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
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.
Clean Air Fund Project: Connecting Waste and Air Pollution in Marapong, Limpopo
The visit focused on strengthening environmental stewardship among learners and the wider school community.
Clean Air Fund Project: Learners in Gauteng step up for cleaner air in Tshepiso
WESSA hosted a Clear Skies Eco-Schools support visit at Tshepiso Primary School, located just outside Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng.
31 Eastern Cape Eco-Schools recognised at WESSA 2025 Eco-School Awards
The awards celebrate schools participating in WESSA’s Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programmes, recognising their commitment to sustainability, environmental learning, and community impact.
46 KwaZulu-Natal schools recognised by WESSA for driving environmental action
The event brought together educators, learners, government representatives, and environmental partners to recognise schools that are not only learning about sustainability but actively shaping it within their communities.
17 Mpumalanga schools recognised for environmental leadership at WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025
The awards brought together educators, learners, government representatives, and partners to celebrate how schools are transforming environmental awareness into meaningful, community-driven action
WESSA Eco-Schools Awards celebrate 130+ Free State schools leading sustainability from the classroom
From water and waste to biodiversity and community action, Free State schools demonstrate the power of education to drive real environmental impact
29 Northern Cape Schools Recognised for Environmental Action at Eco-Schools Awards
Schools across the province demonstrate how education is driving real environmental impact
Limpopo schools recognised for environmental leadership at WESSA 2025 Eco-Schools Awards
WESSA recognised 24 schools across Limpopo for their environmental leadership and measurable sustainability action at the 2025 Eco-Schools Awards, held on 6 March 2026 at the Garden Court Hotel in Polokwane.
120+ Gauteng schools recognised for Environmental Leadership at WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025
Gauteng’s schools took centre stage at the WESSA Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony, where educators, learners, partners and government representatives gathered to recognise measurable environmental action across the province.
“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) |











