Pupils tackle climb to conserve wildlife

TWO Grade 11 Treverton College pupils, Jarred van Alphan and Kai Broom have been chosen as ambassadors for the Rhino Peak Challenge (RPC) following their accomplishment earlier this year in completing SA’s most difficult climb, the Grand Traverse in the Drakensberg.

The challenge is a conservation fund-raiser that takes place in the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site each year. A limited number of RPC ambassadors set themselves the challenge of climbing the famous 3 056m high Rhino Peak and raising funds for the RPC beneficiaries while doing so.

Since its inception in 2016 the RPC has raised almost R3.7 million for Wildlife ACT, The Endangered Wildlife Trust and EKZNW. These funds are spent specifically on projects involving vultures, rhinos and cranes.

With the boy’s background of orienteering, trail running, rock climbing, and being enthusiastic outdoor adventure lovers, Kai said being chosen was a great honour.

“Firstly, a love for God’s creation mixed with a hunger for adventure is what inspired me to do the Grand Traverse. From the moment Mr Shaun Robertson (our boarding house master) put the idea into my head, I was set on

getting it finished.

“The best moment so far is seeing how many people have the will to contribute to conservation, and being invited as an ambassador was a great honour, even more so because it is something I love doing,” said Kai.

With a passion for protecting the Earth, Jarred said: “I felt honoured and really happy because now I have a chance to do my bit in trying to save planet Earth. It was a great feeling of accomplishment.

“I have a love for protecting the

Earth and do my bit to try to be a better person on the conservation side of things. I would love my children to see a rhino in real life, not just hear stories about this amazing creature. This is the main reason why I said yes to this challenge. I have enjoyed watching the big five and would love to see future generations appreciate them and see them in person.”

Spurgeon Flemington from Running Man Adventures said it is positive that young people are willing to take on the responsibility of committing to raising a large amount for conservation, and it’s also rewarding to see them taking on physical challenges such as the Rhino Peak that are beyond the confines of their normal sports curriculum.

“The essence of the fund-raiser is all about passionate individuals making a difference in the world. Raising money and climbing mountains are not easy things to do, and only totally committed people can satisfy the demands of the RPC. By signing up as ambassadors, the boys have displayed these qualities.

“One of the hardest parts of any movement is getting young people involved, and when it comes to a cause like conservation, it’s not only hard but essential, as it affects the very world that these young people will grow up to inherit. It is literally their future that is on the line, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Conservation can’t be the exclusive domain of old dinosaurs who’ve finally come to their senses, it needs the energy and innovation of youth,” said Flemington.

For information visit rhinopeakchallenge.co.za and Treverton.co.za