Sun International’s eco-schools give way to sustainable institutions

Sun International is supporting 18 schools around the country in a two-year partnership with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) to create eco-classrooms and build environmental resilience in schools and their communities.

Sun International donated over R1 million to support schools in areas surrounding GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World and Golden Valley (Western Cape), Windmill Casino (Free State), Central Office, Time Square, and Carnival City (Gauteng), and Sibaya Casino and Wild Coast Sun (KwaZulu-Natal).

Year-long initiative

The programme kicked off in August and will run until the end of July 2023, involving over 450 learners in grades 6 to 10.

“Learners who understand the science, impact, and solutions are better prepared to deal with the climate crisis and advocate for mitigation and adaptation policies at a local and national level,” said WESSA senior project manager Nomfundo Ndlovu.

WESSA is one of South Africa’s oldest and largest independent non-profit environmental organisations. It was formed in 1926 when a group of passionate individuals got together to campaign for the creation of a National Parks Board (now known as SANParks).

“Education gives people the skills and knowledge to be better prepared for, and better able to recover from, natural hazards. With knowledge and skills, they can adapt more flexibly. With our educational programmes, WESSA hopes to inspire the next generation to advocate and act for a healthy planet they are proud of.” Nomfundo Ndlovu

Sun International’s SED Manager Heidi Edson said Eco-Schools – aligned with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals – would use a seven-step framework to chart a way to building resilience in schools and communities.

The framework encompasses an eco-code, eco-committee, environmental review and action plan, as well as monitoring and evaluation, curriculum-linking, and information phases.

Edson said schools had completed an environmental review “where learners are able to articulate environmental issues and start to seek solutions to tackle these challenges with the support of WESSA and Sun International”. Cross-cutting challenges include poor waste management and sanitation, and substance abuse.

Sustainability is key

Schools will also choose themes for their projects. “This is vital for the sustainability of projects because teachers and learners are trained to do this themselves, and thus can continue maintaining their projects and start new ones.

“The learners will gain much, from science learnings, values, and knowledge about plants and animals, human and environmental health, to practical skills such as separating recycling waste and planting indigenous vegetation.” Edson

. Learners will also benefit from soft-skill development, covering leadership, critical thinking and advocacy.

An environmental campaign aligned with initiatives like World Food Day, Arbor Day, World Environmental Health Day, and World Water Week will also be staged.

To ensure long-term sustainability, teachers will be supported to establish Sun International hubs, where they can share expertise, work collaboratively, and conduct professional dialogue.