Special mention: Fundisa for Change

“Because of the reality of climate change we felt there was a new kind of urgency that is needed to enhance transformative environmental learning,” says Shanu Misser, national co-ordinator of Fundisa for Change, a collaborative programme formed specifically to enhance transformative environmental learning through teacher education.

Since inception in 2010, just under 800 participants, including 534 teachers, have taken part in nine modules in all the nine South African provinces. They have gained experience in the topics of water, climate change, biodiversity, indigenous knowledge and healthy living. In the long term, the possibility exists that 100 000 teachers in South Africa can participate.

“Fundisa for Change represents a community of practice, working together within a sector-based approach to contribute to the professional learning of teachers,” continues Misser.

“Environmental sector partners and higher education institutions contribute to conceptual guidance, development of materials, training of trainers, evaluation and research.

“The diversity of these partners and institutions provide relevant environmental sector networking support and environmental content knowledge, strengthening quality education and learning.

“This is a unique programme and approach as it is the only national level teacher educator programme available in South Africa which focuses on the environment and sustainability content in the South African curriculum.” At the moment, teachers who do the modules get points towards their Continuous Professional Development requirements.

Fundisa is working towards having its courses integrated into the teaching courses at local universities, so teachers start with environment training abilities straight away.

“The key is about developing knowledgeable teachers who can develop knowledgeable children who can effect real change,” says Misser.