In a South African first, 110 schools from the stable of private education leader ADvTECH, have partnered with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) as part of their future sustainability goals.
“In recognition of our responsibility to develop responsible citizens and leaders of the future, ADvTECH will be working with this iconic South African organisation, which will boost our environmentally-focused value-added curricula and content,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head: Schools Division at ADvTECH.
“As part of our commitment to Global Citizenship, in the past two years, ADvTECH have invested heavily in our RDI (Respect, diversity and inclusion) framework and programme. The WESSA partnership is the next step on this journey, which will focus on raising awareness to imprint the impact of environmentally solution-based thinking for future generations,” she says.
ADvTECH believes that education must be transformed to respond to global environmental challenges. Last year, a few select schools joined WESSA as part of a trial programme. Following the success of the pilot, a total of 110 ADvTECH schools will now join the programme.
WESSA have also committed to developing a value-add programme framework focused on the environment, similar to ADvTECH’s RDI programme.
“The framework will focus on delivering strong, coordinated and comprehensive action that will prepare students to acquire the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to address climate change and to promote sustainable development,” says Hugo.
“Education has a significant impact on society and future generations, which is why we believe and invest in more than academic excellence, but extend our focus to include environmental education. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities towards our immediate communities as well as broader society, to make a sustainable and impactful difference into the future.”
Hugo says that, given the nature of ADvTECH’s business, its environmental footprint is not significant. However the group feels compelled to go beyond the basics, and practise and teach environmental stewardship to employees, students and communities to help preserve the country’s natural assets for future generations.
“Sustainability and environmental education are priorities at ADvTECH. This is why we are delighted to announce the WESSA partnership, which will ensure our curricula will encourage students to explore environmental knowledge and help protect our natural resources.”
Cindy-Lee Cloete, WESSA’s Head of Programmes and Projects, says this partnership enables them to use education for sustainability as a service to communities and a commitment to both people and planet.
“With the WESSA Eco-Schools Programme celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, it creates the perfect platform for the ADvTECH schools to educate, advocate and act for a healthier, more just and sustainable future. WESSA is proud to be ADvTECH’s partner of choice as they embark on becoming intentional sustainability institutions.”
