Latest news with #Eco-Schools

IOL News
14-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Celebrating Eco-Schools: WESSA awards recognise environmental champions in South Africa
Western Cape's final awards event celebrated 35 schools, including 5 Green Flag recipients and long-standing contributors like Sir Lowry's Pass Primary. Image: WESSA The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) recently concluded its annual Eco-Schools Programme provincial awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements of over 350 schools nationwide that are actively championing sustainability, climate action, and environmental education. This year's awards serve not only as a commendation but also as an inspiration for learners throughout South Africa to engage in and address pressing environmental challenges. According to Nomfundo Ndlovu, the Senior Programme Manager for Schools and Youth at WESSA, 'These awards are a testament to the power of climate change education in building informed, proactive, and resilient communities. Through the Eco-Schools programme, learners across South Africa are addressing environmental challenges and driving change within their school communities that create sustainable impact. It is an honour to support and celebrate the leadership of our youth in shaping a better world.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Gauteng recognised 76 schools, including 42 ADvTECH Group schools and 6 Sun International Eco-Schools receiving Green Flag status Image: WESSA Western Cape: A total of 35 schools were honoured for their outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, with five achieving the prestigious Green Flag status, which recognises global excellence in environmental education. The awards ceremony also acknowledged four Platinum Awards, two Gold Awards, and two International Flags. Special decade recognitions were given to schools such as Sir Lowry's Pass Primary and Newberry House Montessori Primary School for their sustained leadership in the Eco-Schools programme. A total of 35 schools were honoured for their outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, with five achieving the prestigious Green Flag status, which recognises global excellence in environmental education. The awards ceremony also acknowledged four Platinum Awards, two Gold Awards, and two International Flags. Special decade recognitions were given to schools such as Sir Lowry's Pass Primary and Newberry House Montessori Primary School for their sustained leadership in the Eco-Schools programme. Mpumalanga: In this province, 18 schools were awarded, with an impressive 13 achieving Platinum 2 status. Five Glencore-supported schools were recognised with Bronze Awards, while six additional schools marked the beginning of their Eco-Schools journey at the participation level. In this province, 18 schools were awarded, with an impressive 13 achieving Platinum 2 status. Five Glencore-supported schools were recognised with Bronze Awards, while six additional schools marked the beginning of their Eco-Schools journey at the participation level. Free State: In collaboration with the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, WESSA recognised an impressive 120 schools for their environmental achievements and community engagement. Among these, Zamaleka Primary School secured the prestigious Diamond Award, while Retshedisitswe Secondary School was honoured with a Gold Award, reflecting deep-rooted commitments to sustainability. In collaboration with the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, WESSA recognised an impressive 120 schools for their environmental achievements and community engagement. Among these, Zamaleka Primary School secured the prestigious Diamond Award, while Retshedisitswe Secondary School was honoured with a Gold Award, reflecting deep-rooted commitments to sustainability. KwaZulu-Natal: The province honoured 46 schools, with ten receiving Green Flag awards. A highlight was the Strelitzia Award presented to The Birches Pre-Primary and Epworth School for over two decades of dedication to the Eco-Schools programme. Young environmental advocate Romario Valentine inspired attendees with a keynote address urging collective responsibility for nature. The province honoured 46 schools, with ten receiving Green Flag awards. A highlight was the Strelitzia Award presented to The Birches Pre-Primary and Epworth School for over two decades of dedication to the Eco-Schools programme. Young environmental advocate Romario Valentine inspired attendees with a keynote address urging collective responsibility for nature. Gauteng: Acknowledging 76 schools, including 42 from the ADvTECH Group and six Sun International Eco-Schools—all awarded Green Flags. YERA participant Khonaye Gcaza delivered an impassioned speech detailing her journey from Eco-Club founder to national youth advocate, spotlighting her innovative green roof prototype. Acknowledging 76 schools, including 42 from the ADvTECH Group and six Sun International Eco-Schools—all awarded Green Flags. YERA participant Khonaye Gcaza delivered an impassioned speech detailing her journey from Eco-Club founder to national youth advocate, spotlighting her innovative green roof prototype. Eastern Cape: Kabega Primary School was awarded the WESSA Group Award for its extensive contributions to local conservation projects and clean-ups. Nineteen schools were recognised in the province, with specific commendations for maintaining their environmental commitment over the last decade. Kabega Primary School was awarded the WESSA Group Award for its extensive contributions to local conservation projects and clean-ups. Nineteen schools were recognised in the province, with specific commendations for maintaining their environmental commitment over the last decade. Limpopo: Sixteen schools were honoured, with 6 achieving Green Flag status. Notable achievements included Maribe Primary School receiving the Diamond Award for its exceptional engagement in environmental education. The WESSA Eco-Schools Programme, part of a global initiative active in 101 countries, promotes a transformational approach in schools by integrating sustainability deeply into the curriculum and school culture. Supported by the South African government and various private sector partners, WESSA's efforts contribute significantly to tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and equipping youth with the skills necessary to lead future environmental initiatives.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Glasgow primary school praised for its environmental efforts
A Glasgow primary school has been recognised for its environmental efforts. Hillhead Primary School was visited by Keep Scotland Beautiful to celebrate its achievements in the international environmental Eco-Schools programme. The visit was part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment programmes. Keep Scotland Beautiful hosted an online assembly, organised live lessons, and set celebration challenges to mark the milestone. Schools that have reached a significant milestone were visited to acknowledge their success. Hillhead Primary School was presented with a Commendation for Learning for Sustainability, a key outcome of the Climate Action Schools initiative. Barry Fisher, chief executive officer of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: "This year we celebrate 30 years of schools making an environmental difference through Eco-Schools. "It's great that we were able to visit Hillhead Primary School to present a certificate of achievement and to hear from the children, young people and educators about their inspiring action and commitment to improving our environment. "For the past 30 years we have loved hearing about the remarkable achievements of our young people and the development of learning for sustainability across the world, and we look forward to continuing to provide support through our Climate Action Schools framework."
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PPG, PPG Foundation invested $18.4 million in communities worldwide in 2024
PITTSBURGH, February 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PPG (NYSE:PPG) and the PPG Foundation today announced that they invested $18.4 million worldwide in 2024, an increase of $900,000 over 2023. The 2024 funding supported more than 400 community partners and programs that focus on advancing education and delivering community sustainability while encouraging PPG employee volunteerism. "Around the world, PPG's 2024 community engagement investments aimed to inspire students and aspiring STEM leaders, beautify neighborhoods and give our employees meaningful ways to give back," said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. "We're focused on creating brighter communities, inspiring the future workforce and applying our employees' talents in ways that create tangible impacts." Highlights of the 2024 community engagement commitments include: $11.5 million to build the next generation of STEM leaders. PPG expanded its partnership with the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan to open Playlab, a unique educational space for young children. PPG entered a two-year partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to support the creation of materials including "Eco-Schools" handbooks, instructional videos, online courses and training materials for teachers. In Pittsburgh and Detroit, the PPG Foundation partnered with nonprofit Code/Art to expand access to computer science programs for girls that blend art and technology. In Sumaré, Brazil, PPG launched the third edition of "Girls in Tech," an initiative with nonprofit Casa Hacker to empower young women to pursue careers in technology. Progress toward our commitments. $1.2 million invested toward the $5 million commitment by 2030 to environmental sustainability education, supporting organizations such as the National Energy Education Development (NEED) in the U.S., Junior Uni Wuppertal's sustainability courses in Germany, and the Attitude for the Planet program with Junior Achievement in Brazil. PPG completed its $2 million commitment by 2025 to future skilled worker training through organizations including the Bidwell Training Center's Chemical Laboratory Technician program in the U.S.; technical education program 42KL in Malaysia; donations of PPG LINQ™ innovative tools to vocational schools in Europe; and WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the world's largest vocational skills competition. $6.4 million to community sustainability and disaster relief. PPG and the PPG Foundation contributed to organizations supporting emergency relief, including the Red Cross, following natural disasters and extreme weather in the southeastern U.S. and across Europe. 58 COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® projects completed in 2024 in 27 countries. PPG's Colorful Communities program has now completed nearly 600 projects since 2015. More than 30,300 PPG employee and community volunteers have positively impacted over 10.2 million people in more than 50 countries. Throughout June, July and August 2024, the Colorful Communities program completed its third New Paint for a New Start initiative, transforming 90 schools into engaging environments for nearly 53,000 students and teachers from 2022 to 2024. Learn more about PPG and the PPG Foundation's investments in 2024. PPG's global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested $18.4 million in 2024, supporting hundreds of organizations across more than 30 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow tomorrow's STEM innovators and skilled workforce in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more here. PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers' biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit PPG LINQ is a trademark and Colorful Communities, the PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. CATEGORY Community Affairs View source version on Contacts PPG Media Contact: Mark SilveyCorporate Communications+1 412 434 3046silvey@ Sign in to access your portfolio