Eco-Schools programme
Eco-Schools – WESSA’s flagship programme in South Africa for over 21 years – is developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to promote environmental learning globally.
We invite all schools to join our Eco-Schools programme to develop and support environmental learning in the classroom. Eco-Schools combines learning with hands-on experiences for an inclusive, participatory approach, as well as supporting Education for Sustainable Development in the national curriculum. With over 50% of the content in some CAPS subjects being environmental in nature, Eco-Schools makes a positive contribution towards improving education in South Africa.
Children learn about environmental issues, such as climate change and pollution and sustainable use of precious resources like water, land and energy. We instil a sense of responsibility in young people to lead more sustainable and environmentally responsible lives. Additionally, we encourage them to share their learning with family, friends and others in their communities.
By becoming conservation champions, learners have the power to make a difference in the way people treat the earth and its natural resources.
Internationally recognised
Part of an international programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Eco-Schools is active in 70 countries and 56 000 schools around the world and has been implemented in South Africa by WESSA since 2003.
Since 2003, the programme has engaged over 4,500 schools across all nine provinces, impacting 1,200,350 learners and 45,500 teachers annually. Eco-Schools accredits schools committed to continuous environmental improvement.
Eco-Schools Awards
Schools that make a commitment to continuously improve their environmental performance are eligible to receive an award recognising their achievements. Schools can register any time and submit evidence portfolios for awards within 8 to 12 months, culminating in Provincial Awards Ceremonies held annually in March.
We encourage them to develop environmental action plans and learning programmes and work slowly and systematically through the process of transformation to better environmental management and learning.
As they ascend the levels in the award programme, projects and themes gradually increase. Schools are also given the opportunity to support other schools with environmental projects.
![teachers Teachers](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/teachers.jpg)
fundisa for change development network
Teacher support
The Eco-Schools programme provides national support for teachers through Fundisa for Change training. Teachers benefit from continous support as they experiment with new teaching methods and expand their knowledge base.
Focusing on integrating environmental content and concepts into the curriculum (CAPS), the initative provides quality materials, endorsed by the Department of Basic Education and partner higher education institutions.
Eco-Schools teachers regularly meet and support one another. You benefit from recognition, motivation, professional evelopment, networking opportunities, increased school an community engagement and the promotion of sustainability.
![eco-schools-logo Eco-schools Logo](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/eco-schools-logo.jpg)
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![YRE-logo Young Reporters for the environment](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/YRE-logo.jpg)
Join our Eco-Schools programme
and be part of these achievements
![eco-schools-stats eco-schools statistics](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/eco-schools-stats.jpg)
Schools may register any time throughout the year, and submit a portfolio of evidence for an award within 8 to 12 months of registration. Provincial Awards Ceremonies take place annually in March.
Eco-Schools news
FEE Global Teacher Award for Aziezah Essop
Aziezah Essop of St Andrew’s School for Girls in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, was recently honoured with the prestigious Foundation of Environmental Education Global Teacher Award. She was the only South African among 17 global winners.
Adopting ecotherapy
WESSA Eco-Schools with the support of Sun International embarked on a transformative journey at Palmview Secondary School in Phoenix, Durban, creating a sanctuary where learners and teachers could connect with nature, find solace, and find inner peace.
WESSA Eco-Schools celebrate 20 years of environmental action
In a landmark celebration of two decades of environmental education, WESSA proudly hosted the Eco-Schools Awards, honouring the transformative impact of the Eco-Schools programme across the nation.
“The future of our oceans and rivers is in our hands”
Get in touch
NAME | PHONE | DESIGNATION | |
---|---|---|---|
Nomfundo Ndlovu | 066 349 0637 | nomfundo.ndlovu@wessa.co.za | Senior Schools & Youth Programme Manager |
Hazel Khoza | 072 741 8223 | hazel.khoza@wessa.co.za | Programes & Project Manager (KZN, MP, LP, NW, GP & FS) |
Sharnay Wagner | 066 471 5425 | sharnay.wagner@wessa.co.za | Programes & Project Manager (WC, NC & EC) |
Zwakele Ngwenya | 063 693 8656 | zwakele.ngwenya@wessa.co.za | Programes & Project Co-ordinator (MP, FS & NW) |
Daniel Jackson | 076 789 1206 | daniel.jackson@wessa.co.za | Programes & Project Co-ordinator (MP, FS & NW) |
Nomfundo Ndaba | 064 958 5618 | nomfundo.ndaba@wessa.co.za | Programes & Project Co-ordinator (KZN & EC) |
Nosphamandla Ndamane | 064 880 3777 | nosphamandla.ndamane@wessa.co.za | Programes & Project Co-ordinator (WC & NC) |