WESSA Glencore report 2022

Message from WESSA Schools and Youth General Manager

about the environment, and toward localized, relevant, and holistic methods. Traditionally, the environment, conservation and climate change are taught through textbooks, sciences, and hands- off, theoretical approaches. This distances learners from understanding their role and place in the environment and how climate change is relevant to their own lives. This project enabled educators to think creatively about ways of developing participatory, relevant, and community-centred teaching about the environment. The story of the eMalahleni Eco-Schools, supported by Glencore, is one that should be replicated across the country For schools to be in control of the things that matter to them and to be supported by people who care, is what makes the WESSA Eco-Schools programme so unique. The learners of these schools represent an entire generation and through their participation in the Eco-Schools programme, we want to show them that they are a source of hope and pride. Cindy-Lee Cloete General Manager: Schools and Youth Unit

One of the biggest challenges for future generations will be the state that we leave this planet in for them. Youth around the world are already feeling the weight of having to deal with an inhospitable planet as climate change and its consequences are already on our doorstep. Education for sustainable development is considered an important tool in the process to equip future generations with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to adapt their behaviour and find innovative mitigation solutions to the ever- present threat of climate change. We recognize that our future leaders cannot wait until they are adults to make the changes necessary to live on a planet that is safer and healthier. This change needs to be part of their learning journey and part of their way of life growing up. The WESSA Eco- Schools Programme offers school leadership teams, educators, and learners an opportunity to be part of a movement that improves their quality of life at school and community levels. The journey to sustainability for the 17 eMalahleni Eco-Schools started in 2018 and they have been committed to enabling growth, understanding and participation of their school community caring for the earth. The environmental content knowledge of educators has increased, and they are able to better understand how it is related to their everyday lives as well as how to bring the curriculum to life by using their environment as an educational tool Through workshops and trainings offered by WESSA, educators are encouraged and supported to move away from traditional pedagogies and ways of teaching

The journey to sustainability for the 17 eMalahleni Eco- Schools started in 2018 and they have been committed to enabling growth, understanding and participation of their school community caring for the earth.

eMalahleni Glencore Eco-Schools Project: IMPACT REPORT 2022 5