Over 550 schools were awarded an Eco-Schools award for their efforts in 2009. An expected 22 schools were awarded their International Eco-Schools flag, with now over 55 schools that have obtained this prestigious international award! These schools have all been part of the Programme for a mimimum of five years and have demonstrated outstanding commitment to environmental management and learning at their schools and in their communities.  What is particularly noteworthy is the range of schools that have earned this prestigious award, from under resourced rural schools such as Lupapasi Junior Secondary (Eastern Cape) or Chuchekani Primary in Limpopo to Danville Park Girls High in KwaZulu-Natal! This clearly demonstrates one of the virtues of the Programme, that being its flexibility to encourage environmental action and responsibility at all levels and in all cultures and in all places.  

When schools register with the programme, they commit to improving environmental learning and action through the curriculum. Relevant themes are chosen by the learners and teachers, lesson plans are developed and school improvement plans and records of their progress are collected in a portfolio.  

Evidence of lessons and action are collated and submitted for assessment at the end of a year, and successful schools that can demonstrate action and learning are awarded an Eco-School award. Schools may keep their award for a year, after which another portfolio is submitted and assessed.

While schools are encouraged to look at local issues this does not discourage them from looking further afield. Being an international programme the schools are able to link up with Eco-Schools other countries to learn about issues that may be common or different and also to see that we are all just part of one big ecosystem. Currently there are 47 countries participating worldwide and over 27 000 participating schools, countries range from as far as Peurto Rico, Uganda, Lithuania and Japan.

Through the enthusiasm and commitment that shines from all Eco-Schools, there is no doubt that they will continue to spread and inspire other schools to join one of the most important quests of our time, the march to save ourselves and our home – our planet!

In 2010, the new Eco-Centre Handbook will be available to all Eco-Centres to become part of our growing family and to further support environmental learning and management in schools. Keep visiting the website to see when it will be ready for downloading!

For more information contact the National Eco-Schools co-ordination team, Caroline Conway-Physick and Bridget Ringdahl,
Tel               033 3303931 ext 111/ 145         or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or PO Box 394, Howick, 3290.  Facsimile 086 501 3974.