WESSA Schools Programme Annual Report 2019/2020

Thelamama Primary School STORIES OF CHANGE

Ndumo, KwaZulu-Natal

Thelamama Primary School joined the Eco-School Programme 12 years ago and is the ‘oldest’ Eco-School in the Ndumo Community Project. Moses Mangamelana, the Eco- educator at Thelamama, began his teaching career in 2004 - following on fromworking at an orphanage. He believes the emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion developed through his time working at the orphanage has greatly assisted him in his teaching career. He is better equipped to understand his students’ learning-needs and cater for their well-being.

FOOD GARDENS

JOINING ECO-SCHOOLS

r e m a i n i n g true to your passion for the env i ronment e v e n t u a l l y sways

Moses developed a passion for the environment through attending a permaculture training course, at which he was inspired with the need to empower learners with skills that they in turn could use to become change agents. He then sought ways of improving the school environment and taught learners about sustainable food gardening. The food garden helped to provide learners with food to take home, but also equipped them with the skills and knowledge to start their own vegetable gardens at home. “

After being introduced to theWESSA Eco-Schools programme, Moses implemented the programme’s themes using his previous knowledge and training on food gardening. Attending numerous WESSA workshops helped him develop skills and increase his environmental knowledge, which in turn improved his teaching strategies. The Eco-Schools programme has taught him about perseverance. Sometimes, others might not share your vision and passion, however,

people

through positivity.

your

“The Eco-Schools programme made the process of teaching and learning easy for us teachers and for learners as well,” Moses said. Moses incorporates the Eco-Schools themes into most subjects, including English and Technology, making lessons more exciting for children as well as ultimately enhancing creative- and analytical thinking skills. For example, technology subjects focus on analysing different problems and coming up with solutions. Moses uses environmental concepts and elements to solve most of the problems. WESSA

The WESSA Eco-Schools programme made the process of teaching and learning easy for us teachers and for learners as well

”

Moses Mangamelana

WESSA Schools Programme | Stories of Change | 2019/2020 18