Eco-school Drop Outs

By Simone Peinke and Remy Raitt

The number of local schools in the international Eco-School programme has halved – while participation elsewhere in South Africa grows.

The Eco-School program was launched in South Africa in 2003. Ten schools joined the pilot programme in 2002 but now only five remain. These areSamuel Ntsiko, Kingswood College, Fikizolo, Kuyasa Special School, Ntaba Maria and The Seventh Day Adventist.

“Some teachers said they were too busy,” said Gladys Tyatya, responsible for community engagement in the Environmental Education and Sustainability Unit, “Some said that they did not get support from other teachers. Some said that the learners were too busy with studying. Also many teachers cannot attend the monthly workshop because of timetable clashes.”

The programme aims to encourage curriculum-based action for a healthier environment. Its objectives are to improve school environments, increase environmental awareness, involve local communities, reduce litter and waste, and reduce costs by saving water and electricity. Teachers and learners need to be committed to developing lesson plans and environmental activities to incorporate into the national curriculum.

The five schools that remain in the program have benefited hugely. “I could take you to any of the five schools and you would see huge improvements,” said Tyatya, “There are food gardens, cleaner grounds and more trees.” Tyatya is confident that the project is sustainable if schools continue to work hard.