Food & Trees for Africa (FTA), in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Environment (GDEnv), has successfully implemented the 2024 GDEnv Climate Change School Awareness Programme, aimed at educating and empowering Township Informal Settlements and Hostels (TISH) schools across Gauteng. Over the course of 2024, this climate change awareness initiative reached 30 secondary schools, bringing climate change education and hands-on activities to more than 1,100 learners. The aim was to capacitate learners with extensive knowledge to be custodians of the environment and adapt to the effects of climate change at a local level through adopting climate smart techniques and behavioural changes.
Programme Purpose and Activities
The GDEnv climate change school awareness workshops provide a comprehensive look at the challenges of climate change, encourage climate literacy, and sustainable practices. Each one-day workshop covered critical topics such as the causes and effects of climate change, links between the climate crisis and food security, and strategies for sustainability. Facilitated by FTA’s experienced team, sessions included presentations, documentary screenings, group discussions, and hands-on activities (i.e. poster presentations, drama, poetry, group discussions) all aimed at improving learners understanding the concept of climate change. Learners planted trees and created “food forests”, bringing theoretical knowledge to life and building an enduring connection to nature. Learners also thoroughly enjoyed climate change experiment demonstrations by Sci-Bono; and the insightful climate change presentations by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), which further gave learners insight into careers in the environmental field.
Profound Transformation and Impact
The impact of the programme was both measurable and profound:
- Over 1,100 learners across 30 schools gained a deeper understanding of climate change.
- 300 trees and various vegetable seedlings were planted, symbolising growth and sustainability.
- With the programme being accredited by the South African Council of Educators (SACE), the 40 participating educators were awarded 10 continuous professional, training, and development (CPTD) points.
Educators reported a noticeable shift in learners’ attitudes, with many expressing interest in environmental activism, sustainable practices and pursuing careers in the climate change field. Learners actively participated in workshops, asking questions and engaging with the materials, showing increased understanding of climate change as an issue to be addressed holistically. According to feedback from teachers, the group activities and tree planting were particularly effective, fostering teamwork and hands-on learning.



Cultivating Environmental Stewards and Critical Thinkers
Through the programme, learners developed a deeper connection to the natural world and gained critical thinking skills to address environmental challenges. Reflecting on the workshop experience, one learner remarked, “I learned that every action we take impacts the environment. This workshop taught me that we must replace the trees we cut down and conserve what we have.” Another student added, “The garden activities inspired me to start my garden and think about a future in farming.”
Celebrating Learner Achievements
The speech and poetry competition served as an emotional and educational centrepiece of the programme. Learners competed on topics such as “I am the solution to climate change” and “Save the earth—save yourself.” The performances displayed original thought, creativity, and commitment to climate action.
Additional topics included “Forests are dying,” “You are the key to a cleaner earth,” and “Life beneath the sea—choking.” Emelina Andre, a learner from Eldorado Park Secondary School, was awarded first place at the provincial level for her passionate and thought-provoking poem, receiving a bicycle, helmet, solar bag and a certificate as her prize. She also recited her poem at the 2024 Gauteng Climate Change Indaba where her achievements were celebrated.
Khanyisile Sekhoto from Leshata Secondary School wrote “Forests are Dying”:
Once green and vibrant, now grey and still
A sentinel of life, standing chill,
Their roots, like veins now dry and cold
Their stories, whispers, growing old…
Atang Molefe from Kgothalang Secondary School wrote:
So let’s act now, with love and care,
to safeguard the earth, and show we care
Preserve the beauty that is meant to shine through
For nature’s sake and our own too.
Looking Ahead
As the Climate Change School Awareness Programme draws to a close, GDEnv and FTA are committed to building on the progress made. Plans are underway to expand the programme’s reach, equipping even more learners and educators with knowledge and resources to act as champions of climate resilience within their schools and communities. The highlights of the GDEnv school awards ceremony were well captured through kullidtv video footage by which included prize awards and an exclusive interview with Emelina Andre.


