LOGISTICAL SUPPORT 

Education on the Move

Area of intervention: Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve and beyond

Timeline: 2018 – Ongoing

Main funding Partner: Athénée Action Humanitaire

About the project

Since 2015, the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve has facilitated eco-educational programmes for communities, under-resourced schools, youth groups, and community-based NPOs. Early initiatives focused on outdoor learning through eco-educational hikes and camps. While impactful, these engagements highlighted the lack of hands-on, practical learning opportunities that allow youth and teachers alike to meaningfully engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects beyond the blackboard.

In response, the Education on the Move concept was born in 2018 and evolved into a fully equipped mobile educational trailer in 2021. This “classroom on wheels” delivers immersive, curriculum-aligned STEAM learning directly to schools and communities, removing geographic barriers to quality education. The STEAM program is developed in accordance with national education policies, promoting the integration of Education for Sustainable Development into formal and informal education systems. Facilitated by CWBR and implemented in collaboration with partner organisations, the programme combines stand-alone workshops with ongoing engagements that stimulate curiosity, critical thinking and environmental responsibility. Workshops include biodiversity exploration, digital microscopy, drone technology, water system evaluations and citizen science initiatives. Training educators and mentors ensures effective knowledge transfer and inspiration of long-term change. Establishing local sustainability action networks through partnerships with schools, NGOs and environmental organisations fosters a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility within diverse communities across the Western Cape province.

Objectives

The project aims to:

· Equip youth and educators with sustainability skills through practical curriculum-aligned experiences

· Foster curiosity, self-growth and environmental consciousness through experiential learning

· Inspire all sectors of society to co-develop relevant learning experiences which are relatable, equitable, and transformational

· Strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange across communities

· Develop an adaptable and scalable mobile education model that compliments the school curriculum

· Offer capacity-building workshops, career exposure and guidance for youth and young entrepreneurs

Project activities

· Facilitation of mobile Education on the Move workshops for schools and community groups, often in collaboration with eco-educational partners bringing additional activities

· Participation in local events and national environmental awareness days

· Implementation of a “train-the-trainers” model to support sustainability and local ownership

· Establishment of science clubs alongside dedicated teachers in non-fee public schools, youth groups, and after-school programmes, supported by a mobile science equipment library for in-class facilitators

· Collaboration with tertiary institutions, biosphere reserves and environmental NGOs to expand the reach of Education for Sustainable Development

Strengthening long-term impact

Through the Education on the Move project, CWBR offers access to eco-educational outings, visits to pristine nature reserves and opportunities for over-night camps and hikes, strengthening long-term wellbeing, connection to nature and experiential learning.

· 2024 - ongoing:
Bi-weekly in-class support for Grades 8 and 9 at Groendal Secondary School (Franschhoek)
Bi-weekly after-school Science Club in cooperation with a dedicated science teacher
Co-funded by Ruper Foundation

· August 2025 – February 2026:
Environmental education programme promoting the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. Co-funded through Junior Landcare

Networks

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