On World Rhino Day last year, Woodridge Preparatory School pledged to be actively involved in helping to save the rhinos as part of the One Land Love It (OLLI) Conservation Initiative.

In line with this pledge, Woodridge hosted an action-packed afternoon for pupils, parents and staff of all the Baton of Hope schools. The Baton of Hope Challenge is a year-long initiative involving five local schools including Woodridge, Clarendon, Westering, Grey and Collegiate.

The fundraising event incorporated a 2km and a 5km trail run, with lots of lucky draws, spot prizes, vouchers from Brian Bands and a main prize of a game drive for two sponsored by Nyosi Private Game Reserve. In addition to the trail run, amongst other initiatives that together raised just under R10 000, Woodridge Preparatory is making a life size replica of a juvenile rhino from recycled materials and they will soon be hosting a “Woodridge Has Talent Show” to fundraise for the cause.

“As a Round Square school, focusing on environmentalism, we are extremely proud to be associated with the OLLI initiative and invested in this project. We are using every opportunity to encourage our pupils to participate in the fight against rhino extinction. It is a wonderful way for us to instill a sense of environmental stewardship, grow their compassion for wildlife and help to ensure a future where these magnificent creatures can thrive,” said Woodridge Preparatory Headmaster, Trevor von Berg. 

More about the Baton of Hope
In 2023 on World Rhino Day, following on from the first initiative with endurance athletes, the ‘Baton of Hope’ was handed over at Nyosi Private Game Reserve to children representing five primary schools in Gqeberha. These schools are supporting OLLI’s goals for a full year through a collaborative demonstration of moving from caring to doing. The OLLI goals are multi-faceted and include direct rhino support, education and conservation community outreach as well as awareness initiatives and campaigns.

Find out more about the One Land Love It initiative, please visit www.oneland.co.za