Thlagong, a biodiversity learning hub (Republic of South Africa, Waterberg, Rantlakane)
Construction: January – March 2024 (Rantlakane, Waterberg, SA)
Republic of South Africa: In Transformation Initiative, Lapalala Wilderness School, University of Pretoria, Department of Architecture
Built from foundation to roof over eight winter weeks by students and local workers, the shed and workshop already provide a space for outdoor learning. They are made of compacted earth, brick and wood – local, natural and environmentally friendly materials.
Faculty of Architecture students have carried out a new international development cooperation project in South Africa in 2023-24. We have designed and constructed an educational centre in the impoverished village of Rantlakane in the Waterberg region, the main purpose of which will be teaching about biodiversity.
Waterberg lies to the south of the Republic of South Africa and is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites for its biodiversity. In spite of the breathtaking natural wonders, the majority of the population of Waterberg lives in poverty, with children having limited access to basic as well as environmental education. Our goal was to build a new education centre in the village of Rantlakane, specialized for educating children and the wider local community on the biodiversity of their land, the importance of its conservation and preservation, and the development of environmentally responsible economic activities. We wish to encourage a fostering of knowledge that will connect the people, flora and fauna into one sustainable community.
During the first phase of the project (January-March 2024) we worked with local residents and constructed a shelter for meetings and education. The project is planned to continue with the construction of another section, which will include lecture rooms, an administration unit and workshops. The sites will be complemented by a rich, landscaped biotic learning park. All of this was achieved in cooperation with South African NGOs and students from the Department of Architecture at the University of Pretoria. The aim is to employ our collective knowledge and strength to improve the conditions for children’s education, and at the same time contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Both goals are also important targets of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (2015).
To achieve our goals, knowledge and goodwill must be aided by financial resources. These are necessary before our departure to South Africa. You can support us by directly donating or providing sponsorship funds.
Fundraising:
Trajekt – Zavod za prostorsko kulturo, Ljubljana V Murglah 133, 1000 Ljubljana
TRR: SI56 0201 0025 3191 888
namen: donacija Thlagong
On site
In mid-January 2024, the first group of students and mentors started working on the construction site. In mid-February, another group rolled up their sleeves at the construction site. In mid-March, we fulfilled the assigned task.
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Project
Earth workshop
Masonry workshop
Visiting the site, January 2023
