Developing students’ environmental literacy
2 October 2019
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, with the support of the Environmental Resource Management Department, has completed a Climate Change Programme in schools which benefited 160 Grade 7 learners.
The learners visited three of the City’s nature reserves where they were equipped with knowledge, skills and motivation.
Climate change is part of the curriculum and the aim of the programme is to not only complement what the students learn in school but also to raise awareness about climate change, its impact on weather and the environment and what learners can do to help mitigate the risks. It helps these young learners to be ready and able to tackle complex topics such as climate change and natural resource sustainability, said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Learners visited the Witzands, Edith Stephens and Helderberg Nature Reserves between 23 and 27 September 2019.
“Instilling environmental awareness at a young age is crucial and we need our young people to take the message beyond the school fence and into their local communities,” said Alderman Smith.
The following schools participated:
- Mfuleni and Itsitsa Primary Schools in Mfuleni
- Dryden Primary School in Salt River
- Parkhurst and Harvester Primary Schools in Mitchells Plain
- Ekuthuleni and Enkululekweni Primary Schools in Wallacedene
The programme was first introduced in 2012 and also aims to help learners see the full picture between climate change, the increase in extreme weather episodes and rising sea levels, the effects on biodiversity and what they can do to make a difference.
“Education focusing on environmental issues is vital to a sustainable future led by environmentally literate citizens. It’s more than just climate change and environmental degradation. These, and issues such as species extinction, rising sea levels, and resource depletion are local and global problems. Our learners must know what’s going on so they can help us make a difference,” added Alderman Smith.
Read about City Nature Reserves