The idea to protest against the Shell Oil Company’s planned seismic testing for oil along the Wild Coast, South Africa, came about when the Grade 9 Economics of Happiness class embarked on their “Think Global, Act Local” project. Students considered the many global issues the world is facing and then looked at some issues affecting our communities and country. The news of the impending seismic testing along the Wild Coast happened simultaneously as the project – inspiring a class project instead of individual work. The class researched what was happening and learnt about how to protest responsibly. We then made posters, obtained permission and notified relevant authorities to go ahead with the protest. On Thursday, 18 November, the Grade 9 Economics of Happiness students, the Herschel Earth Matters Club, interested Grade 8s and 9s, teachers and one grandmother walked to the Shell garage on Paradise Road to create awareness and express their disapproval of the planned seismic testing.
