The need to manage our environment and natural resources more responsibly is becoming increasingly apparent with the rising global and local issues surrounding climate change, land degradation, and the loss of our biodiversity. Widespread awareness and education is vital to address these challenges and ensure sustainability of natural resources for future generations and socioeconomic sustainability. A school environment is the ideal to place to do this and implement solutions to global challenges. Through programmes such as Eco- Schools, learners and teachers not only learn about environmental issues and what they can do to address them, but they’re also able to pass the knowledge and skills on to their families and communities. The WESSA Eco-Schools programme teaches valuable skills such as gardening and recycling, which in the long term will help addressing issues such as food security and unemployment. The community

is developed and uplifted by promoting sustainable living. The WESSA Eco-Schools programme is an extensive and practical, internationally recognised, environmental education programme for both learners and teachers. Since 2013, Bakwena through its partnership with EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust) has generously supported the implementation and management of the internationally recognised WESSA Eco-Schools Programme in five previously disadvantaged schools in Hammanskraal. In 2015, the project expanded to include another five schools in Hammanskraal and in 2017 Bakwena expanded the Eco-Schools project to the N4 including schools from the Moedwil, Swartruggens, Groot Marico and Zeerust areas. In total 11 schools along the N4 are involved in the Eco-Schools programme through WESSA. Through this programme, Bakwena, EWT and Wessa provide a platform that enables teachers, learners, community

members and/or partner organisations to undertake projects at their school. Projects range from saving electricity and/or water to developing food gardens. EWT and Bakwena provide the materials needed and are on hand to support and advise. Teachers draw on the practical components of a chosen theme to strengthen environmental learning by developing materials to include in the curriculum. Each year they strive to improve efforts and work towards achieving established goals, to ultimately be awarded with an internationally recognised symbol of excellence – the Eco- Schools Flag. Bakwena is committed to a programme of corporate social investment which supports and contributes to the development of communities along the Bakwena N1N4 route. We are proud and excited to see the commitment, enthusiasm and success of all the schools participating in this Eco Schools programme!