Pictured above: Learners at Alpha Primary School in De Aar participated in a recycling workshop and an eco-brick demonstration. The Ford Wildlife Foundation sponsored vehicle getting the WESSA team to and from the Northern Cape
Learners and teachers in the Northern Cape are strengthening environmental awareness and practical sustainability skills through a series of Eco-Schools implementation sessions linked to circular economy green business projects in De Aar and Kimberley.
As part of the De Aar Solar Power Circular Economy Eco-Schools Green Business Project, WESSA hosted recycling education sessions and launched recycling programmes at Kareeville Primary School and Alpha Primary School on 15 and 16 April 2026. The sessions brought together seven teachers, 50 learners and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL).
Pictured above: The Eco-committee at Kareeville Primary School participated in a school cleanup and got to showcase the schools recycling initiatives)
During the sessions, learners explored the recycling process through interactive activities designed to build practical understanding of waste management. School clean-ups were conducted, while learners also participated in “The Waste Race” – a waste sorting game where teams worked together to identify recyclable and non-recyclable items.
The initiative aims to improve learners’ understanding of recycling, encourage teamwork and environmental responsibility, and support cleaner school environments while contributing to the development of circular economy green businesses within schools.
Supporting Teachers to Lead Environmental Action
Pictured above: (clockwise) Teachers from Waterparks Primary and Beacon Primary School participated in a teacher workshop in Kimberley that took place at the DAERL Offices, facilitated by WESSA Project Manager, Daniel Jackson. Educators from Waterparks Primary showcasing their Eco-Schools action plans)
On 21 April 2026, WESSA also facilitated an introductory Eco-Schools teacher workshop as part of the Droogfontein Solar Power Circular Economy Eco-Schools Green Business Project. Hosted at the DAERL offices in Kimberley, the workshop welcomed teachers from Waterworks Primary School and Beacon Primary School – two new schools joining the Eco-Schools Programme.
The workshop focused on building teachers’ understanding of the Eco-Schools Programme and strengthening their capacity to implement environmental initiatives within their schools. Teachers collaborated to develop action plans for the year ahead, identifying potential green business opportunities linked to circular economy principles.
The session also highlighted ongoing environmental awareness initiatives taking place across the province and reinforced partnerships between schools and stakeholders such as DAERL.
Through these projects, schools in the Northern Cape are helping to equip learners and educators with the knowledge and practical tools needed to contribute to more sustainable communities while embedding environmental action into everyday school life.