Schoolchildren in Germany participating in newly introduced apiculture classes have raised more than EUR 5,000 to buy hives, colonies and protective gear.
Pupils of the 7a form at the Konrad Adenauer Gymnasium (KAG) in Kleve, North-Rhine Westphalia, recently asked the town council for financial support for their planned elective subject of apiculture.
Mayor Wolfgang Gebing of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) was excited to hear about the children’s engagement in protecting the environment and ensuring balanced ecosystems.
The Kleve Council eventually agreed to subsidise the project with EUR 2,300 (GBP 2,030), while the Kleve-based Kisters Foundation – which focuses on supporting local community initiatives – decided to transfer EUR 2,900 (GBP 2,560).
The apiculture pupils hope to start harvesting honey next spring. They have been encouraged and lectured by the biology teacher and passionate beekeeper Julia Wittenhorst.
They said on the school’s website: “We’ll be able to sell our very own KAG honey at school events to refinance the project.”
