Cultivating Environmental Responsibility: a Journey Towards Sustainability

Originally established in 1935 to serve Afrikaans-speaking residents, Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimêr became Johannesburg’s first Afrikaans private school in 1993.

Over the years, the school has not only grown in size but also in its commitment to environmental awareness and action and has taken great strides in its eco-awareness programme. Surrounded by the leafy green suburb of Parkview, the school experiences both the beauty and challenges of urban living thanks to its proximity to the Johannesburg Zoo and Zoo Lake.

Central to our school’s mission is its Eco-Ambassador reward programme, launched in 2023, which engages students from play school to primary school. The primary school learners are enrolled in a tiered system (white, yellow and green levels) aimed at instilling an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Our involvement in the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) Eco Schools project for the past five years has led to the initiation of several projects.

The Eco-Ambassadors programme includes initiatives such as litter collection, eco-brick making, plastic bottle top collections, water-wise gardening and educational excursions to Starke Ayres, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Kloofendal Nature Reserve, the Johannesburg Zoo, Happy Yappers sanctuary, Sereti Coal Mine, van Gaalen Cheese Farm and Deltapark Environmental Centre.

Together, these programmes foster hands-on experiences that deepen students’ connection to nature and sustainability. These efforts are complemented by the WESSA themes (waste, biodiversity and nature, climate change, water, and health and wellbeing), which have been incorporated into the curriculum, enriching students’ understanding of their role in environmental care.

Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimêr was awarded the golden award from WESSA for continuous, well-organised eco-efforts in 2023.

Central to Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimêr is the eco-ambassdor programme.

Business and community partnerships

The school’s efforts extend beyond its walls, fostering partnerships with local businesses (Paintfellas, Douglasdale Dairy and E-waste Recycling City (Pty) Ltd), parents and community organisations (Parkview Residents’ Association, Khensani School project in Diepsloot and Tops & Tags for Wheelchairs).

The community has added to our efforts by making eco-bricks, donating paint, dog food, milk, trees and e-waste to benefit Khensani’s Collection project, Happy Yappers dog sanctuary and Rhino Connect.

The school board sponsored a cleanup of nearby Zoo Lake that promoted social responsibility and community involvement. Events held on Mandela Day and Heritage Day not only celebrate cultural heritage but also serve as platforms for charitable activities, such as donations to Rhino Connect.

These initiatives not only benefit the community but also enhance students’ understanding of civic responsibility and compassion. The programme also gives learners the opportunity to earn points for their houses when taking part in eco-activities, fostering a healthy competitive spirit for the greater good.

A termly market day is held to promote entrepreneurship among the learners. In 2024, an eco-stall was introduced at the market. Several items were made and sold at the market: small spekboom plants, dog toys (made from old t-shirts gathered during the year), fashion bags (made from recycled plastic) and cards made from recycled paper. The profit made by the stall was donated to Happy Yappers and Rhino Connect.

Water responsibility

Pupils from Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimêr use the hippo roller.Recognising South Africa’s water scarcity challenges, Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimêr implemented the ‘Every Drop Counts’ project in 2023. The project aimed to educate students on efficient handwashing techniques, water-wise gardening, and the importance of water stewardship, conservation and accessibility among its learners and community.

The highlight was the Hippo Roller Day, where students participated enthusiastically in activities such as relay races, which helped them understand the need for efficient water transport in communities without easy access.

The executive director of Imvubu Projects, Grant Gibbs, and his son Ryan Gibbs (in collaboration with Hippo-Roller South Africa) visited the school on our Hippo-Roller Day. The company strives to distribute 12 000 Hippo Rollers every month for 10 years.

The school has committed to being part of their vision. Funds were established to support families fetching water from distant sources, and donations from parents and the community contributed to the donation of three Hippo Rollers.

Two funds were established: one for the families of our workers who live in rural areas and need to carry water from a well to their homes, and another for parents and the community that want to order Hippo Rollers for their own use or for employees’ families.

Eco-ambassadors

Every year, a Grade 6 boy and girl are afforded the opportunity to represent our school as eco-ambassadors in the Makuleke conservation area. Clive Thompson, in collaboration with Discovery Trails, offers young nature lovers the opportunity to explore the northern part of the Kruger National Park on foot for a week with master field guides.

Only very active members of the school’s eco-ambassador programme are eligible to represent the school. A committee consisting of three adults and two previous eco-ambassadors interviews each candidate to thoroughly test their knowledge of nature. This incredible opportunity serves as motivation for younger learners to become actively involved in the school’s nature conservation projects.

Each year, the school’s top eco-ambassador is given special recognition at the annual prize giving. This award is given to a learner who took part in all our eco-ambassador activities and proved to be an enthusiastic, compassionate nature lover. This prize is as important to Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimêr as academic, cultural and sporting achievements.

Pupils from Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimêr at the Zoo Lake cleanup

Looking ahead

Despite its successes, our school faces ongoing challenges, including maintaining student engagement and securing sustained community support. Issues such as municipal service reliability and logistical hurdles in managing a large school property underscore the complexities of sustainable practices in an urban environment.

Looking ahead, the school plans to expand its initiatives, improve infrastructure for waste management, and enhance educational programmes on biodiversity and environmental conservation, including supporting Rhino Connect and Happy Yappers dog sanctuary. Future goals include improving public awareness of the Hippo Roller project and conducting thorough water audits to optimise conservation efforts.

Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimêr exemplifies how a school can become a catalyst for environmental change within its community by embedding sustainability into its curriculum and extracurricular activities.

Our school’s journey highlights the transformative power of education and community engagement in fostering a sustainable future.