Home Site Map International Contacts                           SOUTH AFRICA Eco Schools          Eco-Schools    The Eco-Schools programme is being developed in South Africa as a schools improvement programme that aims at achieving sustainable environmental management. This links directly with the plan of action outlined in the Millennium Declaration, signed at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). The programme is designed to encourage whole-school learning and action for a healthy environment.    The Eco-Schools programme will be supported as an open pilot project by the WESSA, a member of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The programme will be initiated in a small number of pilot schools that will record their progress and feed their outcomes and ideas into the development of the programme for nationwide implementation.       How will the Eco-Schools programme benefit the school? A curriculum based programme offers opportunities to:    • Improve your school environment • Build young people's confidence and sense of citizenship through participation • Increase environmental awareness • Involve the local community • Reduce litter and waste • Reduce costs by saving water and energy • Gain local publicity • Develop relationships with other schools around the world         What is the Eco-Schools programme?     The Eco-Schools programme is designed to encourage curriculum based action for a healthy environment. It is an internationally recognised award scheme that accredits schools that make a commitment to continuously improve environmental performance at their school.    Curriculum Eco-Schools is a learning programme that raises awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues through activities linked to curriculum learning areas.    Action The Eco-Schools programme encourages learners to take an active role in how their school can be run for the benefit of the environment. Practical steps are taken to reduce the environmental impact of the school following a simple process based on environmental management systems.    Community The Eco-Schools programme extends learning beyond the classroom and develops responsible attitudes and commitment, both at home and in the wider community, promoting sustainable development and building ties with the community.    For further information, please contact Bridget Ringdahl/Caroline Conway-Physick on tel (033) 330 3931 or email ecoschools@wessa.co.za                                                                                                                                                                Read what others have to say about Eco-Schools: quotations from South Africa                                             Follow these links to learn more about Eco-Schools in South Africa:     Follow these links to the Schools Zone to learn more about South Africa: Eco-Schools news     national contacts     geography     language                               Eco-Schools International Coordination is hosted by FEE Portugal Other FEE Programmes:     Blue Flag        Green Key        LeAF        YRE © Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE international)