Since 2003, this whole school development programme has helped to mobilise future-oriented action through an eco-committee, audit and implementation plan. The WESSA Eco-Schools Programme encourages youth to engage and protect their environment.
The annual awards system has motivated early childhood development centres, primary and secondary schools to engage creatively in activities like food production, recycling, biodiversity stewardship, wise water and energy use and much more. Through teacher training, research and project-based learning, Eco-Schools has improved the quality of education in private and public schools and demonstrated that organically-grown food, sound waste management and exposure to green spaces are linked to human health and well-being.
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WESSA YRE (Young Reporters for the Environment)
WESSA embraced YRE to develop young African leaders to pursue a vision of human rights, inclusivity and environmental and social justice.
In recent years South African youth have become vociferous socio-economic champions and YRE allows for the inclusion of an ecosystem lens which is essential for long-term strategy. YRE operates on a strong social media presence and global network allowing for solution-driven, knowledge-rich and contextual discourse. Young reporters are mentored by experts in the field to determine bold, smart and sensitive solutions to local environmental issues. This focus on making a positive difference uniquely positions high school learners to hone research and leadership skills and explore careers. YRE encourages self-directed learning essential for success at a tertiary level.
WESSA LEAF (Learning about Forests)
LEAF includes indigenous knowledge systems based on experiential learning of past generations to bring an awareness and appreciation of a holistic African worldview of South African biomes.
Through LEAF the shared tenets of modern science and indigenous knowledge, contribute to maintaining the integrity of natural ecosystems. Indigenous knowledge unlocks entrepreneurial opportunities such as woodwork, weaving, use of edible and medicinal plants and farming with earthworms or beneficial insects for food and feed. Learning expeditions allow for rigorous, practical learning through a STEAM approach to unlock learner potential through participation.
LEAF helps schools create indigenous biodiversity gardens in the image of their surrounding natural biome to bring nature and biodiversity back to schools.
Innovation in learner-centred development
Through its three international education programmes, WESSA is promoting innovation in learner-centred development. A combined school that goes from Grade R to 12 would do well to include all three programmes as there are elements that complement each programme and there is a greater opportunity for participation in all phases of the school. While a primary school might migrate between LEAF and Eco-Schools or simultaneously do both, a secondary school might be better suited to pursue YRE which promotes critical thinking and leadership. YRE deepens understanding of the research process through literature surveys and application of knowledge. For teenagers, education must be a journey of adventure, discovery, self-actualisation and learning real-life developmental skills for the workplace.
Eco-Schools has many years of accumulated practical wisdom in multidisciplinary education, YRE and LEAF allow for adaptation, alteration and transformation of differentiated learning relevant for the range of learners being educated today.
