WESSA Schools Programme

21/05/2026

Learners at Tshepiso Primary School rolled up their sleeves to clear an illegal dumpsite, separate waste for recycling, and reclaim their environment through the Eco-Schools Project.

Supported by Clean Air Fund , South African Waste Pickers Association - SAWPA, and groundWork, this initiative is inspiring young people to be champions for clean air and safe, sustainable communities.

14/05/2026

to community action in Boitekong, Northwest Province!

Recently, as part of the Green Rising Earth Day activities, WESSA joined Rustenburg Local Municipality, Letlotlo Recyclers, Phepafatso Group, Rescue Nature, Legae La Rona and local community members to tackle illegal dumping in Boitekong Extension 8 and 6.

Real Impact: Across two days, 156 people helped remove 108 tons of waste, rehabilitate 6.6 hectares, and plant 36 indigenous trees and 25 spekboom – restoring spaces around schools, wetlands, sports grounds and green belt areas.

Read more via our website blog: https://www.wessa.org.za/green-rising-project-earth-day-action-restores-illegal-dumping-sites-in-boitekong-northwest-province/

Environmental responsibility took practical shape in Boitekong, Northwest, as Green Rising events brought together local partners and community members to tackle illegal dumping, restore degraded spaces and encourage collective action for cleaner, healthier communities.

12/05/2026

🌱 Practical solutions are taking root in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga!

Through WESSA’s Clean Air Fund project, the 'Clear Skies Eco-Schools support visit hosted about 200 Grade 6 and 7 learners at Nkonjane Primary School to take part in hands-on activities linking waste management to cleaner air.

From recycling education and Bokashi composting to Spekboom planting and establishing a school vegetable garden, learners explored how everyday actions can support healthier communities and a cleaner environment.

Read more via our website: https://www.wessa.org.za/clean-air-fund-project-practical-solutions-take-root-in-emalahleni-mpumalanga/

Thanks to our partners including Clean Air Fund, groundWork, the South African Waste Pickers Association - SAWPA, and representatives from the local municipality.

This session built on earlier engagements, reinforcing key lessons through hands-on environmental activities.

11/05/2026

There’s something powerful about people coming together to make a difference.

End of April, 60 students from the The University of the Western Cape joined the UWC Nature Reserve Unit and WESSA team to help create a hybrid fire break 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.

It was more than just hard work. It was about learning, connecting, and taking responsibility for the environment, we all share.

Read more here: https://www.wessa.org.za/uwc-community-comes-together-for-earth-day-conservation/

Staff and students from across all faculties dedicated time to care for the university’s treasured campus nature reserve, demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and community action.

08/05/2026

In Marapong, Limpopo, learners are connecting the dots between waste and air pollution and taking action for healthier communities.

Through the Clean Air Fund project, schools explored how illegal dumping, waste burning and poor waste management impact air quality, while also learning practical ways to drive environmental change in their communities.

At WESSA our goal is to enable learners and educators with knowledge and to work with our partners to give them the tools to take action. We’re helping build cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities for the future.

Read more: https://www.wessa.org.za/clean-air-fund-project-connecting-waste-and-air-pollution-in-marapong-limpopo/

Thanks to our partners including Clean Air Fund, groundWork, the South African Waste Pickers Association - SAWPA, and representatives from the local municipality.

The visit focused on strengthening environmental stewardship among learners and the wider school community.

06/05/2026

[Gauteng] Learners in Tshepiso are stepping up for cleaner air 💨

Through the Clean Air Fund Project, young people in Gauteng are learning about air quality, environmental health, and how they can drive change in their own communities.

Read more via the WESSA blog: https://www.wessa.org.za/clean-air-fund-project-learners-in-gauteng-step-up-for-cleaner-air-in-tshepiso/

This marked the second engagement with learners following the introductory session held in February, deepening understanding of air pollution and its impact on communities.

Thanks to our partners including Clean Air Fund, groundWork, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), the South African Waste Pickers Association - SAWPA, and representatives from the local municipality.

WESSA hosted a Clear Skies Eco-Schools support visit at Tshepiso Primary School, located just outside Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng.