An Evaluation of the Effect of the Fynbos for the Future Programme on Learners Environmental Attitudes at Three Schools in the Western Cape

Abstract

This paper explores the influence of Greenpop's “Fynbos for the Future” Environmental Education (EE) programme on learner's knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards the environment. Although there is vast research on environmental importance and EE programmes specifically, there is very little within the context of South African learners from lower socio-economic areas. Therefore, programme characteristics associated with the most beneficial personal and environmental outcomes are investigated. This study utilised mixed methods and various measures to explore the effect of EE on learners between the ages of 9 and 13, from three schools in the Western Cape. The primary conclusions of the study were that environmental education programmes within this context elicit promising results, such as increased positive attitudes towards and greater awareness of the importance of the environment. However, to facilitate this result, various factors needed to be considered, including consistency, contexts and traditional knowledge systems. This paper further examined the complexity of EE and how various organisations can help play a role in shaping environmental futures - in South Africa and globally. Various recommendations are discussed, some of which include ensuring a greater emphasis on understanding environmental literacy and understandings within specific contexts, as well as putting a greater emphasis on the importance of the influence of teachers on the outcomes. Ultimately, EE programmes play an invaluable role in shaping the future of environmental sustainability and human well-being.