WESSA Schools Programme Impact Report 2020

PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES AND PRODUCTION

Two Eco-Educators from the school completed a permaculture course, going on to implement permaculture concepts and principles at the school. The school’s permaculture food gardens have become an important feature and the garden was the overall Intermediate category winner in the 2018 National EduPlant Competition. ENVIRONMENTAL PASSION AND INSPIRATION At the provincial awards ceremony in March 2017, Eco-Educator Ms Mkhabeladescribedhowfour learners – who had been actively involved in the Eco-Schools Programme – went on to study various environmental degrees, ranging from a BA in Environmental and Life Sciences at Rhodes to a Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal! Ms Mkhabela has been so inspired by her passion for environmental education that she has enrolled for a Masters degree at Rhodes University. Her research explores the teaching and assessment practices used in environmental learning processes as well as emergent curriculum and sustainability competencies.

Shea O’Connor has parterned with Spar, supplying fresh produce from the school garden – thereby generating an income stream through this initiative. Learners at Shea O’Connor have taken control of production and encourage their parents to establish home food gardens.

The programme has helped her to reconnect learners with nature. It has further helped Ms Mkhabela to engage the learners in developing strategic plans that equip learners to identify needs, establish the actions required to meet the needs and understand how to implement the plans. SUSTAINABLE FUTURES Shea O’Connor, as a sustainable school has woven green living into the fabric of everyday school life and

have taken giant steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Learners are taking ownership of their spaces and making better choices at school and at home due to their increased environmental knowledge and awareness.

activity-oriented teaching style. “

Being involved in the WESSA Eco-Schools project has shifted my mindset from a primitive approach to a more

”

Ms Mkhabela

WESSA Schools Programme | Stories of Change | 2019/2020 21