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
![[WESSA Eco-Schools Programme] Six Schools awarded Bronze across Zambia and Zimbabwe](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Group-photo-400x250.jpg)
[WESSA Eco-Schools Programme] Six Schools awarded Bronze across Zambia and Zimbabwe
The Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony recognised six Southern African schools for their commitment to the environment, education and sustainability.
ADvTECH Eco-Schools 2025: A year of growth, creativity and environmental leadership
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
Mzuvele High School restores two hectares through alien invasive removal
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.
Building Water-Wise Schools: How CDM Educators and Learners stepped up in 2025
Through the WESSA & CDM Eco-Schools programme, educators and learners worked together to champion water-wise behaviour and long-term environmental stewardship.
Teaching sustainability through waste-to-energy innovation with eWASA & WESSA
WESSA and the eWASA Schools Waste Management and Education Project wrapped up the year with a series of inspiring Biogas Education Sessions and Teacher Development Workshops across Gauteng.
![[ADvTECH Schools] Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ADvTECHheader-400x250.jpg)
[ADvTECH Schools] Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future
For World Food Day 2025 on 16 October 2025, learners from Pecanwood College and Crawford International Bryanston rolled up their sleeves to celebrate this global event through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
N3TC project strengthens drought resilience and water security in Free State communities
The WESSA team completed the final implementation visits to the Qalabotjha ECD Centres in Villiers, Free State, marking the successful conclusion of the WESSA–N3 Toll Concession Project.
Glencore-funded schools take action on food waste and sustainability
WESSA conducted a support implementation session with Glencore-funded schools focused on helping address food waste management
Western Cape: Eco-Clubs turn e-Waste into energy and innovation
In celebration of International E-Waste Day, eco-club learners explored creative solutions to one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges of our time, electronic waste.
Wispeco Aluminium workshop inspires water-wise teaching and climate action
On 16 October 2025, the WESSA team hosted the final Eco-Schools teachers’ workshop under the Wispeco Aluminium Project
Western Cape: Firgrove and Kwa-Faku Primary schools join the One Million Trees project
In celebration of Arbor Week 2025, Firgrove Primary School and Kwa-Faku Primary School in the Western Cape proudly participated in the One Million Trees Project
FEE Global Teacher Award for Aziezah Essop
Aziezah Essop of St Andrew’s School for Girls in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, was recently honoured with the prestigious Foundation of Environmental Education Global Teacher Award. She was the only South African among 17 global winners.
“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) |