Eco-schools programme teaches learners to care

POLOKWANE – EDUCATORS representing 10 schools from around the Capricorn district sang songs of gratitude when they received recycling bins from the Capricorn District Municipality during a Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) awards ceremony in Nirvana, Polokwane last Friday.

The 10 schools, Leboho, Pokanong, Tihona, Sedimong, Ramahlo, Educare, Maimela, Madjadji, Alldays and Montle primary schools, were among 15 schools in the province that participated in the eco-schools programme to learn about environmental management and conservation for improved natural resources.

In handing over the bins, member of the mayoral committee for environ-mental management Puleng Mashangoane said the municipality was grateful for the partnership and hoped that the bins would be effective in handling waste at schools for recycling.

“We appreciate all the schools that took part in the project. This can only mean that you are committed to our vision of ensuring the protection and continual enhancement of our environmental assets and natural resources. Just by participating in the programme you are a winner and a patriot,” she said.

The schools were awarded sponsorships for learners and teachers to attend environmental awareness training in the Waterberg district.

The eco-schools programme is the largest environmental education programme in the world, managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

The programme was initiated in South Africa in 2003, with Wessa as the implementing agent, aimed at creating awareness and action around environmental sustainability in schools and their surrounding communities.

Schools registered in the programme complete projects with the following themes: healthy living, resource use, community and heritage, nature and biodiversity, and local and global issues.