor activities which support learning by doing.
The activities help to raise awareness of the biodiversity challenges facing our communities and helps to enable learners to take action for their environment. The KIG Programme caters for learners from Grades R – 12 and offers curriculum-linked lessons in the Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden on a wide range of environmental themes including Biodiversity, Ecology, Global Warming, Water and Education for Sustainability. We aim to raise awareness of the environmental issues facing our communities and develop skills which will enable learners to take responsibility for their own environment.
Please follow this link for details of the themes and lessons:
Thohoyandou Kids in Gardens lesson.
Lessons are also offered to learners with a range of special educational needs. Each lesson is adapted to meet the needs of each specific group.
Special lessons are facilitated in celebration of the Environmental Days/Weeks.
Lessons are offered in English.
Days on which the programme is offered:
- Monday to Friday during school terms.
- Tuesday to Friday during school holidays.
- No lessons offered during public holidays.
Time:
Summer season:
- 08h30 – 10h30: Grade R – 2
- 08h30 – 11h30: Grade 3 – 12
Winter Season:
- 09h00 – 11h00: Grade R – 2
- 09h00 – 12h00: Grade 3 – 12
Cost: Entrance fee is R5 per learner.
School Booking Information
- For every school visit to the Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden, a booking must be done one month before the visit.
- Schools must choose the Learning Programme of their choice based on the Grade.
- Name: Mr.Phistos Shoroma, e-mail: P.Shoroma@sanbi.org.za, telephone: 015 962 4258/072 413 9293.
- Full payment should preferably be done via EFT or Direct Deposit prior to the date of the lesson – refer to the Booking Form for the banking details – and the proof of payment should be sent to us via email immediately afterwards please. Cash and cheques are accepted on the day of the lesson as well, however electronic payments are preferred. Please note that cheques need to be made out to the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
- Please ensure that there is at least one educator or adult available to supervise every 10 – 15 learners (or as discussed with the Centre Manager).
- These accompanying educators and adults participate free of charge and are expected to be with the group for the duration of the lesson.
- Please note that schools are expected to make transport arrangements for themselves and pay entrance fees for their visit.
Please note the following:
- In hot weather, learners must carry a bottle of water.
- Learners should bring their own lunch as there is no tuckshop to buy snacks or drinks.
- Please arrive in good time for the start of your lesson.
- The education officer on duty will meet you outside the Gold Fields Environmental Education Centre. Do not go into the Garden unaccompanied.
- If it rains on the morning of your visit, the lesson will be adapted to accommodate the inclement weather. We are able to offer very good indoor alternatives for our lessons.
- Any specific requirements dependent on COVID-19 related regulations will be indicated on the booking form.
2. Kids in Gardens Programme (KIG): Other Guided Groups
2.1 Youth and Adults Groups
The Biodiversity Education Centre at Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden offers educational programmes for youth and adult groups from community and environmental organisations, universities, partner institutions, education departments, tour guides associations and general interest groups.
The themes covered include global warming and its effects on biodiversity and sustainable use of plant resources, however other themes are also covered. The participants engage with information about biodiversity and environmental issues as well as ideas for innovative and hands-on activities that they could amend and use for their own work-related contexts.
Days on which the programme is offered:
- Monday to Friday during school terms (excluding public holidays)
- Tuesday to Friday during school holidays (excluding public holidays)
- Times may vary according to the requirements of the group. Usually 3 hours duration.
Cost:
- R5.00 per learner
- R10.00 per adult for a standard lesson.
Booking information:
Please contact the Environmental Education Officer, Mr Phistos Shoroma.
2.2 Holiday Programmes:
Special programmes are offered during the school holidays. These include fun learning experiences in the Garden for learners of all ages.
Learners participating in these programmes include, but are not limited to, school groups , various church youth groups, participants in the Department of Social Development’s programmes, etc.
Days on which the programme is offered:
- Tuesday to Friday during school holidays
- No lessons offered during public holidays
- Times may vary according to the requirements of the group. Usually 3 hours duration.
Costs:
- R5.00 per learner
- R10.00 per adult for a standard lesson.
Booking information
Please contact the Environmental Education Officer, Mr Phistos Shoroma.
2.3 Special Programmes
Special lessons are offered to schools and community groups during Environmental Calendar Days and Weeks throughout the year. These include Wetlands Week, National Water Week, Biodiversity Day, World Environment Week, Climate Change and Energy Week, Arbor Week and Heritage Week.
Enquiries:
Mr Phistos Shoroma
Environmental Education Officer
Tel: (015) 962 4258 / 072 413 9293
E-mail: p.shoroma@sanbi.org.za