Pictured above: The team that rolled up their sleeves to conduct an alien invasive clearing event at New Germany Nature Reserve

From restoring natural ecosystems to planting food gardens and investigating river health, learners, families, volunteers and partners took part in a series of practical environmental activities across KwaZulu-Natal during May 2026.

Implemented through the UNICEF Green Rising project, the four activities demonstrated how environmental learning can move beyond the classroom and into farms, nature reserves, school grounds and local waterways. Together, they encouraged active participation in biodiversity conservation, food security, water stewardship and community-led environmental action.

Growing partnerships through sustainable agriculture

 

Pictured above: AgriGLAM Planting Day Programme held at AgriGLAM Farm in Engonyameni, Durban

On 12 May 2026, WESSA joined the AgriGLAM Planting Day Programme at AgriGLAM Farm in Engonyameni, Durban.

Held under the theme “Growing more than crops – Growing Partnerships,” the programme brought together stakeholders, educational institutions, community organisations and private-sector partners to promote sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship and collaborative community development.

The day included discussions on sustainable agriculture, food security and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Pictured above: Preparing the land for 4000 seedlings – AgriGLAM Farm in Engonyameni, Durban

WESSA was represented by Project Coordinator Mrs Nomfundo Ngidi, alongside participants from the Durban Natural Science Museum, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Ithuba Agribusiness, the Department of Agriculture, Radisson Blu Hotel Umhlanga, the Social Economic Systems Institute, local schools and community representatives.

The programme culminated in a practical planting session, where participants collectively planted 4,000 seedlings to support food-security efforts and encourage community participation in sustainable agricultural practices.

Restoring biodiversity at New Germany Nature Reserve

On 13 May 2026, WESSA partnered with the eThekwini Municipality Natural Resource Division to conduct an alien invasive clearing event at New Germany Nature Reserve.

The operation covered approximately 0.9 hectares and focused on removing invasive alien plant species, particularly Lantana camara, which poses a threat to indigenous vegetation and ecosystem health.

Through the combined efforts of WESSA volunteers and eThekwini Municipality workers, the activity contributed to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and sustainable environmental management within the reserve.

The event also strengthened collaboration between environmental stakeholders while encouraging active environmental stewardship.

Young citizen scientists investigate the Illovo River

On 18 May 2026, 18 learners from Amanzimtoti Primary School, together with their families, investigated the health of the Illovo River at the Toti Canoe Club site.

Taking on the role of citizen scientists, learners used the MiniSASS scoring system to assess aquatic ecosystem health. They identified macro-invertebrates in the water and tested the river’s pH levels and water clarity.

The activity encouraged hands-on learning while helping learners understand the importance of healthy river systems and responsible water stewardship.

By participating alongside their families, the learners extended environmental learning beyond the classroom and contributed to a shared understanding of local water resources.

Bringing biodiversity learning into the school grounds

On 22 May 2026, WESSA partnered with the Waste Management Department Education to celebrate Biodiversity Month with learners at Fulcon Park Primary School in Chatsworth.

Learners conducted a biodiversity index within their school grounds, giving them an opportunity to explore the variety of life present in their immediate environment. The activity formed part of broader environmental education efforts to build ecological awareness and integrate biodiversity conservation into school learning.

Fulcon Park Primary School also marked an important milestone as the first school in the Chatsworth Catchment to register as an Eco-School.

The activity was supported by WESSA, the Waste Management Department Education and Mr Pat Reddy from the Association of Clean Communities, helping to equip learners with practical tools to observe and appreciate local biodiversity.

Practical action with lasting impact

Across the four activities, Green Rising created opportunities for communities to learn, participate and take meaningful environmental action.

Whether planting seedlings, clearing invasive plants, assessing biodiversity or investigating river health, each activity showed how practical learning can strengthen environmental responsibility and build more connected, resilient communities.

Pictured above: Educators participating in the NAAEE Educators Workshop

How can a butterfly’s feeding process inspire a classroom activity? How can nature help learners think differently about environmental challenges in their communities?

During May 2026, WESSA welcomed educators from six schools to the WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve for two practical workshops focused on environmental problem-solving through e-STEAM education and biomimicry.

The workshops introduced educators to creative approaches that combine Environmental Education, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. By bringing these disciplines together, e-STEAM encourages educators and learners to explore environmental challenges, understand their causes and develop practical solutions.

Equipping educators with tools for innovative learning

 

Pictured above: Six educators participating in the Concord Trust e-STEAM Project Educators workshop

The first workshop, held from 8–9 May 2026, formed part of the Concord Trust e-STEAM Project. Six educators from Zamuthule Primary School and Lions River Primary School participated in the two-day programme.

The second workshop took place from 15–16 May 2026 as part of the North American Association for Environmental Education Project. It brought together 10 educators from Woodlands Secondary School, Hawkstone Primary School, Curry’s Post Primary School and Crystal Springs Primary School.

Across both workshops, educators explored ways to integrate e-STEAM methodologies into classroom teaching and learner engagement. The sessions introduced arts-based learning and biomimicry, an approach that draws inspiration from nature when exploring challenges and possible solutions.

Turning environmental challenges into opportunities for learning

 

Pictured above: Educators participating in the NAAEE Project Educators Workshop

The workshops placed practical learning at the centre of the experience.

Educators took part in activities inspired by nature, including biomimicry exercises and, during the North American Association for Environmental Education workshop, butterfly feeding simulations.

They also worked through Problem Tree and Solution Flower exercises. These activities encouraged participants to identify environmental challenges, explore their causes and effects, and think critically about possible responses.

Team-building and critical-thinking activities in the e-STEAM room further demonstrated how creative, solution-based learning can encourage collaboration and active participation.

From educator workshops to learner-led solutions

 

The workshops mark the beginning of a longer learning journey for the participating schools.

Educators will take the knowledge and practical tools gained during the sessions back into their classrooms and school communities. With ongoing support through WESSA school visits and mentorship, participating schools will continue exploring environmental challenges and developing solutions throughout the year.

Learners will ultimately have an opportunity to develop prototypes that respond to the issues identified at their schools and present their ideas during a final showcase workshop.

Inspiring a new approach to environmental education

 

By combining environmental education with creativity, science and problem-solving, the workshops are helping educators create opportunities for learners to engage with real-world challenges in meaningful ways.

The WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve offered a fitting setting for this work: a space where educators could learn from nature while exploring how to help young people become thoughtful, innovative environmental problem-solvers.

When learners are encouraged to observe, ask questions and design solutions, environmental education becomes more than a lesson. It becomes a pathway to action.

Pictured above: WESSA X Engie – International Day for Biodiversity at Sedi-Laka Primary School

On 8 May 2026, Glenhaven Secondary School hosted a vibrant Trashion-Art Show that brought together learners from four Sun International schools: Glenhaven Secondary School, Palmview Secondary, Waterloo Secondary and Phoenix Secondary.

Learners competed in two creative categories, the Trashion Show and Waste Art, using their imagination to explore how discarded materials can be transformed into something meaningful. The event encouraged participants to think differently about waste and consider innovative solutions to waste-management challenges in their schools and communities.

 

The programme was supported by Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) Durban and Manaza Recycling, who shared practical insights on waste management and sustainability and assisted with adjudicating the competition.

 

The event celebrated creativity, environmental awareness and the power of young people to turn everyday waste into new ideas.

Congratulations to all participants, and especially to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners who walked away with amazing prizes for each category.

 

Pictured above: Engie staff & Sedi-Laka Primary School learners celebrating a successful day of planting initiatives