Eco-Schools programme
We invite schools to partner with us to bring about transformation and develop our youth for a more sustainable future.
Eco-Schools – WESSA’s flagship programme operational in South Africa for over 21 years, is developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to promote environmental learning globally.
Active in 70 countries and 56,000 schools worldwide, it aims to raise awareness and drive action for sustainability in schools and communities, aligning with the national curriculum’s Education for Sustainable Development. With over 50% of content in some CAPS subjects focused on the environment, Eco-Schools significantly enhances education in South Africa.
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. Schools can register anytime and submit evidence portfolios for awards within 8 to 12 months, culminating in Provincial Awards Ceremonies held annually in March.
For the past two decades, Eco-Schools has led environmental education efforts, empowering students, teachers, and communities with knowledge and tools for environmental stewardship, showcasing the programme’s significant impact on driving environmental awareness and responsibility among South Africa’s youth.
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.
Join our Eco-Schools programme
and be part of these achievements
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
From waste to green business: Learners get creative in De Aar
WESSA’s Schools & Youth team facilitated upcycling sessions at Alpha Primary School and Kareeville Primary as part of preparations for the schools’ upcoming Entrepreneurship Days
![[eWASA X WESSA] Turning waste into creativity with Eco Club learners in Namaqua](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/hero_Louelle-Philander-WESSA-Project-Coordinator-with-the-Eco-Club-of-Okiep-High-School-400x250.jpg)
[eWASA X WESSA] Turning waste into creativity with Eco Club learners in Namaqua
Eco Club learners were introduced to the concept of upcycling and encouraged them to look at waste differently
![[ADvTECH Schools] Wildlife learning sparks curiosity and nurtures environmental responsibility](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/World-Lion-Day-Discover-Table-at-Junior-Colleges-Sunninghill-400x250.jpg)
[ADvTECH Schools] Wildlife learning sparks curiosity and nurtures environmental responsibility
Wildlife conservation can begin with a simple question: What do animals need to thrive, and what is our role in protecting them?
Eco-Schools in Action: Teachers and learners drive circular economy projects in the Northern Cape
Teachers and learners are being empowered to explore circular economy principles, develop green business ideas, improve waste management, and strengthen environmental stewardship within their schools.
ADvTECH Group partnership with WESSA Eco-Schools Programme
Our Eco-Schools theme for June was World Oceans Day, and the spotlight has been placed on three participating schools: Crawford International La Lucia, Crawford International Lonehill, and Elkanah House School in Cape Town.
eWASA Partnership: Nelson Mandela Bay Schools launch recycling programmes
The sessions introduced learners and teachers to the recycling process through practical separation-at-source activities.
ENGIE Partnership: Growing Biodiversity at Sedi-Laka Primary School
Aligned with the 2026 theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact”, learners had the opportunity to explore the importance of South Africa’s indigenous biodiversity while actively contributing to a greener, more educational school environment.
ADvTECH Schools celebrate World Bee Day through learning and creativity
From dressing up in black and yellow to exploring pollination through interactive activities, learners across three ADvTECH schools marked World Bee Day with curiosity, creativity and a growing appreciation for the small but essential role bees play in sustaining healthy ecosystems.
eWASA Partnership: Building a recycling culture at schools across Springbok and surrounding areas
The sessions brought together learners, teachers and school staff to build practical knowledge of recycling and establish systems that can support more responsible waste management at school level.
Four ADvTECH Schools mark Earth Day with creativity, reflection and environmental action
Across the schools, learners participated in recycling initiatives, gardening activities, environmental discussions, creative projects and energy-saving actions that reinforced the importance of caring for the planet.
Northern Cape Schools drive Circular Economy learning through Eco-Schools projects
Learners and teachers in the Northern Cape are strengthening environmental awareness and practical sustainability skills through a series of Eco-Schools implementation sessions
Clean Air Fund Project: Practical Solutions Take Root in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga
This session built on earlier engagements, reinforcing key lessons through hands-on environmental activities.
“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) |