Part of the world's largest education for sustainable development programme, Eco-Schools enables learners and educators to move beyond environmental awareness and into practical, school-wide action. From water conservation and waste reduction to biodiversity protection and circular economy initiatives, participating schools are embedding sustainability into daily learning and leadership, says WESSA.

The Limpopo awards ceremony brought together educators, learners, partners and environmental champions to celebrate the role of schools in shaping environmentally responsible communities and future leaders.

Opening the ceremony, Hazel Khoza, WESSA Project Manager, reflects on the significance of the programme in WESSA's centenary year, "The Eco-Schools Awards represent the living legacy of WESSA. Each school recognised today embodies 100 years of commitment, turning environmental awareness into action, and action into measurable impact."

The programme featured a showcase by PEPPS Polokwane, recognised for its long-standing participation in the programme, as well as a musical performance by learners from Toronto Primary School, adds WESSA.

Delivering the keynote address, Farina Lindeque, from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Limpopo, highlights the growing role of young people in driving environmental change. "Environmental education becomes powerful when we design experiences that move learners from noticing to caring to acting. Concern about environmental issues alone doesn't automatically lead to change  but when learning connects evidence with creative expression and collaboration, young people develop the agency and confidence to turn that concern into meaningful action."

The awards were presented in partnership with Capricorn District Municipality, whose support has enabled schools across the region to strengthen environmental programmes and integrate sustainability into teaching and school management practices, says WESSA.

Beyond the core Eco-Schools Awards, the ceremony also recognised outstanding leadership and innovation through a series of special awards. These included recognition for excellence in circular economy initiatives, biodiversity stewardship, water conservation and eco-innovation.

According to WESSA, among the special recognitions were:

  • Maribe Primary School, awarded the Circular Economy Champion Award
  • Thoka Primary School, recognised with the Ubuntu for Nature Award
  • Pulamadibogo Primary School, honoured as Water Wise Warriors
  • Briershof Primary School, recipient of the Eco-Innovation Award, and
  • Waterberg Academy, recognised for Biodiversity Stewardship.

An Operational Excellence Award was presented to Mabusela Francinah Mpelehe for her commitment to advancing environmental education, while Capricorn District Municipality received a Funder Appreciation Award in recognition of its ongoing support of the Eco-Schools programme.

Since its introduction in South Africa in 2003, Eco-Schools has grown into one of the country's most impactful environmental education initiatives, empowering thousands of schools to embed sustainability into everyday learning and action, says WESSA.

To educators, Lindeque adds, "Value the process, not only the results. The deepest learning happens while people work together, learn from each other, and transform how they do things."

As WESSA celebrates 100 years of environmental leadership in 2026, the achievements of these schools demonstrate the continued power of education to inspire practical environmental stewardship and community impact, concludes WESSA.

For more information, visit www.wessa.org.za. You can also follow WESSA on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor