WESSA Schools Programme

08/10/2026

Exciting to see the Trash2Treasure (T2T) Pilot Challenge officially underway!
Proud to partner with Polyco PRO NPC Greencrate Solutions and support five schools as learners turn recycling into action through technology, gamification and environmental education.
We look forward to seeing our young Eco Heroes lead the way in building a more circular and sustainable future. 💚

At GreenCrate Solutions, we believe Africa has the power to solve its own challenges. In a continent rich in resources yet facing poverty, pollution, and instability, we see opportunity, not obstacles. Our vision is to lead a new wave of African innovation—sustainable solutions created by Africans...

06/10/2026

What if every lesson could inspire a more sustainable future? 🌿

For World Teachers’ Day on 5 October this week, WESSA celebrates the teachers and educators who do so much more than share knowledge. They inspire curiosity, encourage young people to ask questions, explore the world around them and understand their role in caring for our planet.

Environmental education plays an important role in helping young people connect with nature and their communities while building the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to respond to the environmental challenges we face. From classrooms and school grounds to outdoor learning and community projects, educators create opportunities for learners to experience the environment, understand its importance and turn learning into meaningful action.

To every teacher and educator who inspires the next generation of people caring for the Earth, thank you for the difference you make every day. 💚

We continue to celebrate your dedication, your passion and the countless young minds you inspire.

05/10/2026

“An Eco-Hub is a group of young people working together towards a common goal. It is not a school or simply a training unit; it is young people coming together to address challenges such as unemployment and substance abuse, while building skills and opportunities through sustainable food gardens,” explains Sinoxolo Sabelo, WESSA’s Community Roots Project Coordinator.

At the recent official launch of the Brandvalley & Rietkloof Wind Farm Community Roots Project, the beneficiaries, including young people from Laingsburg, Sutherland and Matjiesfontein, received their PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) as they embarked on a journey of skills development in sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, enterprise development and sustainable livelihoods.

Read more via our blog: https://www.wessa.org.za/from-launch-to-action-central-karoo-youth-build-pathways-to-green-enterprise/

Delivered by WESSA in partnership with Red Rocket.

Follow WESSA to see how this Community Roots Project grows and discover more about the people, skills and opportunities shaping a more sustainable future.

18/09/2026

eWASA Eco-Schools Celebrate National Recycling Day by Turning Waste into Opportunity

Recycling is about more than putting something in the right bin. It’s about changing how we think about what we use, what we waste and what we can do differently.

Across Nelson Mandela Bay, EPR Waste Association of South Africa Eco-Schools marked the day by collecting, sorting and recycling waste. Learners and teachers from Chapman High School, David Livingstone High School, St Thomas High School and Happydale Special School worked together to divert an impressive 1,882.5 kg of waste from landfill.

At Hillside Technical School, learners took a creative approach with their Trashion Show, showcasing innovative designs made from recycled and repurposed materials. Their creativity demonstrated that waste isn’t simply something to throw away; it can be reimagined, reused and transformed into something meaningful.

When we rethink our relationship with waste, we can turn everyday actions into lasting change. 🌱

14/09/2026

Our WESSA Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa Schools & Youth unit recently celebrated Arbor Week in Villiers by bringing environmental education to life through practical community action.

Local residents joined ECD learners from Thuto ke Lesedi, Zenzeleni, Qalabotjha Creche and Ntataise, together with learners from Zamaleka Primary School, to improve their shared environment.

Participants worked side by side to remove litter and waste, creating cleaner surroundings while strengthening awareness of the impacts of littering and illegal dumping. Learners also planted trees, gaining practical knowledge of how trees support biodiversity, improve air quality, provide shade and contribute to healthier, more climate-resilient communities.

Learners transformed used tyres into colourful planters for a new biodiversity garden, showing how discarded materials can be reused to create environmental and community value. The activity provided a creative introduction to waste reduction while establishing a vibrant green space that can support plants, insects, and ongoing environmental learning.

More than a once-off celebration, the event strengthened community ownership, introduced young learners to environmental stewardship, and demonstrated the visible impact communities can achieve when they work together. Through clean-up activities, tree planting and creative reuse, participants helped transform the space while building a lasting connection with nature.

11/09/2026

Environmental education at its best!

07/09/2026

Cleaner air starts with knowledge, action and communities working together. Thank you Clean Air Fund, groundWork and South African Waste Pickers Association - SAWPA for partnerring with us on this project.

02/09/2026

Recycling took to the runway!

Learners participating in the eWASA & WESSA Waste Management & Education Project turned recyclable waste into creative fashion pieces and showcased their designs at their school Trashion shows.

A special shout-out to Chapman High School, Kuyga Primary School, Happydale Special School and Paterson High School for leading learner-driven Trashion Shows and assemblies focused on environmental education.

Beyond the runway, these young environmental champions are helping build a culture of recycling, waste reduction and environmental responsibility, showing that creativity and practical action can drive meaningful change.

From waste to action, young people are leading the change!

31/08/2026

We were buzzing with excitement as we kicked off Phase 3 of the AECI Modderfontein ReserveEnvironmental Education Project, with a focus on biodiversity and pollinators!

Learners from Iphutheng Primary, Bovet Primary, Zeneleni Primary, Ikage Primary and OR Tambo Primary School explored the fascinating world of pollination through a fun, interactive game. By stepping into the role of pollinators, learners experienced first-hand how pollen moves between flowers and why these tiny interactions are so important for healthy ecosystems. The learning continued with an engaging environmental education session exploring South Africa’s indigenous flowers, pollinators and biodiversity, helping learners understand how closely interconnected these elements are and why protecting them matters.

During a nature walk, learners became Eco-Detectives, using their senses to observe, explore and identify the natural wonders around them. From flowers and insects to the sounds, sights and textures of the reserve, every discovery became an opportunity to learn more about the natural world.

Through hands-on experiences like these, we are helping young people connect with nature, understand their role in protecting it, and become environmental champions in their communities.

19/06/2026

60 students from The University of the Western Cape joined the UWC Nature Reserve Unit and the WESSA Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa team to help create a hybrid firebreak in the reserve.

Over three days, they cleared 1,482 m² of overgrown plants – helping reduce fire risk and giving smaller indigenous plants the space they need to grow.

Small actions. Real impact. Shared responsibility.