LEAF
Learning About Ecosystems and Forests
Bringing nature back to schools through the innovative LEAF (Learning About Ecosystems & Forests) programme.
LEAF is an innovative international programme that encourages learners and communities to take ownership of creating healthy surroundings by engaging with their local biomes and planting indigenous trees.
Through project-based learning and systems thinking, LEAF champions develop an understanding of the relationship between people and nature, and the cultural, ecological, economic and social functions and benefits.
They learn to:
- enjoy the outdoors
- observe and experience nature
- understand the relationship between people and nature
- make decisions on local environmental issues
- take responsibility for creating and maintaining a sustainable future for themselves and those who will come after them.
Schools can select from a variety of themes and aspects to explore based on the needs of the school and community – thereby optimising the LEAF programme for their local environment:
- Ecosystems, Forests & biodiversity
- Ecosystems, Forests & water
- Ecosystems, Forests & products
- Ecosystems, Forests & climate
- Ecosystems, Forest & innovation
- Ecosystems, Forests & community
A 6-step plan to promote biodiversity
The LEAF Cycle is a well-designed framework to guide schools in creating biodiversity gardens and ensure holistic learning and a deeper understanding of the role indigenous trees play in enabling sustainable life on our planet.
![tree LEAF - learning about forests](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tree.png)
trees planted
![leaf-icon LEAF - learning about forests](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/leaf-icon.png)
LEAF initiatives
![garden Garden](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/garden.png)
biodiversity gardens
at schools
Join us
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) |
![eco-schools-logo Eco-schools Logo](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/eco-schools-logo.jpg)
![leaf LEAF logo](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/leaf.png)
![YRE-logo Young Reporters for the environment](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/YRE-logo.jpg)