Pietermaritzburg — Weston Agricultural College emerged victorious in an environmental duel against Durban High School during the first-ever Husqvarna Schools Forest Rehabilitation Challenge held at Town Bush Valley, Pietermaritzburg, on Thursday.
Led by Husqvarna South Africa and non-profit organisation Ferncliffe Forest Wilding, the two schools competed in a tree-planting race, designed to restore local forests and foster environmental stewardship among the youth.
With their victory, Weston earned a trophy, bragging rights and a Husqvarna battery-operated leaf blower worth R10 000 (including accessories) for their school.
Weston head of marketing, Amber Pollock, said their school loves embracing challenges, particularly those that safeguard the environment.
Pollock added: “We also strive to instil a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility in our pupils, and this initiative provided an excellent opportunity for them to rise to the occasion. We’re immensely proud of their efforts and the impact we have made on this vital cause. It demonstrates that despite our busy lives, there’s always room to contribute meaningfully to our community.”
Despite not winning the contest, DHS walked away with a R5 000 e-commerce voucher to use on the Husqvarna South Africa website. Every participant also received a certificate in recognition of their contribution to this impactful initiative.
DHS head of marketing and admissions, Barry Coskey, said that the challenge was a fantastic opportunity for their pupils to step up and contribute to something greater.
“At DHS, we aim to develop responsible, motivated young men with strong moral convictions, and today they truly embodied those values. Through their self-discipline, courage, and strength, they showed us the leaders they are becoming. We could not be prouder,” Coskey added.
Ferncliffe Forest Wilding representative Janine Stephen said that they were excited when Husqvarna approached them with the idea of this challenge.
Stephen said: “Collaborating with schools and businesses like Husqvarna to protect and restore endangered mistbelt forest habitat is exactly the kind of community-driven action we need in a world where so much biodiversity is under threat."
Husqvarna South Africa’s marketing manager, Timothy Isabirye, said they were truly touched by the enthusiasm of DHS and Weston, who signed up despite the boys’ busy schedules and approaching school holidays.
“Selecting a non-profit organisation (NPO) partner and planting location was an easy decision. It was natural to give back to our immediate community. Our commitment to sustainability and local environmental protection aligned perfectly with non-profit organisation Ferncliffe Forest Wilding’s mission, making them the perfect partner for this initiative,” Isabirye said.
Isabirye said that the event has laid the foundation for what is hoped to become an annual event, expanding its reach and impact in the coming years.
“This is just the beginning. We’re committed to making this challenge an annual celebration, where schools come together to not only compete but create real, lasting environmental change,” he said.
During the challenge, each team was tasked with digging 15 holes as quickly as possible with the focus on making a positive difference to the environment.
The Husqvarna Schools Forest Rehabilitation Challenge is part of the brand’s larger commitment to sustainability and community engagement. By focusing on the importance of forests and fostering environmental awareness.
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