EDUCATION
Environmental Clubs
Location
Period
2017 – 2023
Partnership
Number of Schools participating in the programme
Total number of children that have been through the programme
Number of visits to schools
Number of hikes
Number of camps
Number of workshops held
Please note: These statistics are quoted from project inception to December 2023
Project Objective
The Environmental Clubs is an environmental education project that establishes clubs in primary schools to promote environmental awareness and conservation.
These environmental education clubs teach learners how to value and appreciate the natural environment – and themselves as individuals – through various activities and tasks, ranging from camps, hikes, art classes, food gardens, recycling drives, cleaning and greening their schools and more. Learners are also encouraged to grow their administrative and leadership skills through the management and administration of the clubs. A strong focus is placed on boosting confidence and self-esteem amongst the learners.
Project Implementation
Schools in rural or indigent areas are identified, whereafter they are approached for an introductory environmental education session. After the session, if the school leadership is willing to become part of the programme, the Environmental Clubs team will establish an environmental education club at the school. This involves signing up learners from Grades 6 and 7 (approximately ages 12 and 13 yrs.) and getting the learners to choose an official club name. Thereafter arrangements will be made for an introductory hike (the first official club outing). Following this, each club will go on an annual camp, as well as intermittent annual outings to attractions such as museums, the beach, and animal sanctuaries. Day visits and activities at the schools also take place at various intervals throughout the year.
The value of the activities, outings, and interactions that the learners experience through the programme cannot be underestimated – many of the learners, whilst living in rural areas, have never been beyond the borders of their villages into nature. Many of them have never been to the sea, museums, or larger towns.
The establishment of these clubs, and environmental education of the learners produces observed improved behaviour towards the natural environment and living creatures, as well as greater confidence and respect amongst the learners.