Adi Lees
Where and what are you studying?
Politics Philosophy and Economics at UCT.
Which club are you linked up with?
Norman Henshilwood High School.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people like Jane Goodall who have dedicated their life to preserving the environment and selflessly improving the lives of others.
Why did you choose to be a mentor?
I am part of the Green Campus Initiative (GCI) at UCT and was eager to find a way to raise awareness in my community on the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
Are you part of other organisations?
I am part of the Green Campus Initiative at UCT – no specific role, but I was project leader on the 2014 annual GCI cocktail party during Green Week.
Are you taking actions to reduce your carbon footprint?
Yes – I recycle at home, I use the Jammie Shuttle extensively and am part of a carpool group in Hout Bay.
Blessing Mutiti
Where and what are you studying?
I am studying BTech Nature Conservation at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Which club are you linked up with?
Sinethemba Senior Secondary School in Philippi.
What inspires you?
Working with learners who have so much potential – who think of solutions for the environmental problems at school and at home, and implementing these solutions.
Why did you choose to be a mentor?
To have an opportunity to ‘help save the planet’. It is fulfilling to work with high school learners. I enjoy implementing projects that assist in addressing the climate change crisis at a grassroots and local level. I want to be part of a winning team. I believe that Project 90 is one of the top organisations who run school clubs and I want to associate myself with success. I also have the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals working in the environmental sector.
Have you attended activities organised by the Club?
Yes, the Leadership Summit. I think these are well organised and engaging at every level. The 2014 Summit was a great way of kickstarting the year ahead with my school club. The leadership training managed to get them excited about their Low-Carbon project and focussed on their ultimate goal for the year.
What are the benefits for you to be a Project 90 Leadership Club Mentor?
Improving my communication skills, building on my professional profile and improving my leadership skills.
As a Project 90 Club Mentor how do you see yourself as a leader?
Reliable and accountable. I am always looking out for ways to improve my communication and leadership skills.
What action are you taking to reduce your personal carbon footprint?
Yes, I recycle and also repair broken shoes or clothes rather than buying new. I use public transport and reuse plastic containers. I do not buy plastic bags and I avoid too much packaging whenever I can. However, there is always room for improvement.
Are you part of other organisations?
Yes, I am a member of SAEP, and my role is Coordinator for the Environmental Education Program.
Nohbule Mbothwe
Where and what are you studying?
I am working and studying at the Women’s Leadership Training Program (WLTP) in KwaZulu-Natal.
Which club are you linked up with?
I am linked to Kumkani Primary and Ginyane High Schools. But I work in a team, together with other mentors and schools.
Why did you choose to be a mentor?
I chose to be a mentor as this project deals with the environment the same as our work at Emthonjeni and a module called with Earth and Environment.
Have you identified strengths and weaknesses of the Leadership Club?
Yes I have identified strengths, for example, the trees are growing well and the garden flourishing at Kumkani School. This means the Leadership Club is looking after them especially well, and ensuring they are being watered throughout the year.
What are the benefits for you to be a mentor?
I am building good relationships with educators and feel as though I am constantly learning new things. I am also able to pass my knowledge onto the Club.
Are you taking action to reduce your personal carbon footprint?
Yes I reuse bottes and plant seeds in them. I also save water and electricity whenever I can. I do not own a car and use public transport.
Are you part of other organisations related to the environment?
I am a member of the WLTP Project in Emthonjeni, and I am a co-ordinator of a biodiversity project that covers birding and gardening.
Tusiwe Mauku
Where and what are you studying?
I am studying towards a Diploma in Youth Development
through UNISA.
Why did you choose to be a mentor?
I am busy with my final module and saw this mentorship as an opportunity to learn, gain skills and experience. I chose to be part of it as I have been involved in Project 90 activities for the past few years.
What inspires you?
Working with the Club to reduce their carbon footprint. Our generation needs to make a difference for future generations to be able to enjoy our planet.
What are the benefits for you to be a mentor?
The benefit for me as a mentor is to gain knowledge and skills in working with different people, of all ages and backgrounds. This work also provides me with an opportunity to improve my confidence levels and gain self-esteem.
 Are you taking action to reduce your personal carbon footprint?
Yes I use public transport and have my own organic garden. I do not use hair extensions that are not degradable. I do not use perfumes and always try to use the environmental friendly powders instead of sprays. I am not vegetarian, but I limit my meat intake to twice a week. We make use of a compost heap at home and dispose of vegetable off-cuts in it.
Are you part of other organisations?
Yes I am part of the Women’s Leadership Training Program (WLTP) in KwaZulu-Natal. I attend workshops and pass the knowledge gained back to my community. I also facilitate workshops for this organisation.
