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
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.
Adopting ecotherapy
WESSA Eco-Schools with the support of Sun International embarked on a transformative journey at Palmview Secondary School in Phoenix, Durban, creating a sanctuary where learners and teachers could connect with nature, find solace, and find inner peace.
WESSA Eco-Schools celebrate 20 years of environmental action
In a landmark celebration of two decades of environmental education, WESSA proudly hosted the Eco-Schools Awards, honouring the transformative impact of the Eco-Schools programme across the nation.
“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) |