Learning, connection, and opportunity at uMngeni Valley Education Centre
Pictured: Kristi Garland, WESSA Education Centre Manager, facilitating a session with 30 school principals from the Howick Circuit
Environmental education can take many forms. At WESSA uMngeni Valley, recent activities have brought together learners, educators, school leaders, and programme participants through experiences that connect people with the environment while opening opportunities for learning, growth, and livelihoods.
Connecting with school leaders
The uMngeni Valley Education Centre welcomed 30 school principals from the Howick Circuit for an engagement focused on introducing school leaders to its educational programmes, facilities, and opportunities for collaboration.
WESSA Education Centre Manager, Kristi Garland, led the session and shared more about the value of outdoor and experiential learning while exploring ways to support schools and learners through meaningful educational experiences.
Taking environmental learning into the community
Pictured above: The WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre team engaging with learners during the Happy Earth Festival.
On 19–20 August 2026, WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre participated in the Happy Earth Festival at the KZN National Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg.
The Centre engaged visitors through interactive environmental education activities exploring climate change, pollution, endangered species, and conservation. These included a climate change game, pollution display, and touch-and-feel box, giving learners opportunities to explore environmental topics in a practical and engaging way.
Learners also tested their environmental knowledge through questions and received Sable badges, while educators were provided with a teachers’ resource package to support environmental learning beyond the event.
Inspiring young people through real-world experience
Pictured: WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre Tourism student visiting his former school, Gobindlovu High School, to engage with Grade 12 learners
A WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre Tourism student recently returned to his former school, Gobindlovu High School, to engage with Grade 12 learners about his journey and career opportunities in tourism.
The engagement also introduced learners to WESSA’s work in environmental education and conservation, while a WESSA Ranger shared insights into his role, wildlife, and what it takes to pursue a career in conservation.
By bringing these experiences back to the classroom, the session gave learners an opportunity to hear directly about pathways into tourism, environmental education, and conservation.
From opportunity to ownership
Pictured: Xolani Mahlangu, winner of the Social Employment Fund (SEF) Phase 4 Business Project through Capital Quest Funding
The theme of opportunity also extends beyond education.
WESSA uMngeni Valley proudly celebrates Xolani Mahlangu, winner of the Social Employment Fund (SEF) Phase 4 Business Project through Capital Quest Funding.
Through the SEF Phase 4 Programme, Xolani has taken an important step towards entrepreneurship and building a sustainable livelihood through his business, Mabhoko Brush Cutting.
His achievement was celebrated at Anew Hotel, Hilton, as part of a collaborative initiative between WESSA and DUCT. The milestone represents a step towards greater independence and business growth, demonstrating how opportunities and support can help people develop their own pathways towards sustainable livelihoods.
Across these engagements, uMngeni Valley continues to create spaces for learning, connection, and opportunity – whether through environmental education, career exploration, collaboration with schools, or support for emerging entrepreneurs.
By connecting people with knowledge, experience, and practical opportunities, WESSA’s work at uMngeni Valley contributes to stronger relationships with the natural environment while helping people explore what is possible for their own futures.
