De Beers Impact Report - December 2020

De Beers Eco-Schools Narrative report

In the past 6 years the project has had a sole focus of getting learners to enjoy maths and science while using environmental education as a tool. Using the WESSA Eco-schools themes the schools performed numerous experiments linking them to the CAPS curriculum.

With the Maths and science focus the project was able to increase the quality of results in Maths, Science and Language . The project was also very successful in helping learners make the connection between what they have learned and how to apply in to their every day lives. The WESSA team also invested time into skills development for teachers through capacity building workshops to ensure that there is space for innovation and critical thinking on how teachers can solve environmental issues at local level. We improved teachers’ skills to teach Maths and Science, project-based learning through these capacity building workshops, and co-teaching interventions conducted at schools. Teachers are using information and communications technology TEACHERS: SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

to research topics and share project successes. The workshops were also to ensure that the teacher can carry on with the project and continue being agents of change in their communities.

WHOLE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

The projects have also successfully contributed to whole school development , learners are more aware of their surroundings, and through planting and cleaning the schools look pleasing to the eye. The schools have been recognised for their efforts through external competitions such as Baswa le Meetse (a competition led by the Department of Water and Sanitation) with their Eco-Schools water projects and the South African Green Schools Programme: Care for the planet competition, where Ramaahlo Primary School won 3 rd position .

Community members planting seedlings donated by school.

Teachers attend Fundisa for Change Water course at DWS Youth Summit.

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De Beers Blouberg 2020