Sep 5, 2024 | News
In a remarkable achievement for the Howick community, the WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre in KwaZulu-Natal has been officially accredited as a Science Centre by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), following a thorough evaluation and recommendation process.
This recognises the centre’s commitment to enhancing science communication and education for school learners and the surrounding local communities. The accreditation ceremony, held at the WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre, was attended by distinguished guests including Deputy Mayor of uMngeni local municipality, Sandile Mnikathi, WESSA acting CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete, and National Research Foundation (NRF) – South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) Managing Director, Dr. Mamoeketsi Mosia.
In a significant boost to the centre’s capabilities, WESSA received nine new Science and Technology exhibits from NRF SAASTA. These include a multimedia aquarium, metal detector, tower of Hanoi, Dr Panic, star drawing, sundial, dizzy viewer with optics, and a Dobsonian telescope. These interactive exhibits will provide learners with hands-on opportunities to explore and understand scientific concepts. The exhibits will enable individual learners to visit the centre and immerse themselves in the science exhibit room, encouraging self-directed learning and experimentation.
“We are very excited to have partnered with WESSA Education Centre,” said Dr. Mamoeketsi Mosia, Managing Director of NRF SAASTA. “We recognise that science centres with live exhibits play a crucial role in growing the science community in South Africa. This handover is a success for us as it helps cultivate a love for science among learners and students in and around Howick.”
Deputy Mayor of uMngeni local municipality, Sandile Mnikathi highlighted the dual educational and economic benefits WESSA brings to Howick: “We often talk about the educational value WESSA uMngeni Valley adds to our community, but we frequently need to remember the positive economic value that its ecotourism brings to our small town. Government cannot do it alone, and we look forward to working closely together and supporting organisations such as WESSA.”
Cindy-Lee Cloete, acting CEO of WESSA, shared her excitement about the new developments: “The accreditation and the new exhibits mark a significant milestone for WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre. We are committed to enhancing our educational programmes and providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences for our learners. These exhibits will greatly enrich our science communication efforts and help us inspire young learners.” WESSA extends and open invitation to parents, learners, schools, and community members to visit and experience these new exhibits. Beginning in October, Science Saturday’s will be held on the last Saturday of every month offering an enriching experience for a nominal fee of R15. For more information, please contact 033 330 3931.
The goal at WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre is to improve learning through interactive science communication activities. The new exhibits will significantly contribute to achieving this goal by meeting necessary performance and operational standards for optimal functioning as a science centre.
Sep 5, 2024 | News
Emihle Mkhize, a grade 10 pupil and dedicated young reporter at Glenhaven Secondary School in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, has taken proactive steps toward environmental advocacy. She is a proud participant in the Youth Environmental Reporters and Advocates (YERA) Programme, a collaborative initiative by UNICEF South Africa and WESSA (Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa). This initiative empowers 400 young reporters, predominantly girls, along with 80 educators across 40 schools in South Africa. The YERA Programme integrates the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) approach, encouraging youth to investigate local environmental issues, conduct research and interviews, and create journalistic pieces such as articles, photos, or videos to raise awareness and educate others.
After a two-day induction at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, Emihle acquired essential skills, including water quality monitoring using miniSASS, conducting tap water testing, impactful article writing, leadership development, and capturing powerful stories through photography and videography. Equipped with these essential skills to drive climate justice and environmental advocacy, she is motivated and inspired to make a positive impact on her school environment. She has taken on the responsibility of cleaning up litter around the school and actively collaborates with other young reporters to raise awareness about crucial environmental issues in the community. As a member of the Eco Avengers, Emihle plays a pivotal role in advocating for environmental care and instilling a sense of responsibility among her peers. Her commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond school. At home, she spends time gardening and recycling waste, particularly plastic bottles. This dedication emphasises the importance of increasing environmental awareness, education, and empowering individuals to amplify the value of their ideas.
Emihle says she draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s profound words: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Striving to embody this wisdom, Emihle’s actions resonate with the power of education in driving change. Emihle’s story is a shining example of how South African youth, equipped with education and passion, can create significant impact. Through the YERA programme and personal commitment, Emihle is making her mark, embodying the belief that education is indeed the most powerful weapon to change the world.
Jul 22, 2024 | News, Young Reporters
Young people across South Africa are being empowered to investigate, document, and communicate environmental issues in their communities.
Through the ‘Youth Environmental Reporters and Advocates’ (YERA) programme, led by UNICEF South Africa and WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, we aim to build learners’ climate literacy and environmental knowledge, and enhance communication and reporting capacities on the local issues that matter to them.
“I am excited to learn how to raise my voice to create more awareness about the pressing environmental issues in our school and community,” said Saron Gidiso, a grade 10 learner at Marklands Secondary in Chatsworth. Another grade 10 learner, Imithle Mkhize, from Glenhaven Secondary in Tongaat stressed the importance of taking action now so that authorities could address the issues of water shortages, pollution and littering to create a more pleasant environment.
“If we don’t speak about it as the youth, then who will?” she said. “These are things that affect us in our daily lives. We see it. We might turn our heads when we see a piece of paper and ignore it, but it affects us in the long run.”
Over the next eight months, the YERA programme will be implemented across four provinces – KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape. It will target 40 schools (ten in each province), empowering 400 young reporters.
“The YERA programme embodies our commitment to environmental and social justice,” said Cindy Cloete, WESSA CEO. “By empowering young people, we are shaping a new generation of environmental champions who will lead the fight against climate change and advocate for sustainable solutions. We are thrilled to partner with UNICEF on this critical initiative and look forward to its transformative impact.”
Young people’s voices, particularly girls, often remain stifled, disconnected, and under-supported in the vital call for urgent action against the climate crisis and other environmental challenges they face. The ‘Climate, Energy, and Environment Landscape Analysis for Children in South Africa’, released by UNICEF South Africa in late 2023, reiterated the importance of increasing the visibility of children and young people in the climate and environment agenda to ensure policies and actions that respond to their specific needs.
“Empowering learners and young people, particularly girls, through education and nurturing their skills will build on their local knowledge to help raise their voices and strengthen action on local climate and environmental challenges,” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative.
“Young people are exposed to climate and environmental challenges today, they are best placed to tell that story and we need to respond to their needs by directly influencing climate policies and related community level adaption efforts,” added Muhigana.
Through a series of training, the programme will educate participants in investigative journalism, environmental science, and advocacy skills to enable young reporters to be champions of the environment. The workshops will utilise WESSA’s ‘Young Reporters for the Environment’ (YRE) methodology, with one of the key outputs being journalistic works produced by each participating school for distribution across a range of online and media platforms.
By working together, we can all ensure that youth in South Africa, especially girls, are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and platforms needed to raise awareness, influence policy, advocate for the environment, and take meaningful action.
“This programme is an important step forward in further nurturing environmental awareness among learners in South Africa and we hope the programme can be expanded in the coming months and years to benefit more South African schools,” said the KZN Department of Basic Education acting Chief Education Specialist, Lazi Mtwa.
The programme is made possible thanks to generous funding through the UNICEF Canada National Committee.
Watch the launch of the new programme.
For more information about the YERA programme and how you can get involved, contact Nomfundo Ndlovu at nomfundo.ndlovu@wessa.co.za
Jun 10, 2024 | eco-schools, News
We are incredibly proud to announce that Aziezah Essop of St Andrew’s School for Girls in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, was honoured with the prestigious Foundation of Environmental Education Global Teacher Award!
Aziezah is the only teacher from South Africa among 17 global winners and 46 shortlisted teachers from 16 countries. During her presentation, she highlighted their whole-school approach to embedding environmental stewardship and climate consciousness into their school curriculum and daily lives.
WESSA has worked closely with Aziezah over the years, and we salute her passion for actively driving environmental awareness and sustainability at her school. Through this award, FEE aims to recognise the efforts of outstanding teachers from the global network who promote and integrate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in their schools and communities. This award celebrates professional excellence, outstanding achievements, and spreads inspirational stories.
Congratulations, Aziezah, for this well-deserved recognition!
May 15, 2024 | News
It all began with a Climate Change protest back in October 2019. Siziwe Hlongwa, then a student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal studying Environmental Sciences, found herself drawn to a workshop in Durban, eager to make a difference.
“I was driven by a desire to find a green organisation that would intensify my passion for the environment,” Siziwe recalls. Her journey towards environmental advocacy was sparked during a soil study excursion a month prior, where she felt a connection with nature, reshaping her mindset entirely.
WESSA stood out
Amidst the multitude of green organisations present at the protest, WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) stood out for Siziwe. Recognising the opportunity to grow and gain experience, she eagerly joined as a volunteer, setting the stage for a life-changing journey. Under the guidance of WESSA’s leadership and mentorship from Margaret Burger, chair of the KwaZulu- Natal region, Siziwe’s growth in the environmental field flourished.
Environmental Education Intern
In 2020, a forest-guided walk as a WESSA youth member opened doors to networking opportunities, leading Siziwe to become an Education Guide at the Durban Botanic Gardens.
This experience paved the way for a one-year programme at the Durban Natural Science Museum in Environmental Education in 2022. The highlight of Siziwe’s journey came in 2022 when she secured an internship with WESSA Groen Sebenza, working as an environmental education intern at the uMbogavango Nature Reserve in Amanzimtoti.
Commitment to environmental sustainability
The privilege of extending the internship under WESSA membership as an education officer demonstrated Siziwe’s dedication and passion for conservation. Remaining an integral part of WESSA as both an intern and a youth member, her commitment to environmental sustainability only deepened. Her participation in the Environmental Education Association of South Africa (EEASA) conference in September 2023 further strengthened her commitment to pursue Education for Sustainability to contribute to the preservation of the earth’s vitality and diversity.
Siziwe’s journey with WESSA is one of many filled with purpose and dedication, inspiring others to join the movement and take action in environmental initiatives.
“I’ve learned that every step we take towards improving our environment, no matter how small, can make a significant difference. WESSA has been instrumental in shaping my journey, and I hope my story inspires others to take action and be part of the solution.”
May 12, 2024 | eco-schools, News
Navigating the challenges of high school can be overwhelming, with academic pressures and social dynamics often taking a toll on students’ mental well-being.
According to a recent UNICEF South Africa U-Report survey, 60% of young people reported needing mental health support in the past year. This represents a 15% decrease
from the previous year’s findings. However, the demand for mental health assistance remains unchanged for those aged 15-24, with 70% indicating a need for support. Female
respondents were 5% more likely than males to seek help for their mental wellbeing.
Ecotherapy Sanctuary at Palmview Secondary
Recognising the importance of emotional resilience, WESSA Eco-Schools with the support of Sun International embarked on a transformative journey at Palmview Secondary School in Phoenix, Durban. The vision was to create a sanctuary where learners and teachers could connect with nature, find solace, and nurture their inner peace. Inspired by the principles of ecotherapy, the Wellness Garden at Palmview Secondary School was born, embodying sustainability at its core. From adopting organic gardening practices to implementing water-saving techniques and utilising reclaimed waste materials, the garden became a living embodiment of environmental stewardship and holistic well-being. It provided a space for learners to unwind, engage in mindfulness practices, and develop practical skills through hands-on activities like composting and planting sessions.
The impact has been profound. Students have embraced the garden as their sanctuary and moments of reflection. Teachers have seamlessly integrated the garden into their curriculum, using it as a dynamic learning environment for lessons on ecology, sustainability, and wellness. Looking ahead, the project aims to expand, incorporating additional features like eco- benches for relaxation and contemplation.
Empowering students to thrive in mind and spirit
As we reflect on the success of the Wellness Garden, we extend our gratitude to all who contributed to its realisation, empowering students to thrive in both mind and spirit. In a time where mental health challenges among school-going children are on the rise in South Africa, initiatives like the Wellness Garden provide safe spaces for learners.
In 2022, the University of Cape Town’s Children’s Institute published the South African Child Gauge which focused specifically on children’s mental health. The report highlighted that South African children are exposed to extraordinarily high levels of adversity, which increases their risk of developing mental health challenges.
It’s not surprising that more than one in 10 children in South Africa have a diagnosable and treatable mental health disorder. This includes depression; anxiety; post-traumatic stress disorder; conduct, learning, and substance-use disorders; as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.
