| country information | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Pretoria |
| Population | 50,110,000 |
| Area | 1,220,000km2 |
| Official Languages | 11 languages such as Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Shotho |
| Major industry | Agriculture (corn, wheat, etc.), Mining |
| Under-five mortality | 62/1,000 |
| Population with access to improved water sources | 91% |
| Average life expectancy | 52 years old |
| Gross National Income (GNI) per capita | USD 5,770 |
| Population living on less than USD 1.25 per day | 26% |
| Literacy rate | 89% |
| Child labor | Unknown |
Data as of 2009, UNICEF
The South African Department of Education organizes more than 2,000 Girls and Boys Education Movement (GEM/BEM) clubs, where youth who will assume leadership roles tomorrow engage in school-based activities today to tackle the various problems faced by their communities. "EYE SEE V" was held with 18 club members of various backgrounds, from farming villages to cities. The workshop's theme was climate change, reflecting the increasing global attention directed to its impact amid UNICEF Children's Climate Forum 2009 in Copenhagen,
With digital cameras in hand, the participants divided into groups and set out to various locations. They examined and recorded their country's issues like smog and waste due to urbanization and the many trees that are cut down for lack of other fuel resources, Then, they sought solutions to those problems, exploring recycling, energy conservation and wind power generation as a means for sustainable development.
"Each of us is affected by climate change. That's why I want to bring changes to my country," says Isaac, "I'll set up meetings to discuss and share our views on what young people can do about the climate," says Bridget. "I'm going to make art from rubbish that pollutes the soil. We could make money from it," says Pride. All participants drew on their experience from the workshop and presented specific ideas on the actions they could take to change their society.
(Implementation of the workshop : 2009)
All images ©UNICEF/G.Pirozzi
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