Improving environmental education: ECOStudy hosts workshop for teachers in Umkomaas, KZN

Feb 28, 2023 | WFA News

ECOStudy was engaged by South African Pulp and Paper Industries (SAPPI) to develop an environmental education programme to be implemented in the primary schools in the communities around the Saiccor Mill in Umkomaas.

As an ecosystem study is part of the Grade 6 curriculum it was decided to invite Grade 6 Natural Science educators and School Principals to attend an ecosystem study workshop during the first academic term of 2023.

Schools were also offered the option of the ECOStudy facilitators assisting the educators during the ecosystem studies with their learners.

The following nine schools were invited:Danganya PrimaryDlambula Primary

  1. Magabheni Primary
  2. Naidoo Memorial Primary
  3. Naidooville Primary
  4. Ophapheni Primary
  5. Umkomaas Primary
  6. Sheshisa Primary
  7. Scottburgh Primary

The teacher workshop took place on 9th February at Umkomaas Lodge, under the theme ‘Rocky Shores Ecosystem’. The workshop consisted of a theory session followed by a Rocky Shores ecosystem study on the beach in front of the Lodge.

Each teacher received:

  • An Ecosystem Study Guidebook, which contained worksheets and class notes, information about the Rocky Shores Ecosystem and instructions of how to conduct a field trip
  • A hands-on booklet and identification charts with information on the organisms they were likely to encounter during the field study

After the workshop, the teachers indicated that they would now be confident to complete a field ecosystem study with their learners, as they had improved their knowledge of the environment and climate change.  

Contact Susan Pyne-James (Coordinator: ECOStudy) susan@wfa.africa for more information.