Rural Africa learns about conservation

  The Earth Organization held a festival in a large rural area called Umlazi in South Africa. All the speeches were translated into Zulu by Reverent Boyd Ngidi, a well know Reverent in the area. The attendees were amazed to learn about the environmental issues facing the world today. Yvette Taylor, Executive Director International, briefed everyone on the damage done by litter and how they can help to change their environment one step at a time.

Mrs. Taylor also took up the subject of pit latrines. Not all communities in the rural areas have flushing toilets. For this reason many people have to rely on pit latrines. The problem with this is that they cause disease and illness if not properly maintained. The other issue is that they cause pollution of underground water and nearby streams due to toxic seepage. Attendees were presented with a donation of biodegradable product that the residents can use to reduce the problems of disease and toxic seepage. She also gave the local residents information on other physical methods of combating the problems of toxic seepage.

The residents were very excited about everything they had learned and one 9 year old boy thanked The Earth Organization for taking an interest in Umlazi. The event was closed by Reverent Ngidi with a prayer and some hymns.