AECI Eco-Schools Water Education Project 2020 - Modderfontein

AECI Supported Eco-Schools: A partnership over 3 years

AECI has partnered with WESSA since 2017. Ten schools were identified within close proximity of the AECI Modderfontein operation. The project has yielded great results over the last three years, with highlights including schools independently organising large scale community awareness campaigns, acknowledgement of the project in local community media and innovative action projects by all schools involved.

Eco-schools was implemented in South Africa since 2013 by WESSA. The programme is aimed at creating awareness and action around environmental sustainability in schools and their surrounding communities as well as supporting Education for Sustainable Development in the national curriculum. With over 50% of the content in some CAPS subjects being environmental in nature, Eco-Schools makes a positive contribution towards improving education in South Africa. WESSA in partnership with AECI implemented the Eco-school programme which consists of three structural elements - The Seven Steps Framework, the Eco-Schools Themes, and Assessment which enables the school to be eligible for an award. The school implements an environmental project using the seven steps framework. To be successful the programme requires support from school leaders and the School Governing Board. Whole school involvement is imperative as well as long-term commitment and the willingness to involve students in decision-making. Improving school curriculum through education for sustainable development.

The themes that were implemented at the ten schools in Tembisa are:

HEALTH & WELLBEING

WASTE

CLIMATE CHANGE

WATER

ENERGY

SCHOOL GROUNDS

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