In 2007, 878schools registered with the WESSA/ WWF-SA Eco-Schools programme supported by Nampak. During October and November this year we received over 350 portfolios for assessment and the results are still being finalised...!  We have seen some fantastic work being carried out over this very difficult year around environmental learning and management and are very excited to share these results with you in the New Year. Congratulations to everyone for all your hard work and commitment to making a difference in your school and local community.

Eco-Schools is an international programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) www.fee-international.org that originally started in Europe in 1994. About 6 000 schools have earned green Eco-School flags in over 42 countries around the world. Over 21 000 schools are registered with the programme. But the South African initiative differs significantly from the programmes run in Europe, in that it has been re-orientated to focus on strengthening the national curriculum and supporting its implementation, thereby supporting educators


Comments on flag ceremonies held in KZN Midlands in November 2006:

Ofentse Disang - Botswana
It was really a pleasure and a priviledge to be among a group of such enthusiastic teachers, learners and best of all, organisers. You guys are really doing a great job out there and should really aim much higher than what you achieved this year.

Marsha Nelson - Nampak
I was humbled looking at the work that you ladies (bugs) put into the program and I have spoken to others already about what I saw in the time I was with you all.  I think that the work you guys do is a vital part of our future and I am glad that I had the opportunity to view the work that the schools have done.  Well done on the achievements within the Midlands area from 2 flags to 9 is a great achievement and I am hopeful that the children involved will be able to utilize the knowledge you ladies have imparted.

I hope to see you all again and that for next year my wish is that not only do the 9 school retain their flags but that there are many more schools being awarded with flags as well. Keep up the good work.

Fadli Wagiet - Natural Sciences & Biology Curriculum Advisor EMDC with SADC-REEC group
Thanks for inviting us to your celebration gathering. It was an exhilarating and definitely interesting 'meeting'. I felt you coped quite well with all the natural interventions but you must have somebody 'up there' as the Gods seem to smile on you at the right time.

Congratulations on your teams achievement as someone in the education community in our country, I am aware of the state of our schools - 80% of schools in SA dysfunctional, Nick Taylor 2006 - and know what quality of input was needed to obtain your fantastic output.I would have loved to interact with you regarding your project as I could have learned so much.

Eco-School portfolios come in all shapes and sizes.

Patrysfontein Farm School is the first school in the Karoo to earn a flag. Water issues are of key concern to this small school.	Celebrations in Port St Johns on 29 November when 11 schools were awarded their flags.
	WESSA’s Treasure Beach Project supported a group of schools around the South Durban basin to become Eco-Schools in 2004.

Please click on the map to view a larger and clearer image

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