Education and Advocacy Project

At Landmark Foundation, our education and advocacy initiatives are designed to foster a deep connection between communities and the natural world. Through engaging programs and proactive advocacy, we aim to inspire the next generation of conservationists and promote sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and people.

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MADE POSSIBLE BY THE SUPPORT OF:

Schools Programme

We operate several environmental programs within Western Cape schools, targeting passionate young leaders and promoting environmental awareness. These intensive programs impact the entire school community, fostering a culture of sustainability.

Green Clubs:


Our Green Club initiatives focus on developing environmental leaders. They teach students to run campaigns, manage projects, and promote a love for nature. Key components include:


  • Developing Environmental Leaders: Inspiring students to take active roles in conservation.
  • Promoting Science-Based Knowledge: Educating students about global environmental issues.
  • Spreading Awareness: Reaching the broader community, including parents.
  • Running Campaigns: Equipping students with skills to lead environmental projects.

Current Green Clubs:


  • Glenwood Greens: 26 learners at Glenwood House Preparatory (Grades 5-7), influencing 380 scholars.


  • Glenwood Environment Society (GWES): 23 learners at Glenwood House College (Grades 8-12), influencing 460 scholars.
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Green Schools –

Recycling Program:



In collaboration with George Municipality, LGE Waste, and Garden Route District Municipality, we introduce waste management systems in schools. This program promotes the green circular economy, providing financial rewards for schools through recycling efforts.

Creches Project – Early Childhood Development Centres:


Focusing on early childhood development, this project introduces the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" concept to young pupils. The program includes setting up waste separation systems, creating compost, and developing food gardens, fostering sustainable habits from a young age.



Key Components:


  • Phase 1: Waste separation and composting.
  • Phase 2: Using compost in food gardens, promoting the concept of sustainability.
  • Community Involvement: Engaging the entire community in recycling efforts.
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Education and Environmental Awareness in South Africa

Education and environmental awareness in South Africa face significant challenges due to socio-economic disparities, resource limitations, and environmental degradation.


These issues are particularly pronounced in rural and under-resourced areas, affecting children, wildlife communities, and overall sustainability efforts.

  • Environmental Awareness:

    • Lack of Environmental Education: Environmental education is not uniformly integrated into the curriculum, leading to a lack of awareness about conservation and sustainability.

    • Limited Access to Nature: Many children in urban and impoverished areas have limited access to natural spaces, affecting their understanding and appreciation of biodiversity.

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  • Educational Disparities:

    • Limited Resources: Many schools, particularly in rural areas, lack access to basic educational resources, impacting the quality of education.

    • Teacher Shortages: High teacher turnover and shortages, especially in rural areas, hinder consistent and quality education.

    • Infrastructure Deficits: Poor infrastructure, including inadequate classrooms and facilities, affects learning environments.
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  • Human-Wildlife Conflict:

    • Conflict Hotspots: Livestock depredation and crop damage by wildlife lead to significant economic losses for rural communities, fostering negative attitudes towards conservation.

    • Perceived Threats: Misunderstandings about wildlife behavior and ecology contribute to fear and retaliatory actions against wildlife.

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  • Demographic Challenges:

    • Youth Unemployment: High rates of youth unemployment exacerbate socio-economic disparities and limit opportunities for engaging young people in conservation efforts.

    • Health and Nutrition: Malnutrition and health issues among children in impoverished areas impact their ability to learn and participate in educational programs.

Empowering Communities Through Conservation

Landmark Foundation extends its reach beyond schools, actively engaging with local communities through various initiatives. From hosting environmental workshops to organizing community tree planting events, our programs are designed to foster a culture of conservation and sustainable living.

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Key Highlights:


  1. Tree Planting Events: Partnering with local organizations to rehabilitate natural habitats and promote biodiversity.
  2. Recycling Initiatives: Implementing community-wide recycling projects that reduce waste and educate residents on sustainable practices.
  3. Youth Leadership Programs: Developing the next generation of environmental leaders through hands-on conservation activities and leadership training.
  4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about critical environmental issues through community events, social media campaigns, and collaborative projects with local stakeholders.

Impact Stats:


  • Trees Planted: Over 10,000 trees in community-led reforestation projects.
  • Waste Reduced: 20% decrease in landfill contributions through our recycling programs.
  • Youth Engaged: 5,000+ young people participating in leadership and conservation activities annually.
  • Community Events: 50+ community events hosted, fostering collaboration and environmental stewardship.

MADE POSSIBLE BY THE SUPPORT OF:

Become a vital part of our Green Schools Project. Your support helps develop environmental leaders, drive community activism, and promote sustainability among young learners. Join us in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.

Help change the world for better, with Landmark Foundation

Join Us in Making a Lasting Impact

Foster Sustainable Futures

Help cultivate environmental stewardship by sponsoring our Green School Clubs. Your support empowers students with the tools and knowledge to lead the charge in conservation efforts.


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Invest in Conservation

Your contribution drives our mission forward, enabling critical projects that protect wildlife, restore ecosystems, and educate communities on sustainable practices.

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Become a Conservation Champion

Join our efforts on the ground. Volunteers play a crucial role in our initiatives, from wildlife monitoring to community education, creating significant and lasting change.

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Be a Voice for the Environment

Amplify our message and advocate for environmental policies that protect our planet. Your voice can inspire others and influence positive change in our communities.

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Why this is URGENT

20%

Education Access: Only about 20% of rural schools in South Africa have adequate infrastructure, significantly impacting educational outcomes.

1:40

Teacher-Student Ratio: The average teacher-student ratio in rural schools is 1:40, compared to the national average of 1:33, indicating a higher burden on educators in these areas.

 35%

Environmental Literacy: A survey by the Department of Environmental Affairs found that only 35% of South African students possess a basic understanding of environmental issues.

1000+

Human-Wildlife Conflict: The Western Cape reported over 1,000 incidents of livestock depredation by leopards and other predators in 2023, highlighting the need for effective conflict mitigation strategies.

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, integrating educational reform, environmental awareness, community engagement, and sustainable development practices. By fostering collaboration among educators, conservationists, and policymakers, we can create a more informed and proactive generation committed to preserving South Africa’s rich biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.

Green Schools Project Sites

Cultivating Future Conservationists

Since 2012, our partnership with Oakdale Agricultural School has been instrumental in fostering a deep connection between students and nature. This three-day camp immerses Life Sciences Grade 10 students in practical conservation, from leopard monitoring to climate change education, aligning with their curriculum and shaping the next generation of agricultural and conservation leaders.

Exploring Nature's Classroom

Our interactive program takes Grade 2 students from Glenwood House on an exploratory journey through the Garden Route Botanical Garden. Over three days, students engage with ecosystems, food chains, and biodiversity, enhancing their natural science curriculum and nurturing a lifelong love for the environment.

Engaging Young Minds in Nature

Gracehill College's comprehensive environmental program encourages outdoor experiential learning for students from Grade 1 to 7. Regular visits to the Garden Route Botanical Garden link curriculum to real-world nature experiences, fostering environmental awareness and a deeper understanding of our natural world.

Developing Ecological Intelligence

Over six years, we’ve developed educational programs at GREEC designed to cultivate observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in natural environments. Our Green Passports program, covering grades 1 to 12, engages students in hands-on learning, promoting ecological intelligence and a profound connection with nature.

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MORE SCHOOL BASED ACTIVTIES AND PROJECTS

Wildlife conservation programs

Kids in the Park: Immersive Nature Education

Annually, SANParks' Kids in the Park program offers Grade 6 and 7 learners an immersive two-night, three-day nature experience. In 2023, hosted at Ebb and Flow, this impactful program included workshops by Cape Nature, NSRI, Working on Fire, SANParks, and Landmark Foundation. Students explored forests, developed observation skills, learned ecological principles, and were taught the 3Rs to combat climate change. Over five weeks, 500 learners and 20 educators participated, making lasting memories and enhancing their environmental awareness.

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Malgas Revival: Building Environmental Stewardship

In collaboration with SANBI and DFFE, the Malgas Revival Project engages local schools in a day of environmental education, focusing on capacity building and skills development. Learners gain hands-on experience in alien tree identification and removal, indigenous tree identification, and river health assessments, guided by experts from Garden Roots, Kaalvoet Consulting, Tree Whisperer, and Breede-Gouritz CMA. This project fosters a deeper understanding and respect for natural resources among the youth.

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Umkhondo Big 5: Training Future Wildlife Professionals

The Umkhondo Big 5 Wildlife Education program provides aspiring wildlife professionals and veterinarians with comprehensive training in human-wildlife management, ecological research, and rewilding efforts. Since its inception, over 70 participants have benefitted from this rigorous educational experience, including international students from Denmark, equipping them with essential skills for their future careers in wildlife conservation.

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Summary of Environmental Educational Actions in 2023

Landmark Foundation’s 2023 Educational Impact

Our diverse educational programs reached numerous learners and educators in 2023. Highlights include:


  • Green Clubs: Weekly sessions with Glenwood House Primary and College.
  • Green School Recycling Program: Active in Gracehill College, engaging 112 learners.
  • Creches Project: Early childhood environmental education in multiple schools.
  • Food Garden Community Project: Sustaining food gardens in impoverished areas.
  • Youth Conservation Camps: Intensive conservation education for Oakdale Agri School students.
  • Environmental Tours and Green Passports: Engaging over 300 learners in practical nature studies.
  • Public Awareness and Capacity Building: Various projects including Arbor Week, Touwsriver Revival, and the City Nature Challenge.