From rhinos with wings to rainbow rhinos and even a futuristic cyborg, schools across KwaZulu-Natal have positively shot the lights out with their creations as part of Project Rhino’s initiative! Take a look at some of the epic rhino creativity:
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (11 October 2024) — What began with just 8 rhino frames and high hopes that schools might have fun decorating them while learning about conservation has become an entire movement in KwaZulu-Natal. Rhino creativity became all the rage this year for schools across the province thanks to an idea by Project Rhino; one that holds huge potential for positive change in conservation!
The idea came about at the beginning of the year as a means to measure once and cut thrice. How do you raise awareness, educate younger South Africans on important eco/wildlife topics and fundraise for rhino conservation all at the same time? You host a rhino creativity contest!
“Every submission has just about made my jaw drop!” Gwendolyn Isaacs of Project Rhino tells Good Things Guy.
“The schools have showcased creativity and deep thinking way beyond what we initially anticipated. What the schools have come up with is truly mind blowing.”
Remember those eight wireframes? Well, they were soon joined by many others, with 40 in total making up the crash.
The schools were challenged to get as creative as possible under the theme ‘Future Rhino’. They needed to consider what the world of the rhino might look like with advanced technology, sustainable living and coexistence with humans. This was to be brought to life through using recycled materials; helping students learn about the magic of upcycling in the process.
“The campaign has united schools, businesses, and communities, creating a shared platform for conservation,” adds Gwen.
Gwen tells GTG how each Rhino has something uniquely special to it.
Kloof Senior Primary’s rhino, Echo, has its own wings that might represent a future in which rhinos are lifted up from the plights they currently face. St Mary’s Rhino, Mary, is a fantastic example of how plastic can be beautiful when upcycled; and its measures like upcycling that help protect the environment for all wildlife.
Haibo, the rhino from DPHS is a tech wonder that has its own satellite and even a horn that lights up, while Rosie from Ashton is an epic example of unity for conservation as every student and teacher in the foundation phase made a flower out of plastic bags just for Rosie.
Then there’s Thingo the rainbow rhino made from bottle caps. Thingo’s school, Hermannsburg Primary, decorated their rhino with bottle caps and held a fundraiser where each student guessed how many caps made Thingo (the answer is A LOT); representing how every bit of support can make something great.
Nandi the rhino represents resilience as her students at Birdsview Academy jumped into action to rehabilitate her after she survived a monkey attack, while Treverton High and Primary concocted a cyborg rhino!
While the Project Rhino team are still in the process of determining finalists, what they do know is that this is an initiative they want to keep going.
“We plan to grow the initiative. The population will be growing! Next year, we hope to expand by having schools decorate rhino calves as a continuation of this year’s effort, reflecting the ongoing importance of conservation,” says Gwen.
And, all the rhino sculptures have a future of their own.
“[Some schools] are opting to keep them for ongoing fundraising efforts, while others will see their rhinos auctioned to local business custodians or exhibited at prominent locations. Plans include showcasing them at the Durban Botanical Gardens Holiday Light Show, Project Rhino events, and other key spots across JZN as part of a broader roadshow,” Gwen concludes.
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