An assessment of the role of eco-schools in achieving whole school development through sustainability education

Abstract

The Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 reaffirmed the school as the centre of change and as critical for promoting sustainable education. The purpose of this research was to assess, firstly, how the Eco-Schools Programme can achieve whole school development by implementing sustainability education, and secondly, the feasibility of its incorporation into the formal school system. It examined what impact the South African Eco-Schools Programme, since 2003, has had on the implementation of sustainable education through whole school development. The qualitative evaluation research design was used and data was collected through interviews, questionnaires and narratives that included all role players. It noted the strengths of the programmes already in place and identified the challenges that still need to be addressed. The outcome of the study proves that the Eco-Schools Programme does achieve whole school development by implementing sustainability education and should be incorporated into the formal education system.