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Schools-Environment Program

The Schools-Environment Program is a key component of Backyard Farmers' Green-Schools Initiative, designed to connect learners with the natural world through immersive environmental education and outdoor learning experiences. By taking education beyond the classroom, the program provides learners with meaningful opportunities to explore nature reserves, botanical gardens, protected areas, environmental centres, and other ecologically significant spaces where they can experience the environment firsthand.

The program encourages learners to observe, question, and understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems while developing a deep appreciation for biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable living. Through guided educational excursions, interactive activities, and hands-on environmental experiences, learners gain practical knowledge that complements the school curriculum and inspires them to become responsible custodians of the environment.

Our goal is to cultivate environmentally conscious citizens who understand that protecting nature is not only a global responsibility but also a local one. By creating memorable experiences in nature, we foster curiosity, critical thinking, environmental leadership, and a lifelong commitment to sustainability.

Why We Need the Schools-Environment Program

Many young people grow up with limited opportunities to experience natural ecosystems, despite living in a country rich in biodiversity. As urbanisation, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss continue to threaten the environment, it is increasingly important to reconnect learners with nature and empower them with the knowledge and values needed to protect it.

The Schools-Environment Program addresses these challenges by:

  • Delivering hands-on environmental education through guided time outdoors.
  • Building learners' understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems, and wildlife conservation.
  • Helping learners grasp the causes and effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
  • Nurturing environmental stewardship and responsible decision-making from a young age.
  • Reinforcing curriculum-based learning through practical, real-world experiences.
  • Growing appreciation for South Africa's natural heritage and protected areas.
  • Empowering learners to become environmental ambassadors in their schools, families, and communities.

    • By allowing learners to experience nature directly, the program transforms environmental education from theory into meaningful action, inspiring a generation that values and protects the natural world.

    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    The Schools-Environment Program contributes directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

  • SDG 4 – Quality Education: Deepening environmental literacy through experiential learning that complements what's taught in the classroom.
  • SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Encouraging communities to value, protect, and grow their green spaces.
  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Instilling responsible environmental practices and sustainable lifestyle choices.
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action: Building climate awareness while equipping learners to take practical environmental action.
  • SDG 15 – Life on Land: Supporting biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, and the responsible management of natural resources.
  • SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Forging partnerships with schools, conservation organisations, government institutions, environmental centres, and community stakeholders to widen access to environmental education.

    • Through the Schools-Environment Program, Backyard Farmers is inspiring learners to see nature not simply as a place to visit, but as a shared heritage to understand, protect, and restore. By nurturing curiosity, respect, and environmental responsibility, we are helping shape a generation equipped to lead the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

    2025 Commemoration of International Day for Biological Diversity in partnership with the City of Tshwane, Petco, Pick n Pay Schools Club.

    2024 Commemoration of International Day for Biological Diversity in partnership with the City of Tshwane

    Excursion to South African National Biodiversity Institute