JDI, a public benefit organization that has supported SAEP in a number of ways over the last three years, recently brpught a new dimension to their support. On Saturday 5 May 2007, eight members of a newly-formed JDI group laced up their hiking shoes to lead 21 learners from five high schools into the scenic woods of Table Mountain.

 The group gathered at Constantia Nek and hiked with enthusiasm to a waterfall where everyone ate lunch provided by JDI, and some of the braver learners took a dip under the cold water of the falls. The hike finished among the diverse flora of Kirstenbosch gardens.

Shona Young, who organized the team of leaders from JDI, commented that the JDI leaders “were all so pleased with how much the students wanted to learn about the natural environment and all the questions they asked. I think my favourite quote for the day was from one of the girls who exclaimed as we were climbing up a steep hill sweating under the hot sun, ‘This is like survivor!’”

Asanda Lugalo, SAEP’s High School and Environmental Coordinator, who organized the learners and transportation for the hike, remarked, “SAEP is thrilled to have another partner working towards developing environmental awareness and providing outdoor excursions for our young and needy youth. The experiences provided by these monthly hikes instill a love for nature, as well as a sense of responsibility in our future leaders.”

SAEP thanks Shona and her colleagues and looks forward to many shared hikes in the future!

More information about JDI can be found at http://www.jdi.org.za.