Environmental change often begins with a moment of realisation, a conversation, a story, or a simple question that makes young people see their surroundings differently.

Through the Green Rising Phase 2 School Challenge, WESSA is helping spark those moments across South African schools, enabling learners to understand their role in protecting the environment and shaping the future of their communities.

In the Western Cape Province, in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Bingo Team, WESSA delivered a series of six high-impact environmental assemblies designed to bring environmental education directly to learners where they are –in their classrooms and school halls.

The initiative reached 4 570 learners across the city, creating a platform for environmental awareness, learning and action.

The assemblies took place at:

• Bellville South High School

• Firgrove Primary School

• Fairdale Primary School

• Intsebenziswano Senior Secondary School

• Riverton Primary School

• Seamount Primary School

A focus on environmental issues affecting local communities

Learners explored topics including responsible waste disposal, the reduction of littering, and the environmental and social consequences of illegal dumping. By connecting global environmental concerns to everyday local realities, the assemblies helped learners understand how individual actions contribute to the health of their neighbourhoods and natural ecosystems.

Importantly, the programme moved beyond awareness and into action. Tree planting activities formed part of the sessions, providing learners with a tangible way to contribute to environmental restoration while reinforcing the message that caring for the Earth requires both knowledge and participation.

One of the most memorable moments occurred at Bellville South High School, where a learner stepped forward to deliver a heartfelt motivational message to fellow students. Encouraging peers not to give up on their goals and to remain committed to creating positive change in their communities, the speech captured the spirit of the Green Rising initiative – that young people are not only learners, but leaders of environmental change.

Strengthening environmental literacy

Through these assemblies, thousands of learners gained new knowledge, inspiration and practical tools to become active environmental stewards. By strengthening environmental literacy and encouraging youth-led action, the Green Rising Phase 2 School Challenge continues to demonstrate how education can empower the next generation to build cleaner, safer and more sustainable communities.

At WESSA, this work reflects a simple but powerful belief: when young people are equipped with knowledge, inspiration and opportunity, they do not just learn about the environment – they rise to protect it.

Pictured above: Elephant Day Eco Art Murals at The Bridge School Morningside

This year marked an incredible journey for ADvTECH schools as they embraced the WESSA Eco-Schools Programme with energy, creativity, and a genuine passion for positive change. From recycling initiatives and food gardens to biodiversity projects, nature excursions, and environmental day celebrations, ADvTECH schools truly stepped up as environmental champions in 2025.

Pictured above: (top: left to right) E-waste project at Crawford International La Lucia; Beach clean-up uShaka Crawford International North Coast.

(bottom: left to right) Crawford North Coast & Pecanwood College Staff join forces in Pilanesberg for a weekend of eco-action; The recycling team at Crawford International.

Learners taking action, one project at a time

Learners of all ages played an active role throughout the year. They got their hands dirty by sorting waste, planting trees, testing water quality, and leading environmental awareness campaigns during school assemblies.

Eco-Committees formed at each school, worked tirelessly to keep projects moving, while teachers guided and inspired learners to think critically about the world around them. Classrooms were transformed through awareness art and posters, outdoor learning spaces were created with pride, and schools developed a stronger culture of conscious consumerism.

Innovation fueled by passion and teamwork

Several ADvTECH schools took their Eco-Schools efforts to the next level with creative and community-driven initiatives. These included:

• E-Waste recycling drives
• Upcycled art exhibitions
• “Trashion” fashion shows
• Composting systems
• Sustainability-themed school events that brought entire communities together

What truly stood out was the growing sense of teamwork, leadership, and excitement as learners realised that their individual and collective actions make a meaningful difference.

Pictured above: (Left) Learners planting trees at Maragon Olympus for Arbor Week; (right) Pinnacle College Kyalami started an earthworm farm for International Compost Week.

Pictured above: (top) Gaborone International School celebrating World Wildlife Day; (bottom left) World Bee Day at Trinityhouse Glenvista and Pinnacle College Raslouw (bottom right).

Celebrating a successful year and looking ahead

Together, ADvTECH schools have shown what it means to care for our planet. Their commitment, creativity, and hard work saw them thrive in the WESSA Eco-Schools Programme throughout 2025.

Here’s to even greener steps and bold new ideas as they continue their sustainability journey in 2026!

Pictured above: (top) WESSA Staff and Mzuvele learners and teacher rolling up sleeves to clear alien vegetation; (bottom left) WESSA Schools staff hard at work alongside learners; (bottom right) WESSA National Membership Coordinator Clearing helping with the clearing.

On 17 November 2025, the WESSA team joined Mzuvele High School for a hands-on environmental restoration initiative focused on clearing invasive alien plants that had overtaken the school’s food garden. What began as an educational engagement soon grew into a meaningful day of teamwork, leadership, and renewed environmental stewardship.

Understanding the impact of invasive species

The day opened with an informative session highlighting the importance of controlling invasive alien plants and the serious threats they pose to local ecosystems. Learners explored how these species compete with indigenous vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and undermine water and soil health, key concerns for a school that is working hard to maintain a productive food garden.

This learning laid the foundation for the practical work ahead, helping students recognise that caring for the land begins with understanding the challenges it faces.

A collaborative clearing effort with lasting benefits

After the briefing, learners and the WESSA team worked together to clear the affected area. Through shared effort and determination, a total of two hectares were successfully restored, reclaiming vital agricultural space and ensuring the sustainability of the school’s food production efforts.

The clearing session offered more than just environmental benefits. It strengthened learners’ understanding of conservation, nurtured teamwork, and helped them build confidence in their role as young environmental leaders.

Pictured above: Learners doing some heavy lifting

Celebrating environmental leadership

Following the clearing work, Mzuvele High School hosted a special award ceremony honouring Grade 12 Eco Club members for their leadership throughout the year. Their recognition highlighted the ongoing commitment of learners who continue to drive environmental awareness and positive change at the school.

In a meaningful gesture of partnership, WESSA was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for supporting the school’s efforts to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

Pictured above: WESSA team receives a certification of appreciation by Mzuvele High School staff.

Growing stewardship and climate resilience

This initiative not only restored land and strengthened the school’s food garden, it reinforced learners’ identity as ecological stewards. Their active participation demonstrated how young people can make meaningful contributions to the sustainability and climate resilience of their school and community.

The day stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when environmental education and action come together.

Pictured above: Makgwadiba Primary School Principal, Mrs Linah Malatji shaking hands with WESSA representative, Sabelo Sithole, during the resource hand over.

Through the WESSA & Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) Eco-Schools programme, educators and learners worked together to champion water-wise behaviour and long-term environmental stewardship.

Building Educator capacity for long-term climate resilience (Eco Schools Teachers workshop)

On 10 November 2025, the WESSA team hosted a dynamic teachers’ workshop at Makgwadiba Primary School to conclude this year’s project focused on building climate change resilience through water conservation. The session brought together all the knowledge gained throughout the year, with a strong emphasis on how schools can sustain the momentum moving forward.

Teachers engaged in meaningful discussions on the importance of critically assessing the trade-offs and consequences of resource allocation to maximise objectives, especially when working with limited resources. A key takeaway was the need for transparency, accountability, and the involvement of all stakeholders in decision-making processes ensuring everyone plays a part in achieving shared environmental goals.

One of the highlights of the workshop was welcoming newly joined Eco-Club teachers who were inspired by the ongoing Eco-Schools activities at their respective schools. Participants also took part in an interactive resource allocation simulation, applying their new knowledge to real school scenarios. Their enthusiasm and commitment showcased the growing strength of environmental leadership within the community.

Pictured above: (top) Teachers participating in a resource allocation simulation activity during the Teacher’s workshop session (bottom) Maribe Primary School Eco Club enjoyed our last engagement.

Hands-on water conservation, enabling learners to turn knowledge into daily action

Pictured Above: (left) A learner at Dikolobe Primary School presenting on the importance of rainwater harvesting; (right) Learners at Pulamadibogo Primary School, prepared posters on water conservation and here a learner is seen presenting her poster.

Education sessions were conducted on the 11th and 12th of November across six schools in Turfloop as part of the final engagements with learners for this year’s Eco-Schools project.

These sessions focused on:

• Strengthening learners’ understanding of practical water conservation techniques that can be applied both at school and at home.
• Learners exploring simple yet effective practices such as fixing leaks, using water wisely during daily routines, and adopting methods that reduce unnecessary wastage.

By revisiting the concepts learned throughout the year, the sessions helped consolidate knowledge and highlight the importance of responsible water use.

The overall aim was to reinforce practical approaches to saving water and empower learners to take an active role in safeguarding this vital resource. Through discussions and interactive demonstrations, learners were encouraged to see themselves as key contributors to water conservation efforts within their communities. The sessions emphasised that small, consistent actions such as reporting leaks, reusing greywater safely, or practising mindful consumption can collectively make a significant impact.

As a result, learners left with a renewed sense of responsibility and a stronger commitment to protecting water resources for the future.

A water tank that changes everything

Pictured above: The Makgwadiba Primary School Eco Committee with the newly received water tank.

Makgwadiba Primary School received a much-needed water tank donation after the lack of proper water storage was identified as a key challenge.

The principal and staff expressed their heartfelt gratitude, noting that the tank would make a meaningful difference in the school’s efforts to use water responsibly and sustainably. They highlighted how the donation came at the perfect time, as the school had recently established a food garden to improve nutrition and support feeding programmes.

With the new tank, the school can store rainwater and ensure a steady supply for irrigation, especially during dry periods. This reliable water source is expected to greatly enhance food production, allowing the garden to flourish and ultimately benefit learners through fresh produce and improved food security.