Treffer: Evaluating the Implementation of Environmental Education and Waste Awareness in Pinetown District Schools, eThekwini Municipality, South Africa

This paper evaluated the implementation of environmental education and waste awareness into the curriculum in secondary schools in Pinetown District, eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. The larger research study employed a quantitative research method based on a conceptual design to gather data. In total, 437 learners participated in the study with the permission of the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal, and their parents. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from Grade 9 and Grade 12 learners, who were questioned about their level of awareness, knowledge, attitudes and practices. The data were organised, coded, processed and analysed attentively, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 29 for this purpose. The findings revealed that the mandate set by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and the Department of Basic Education, to include environmental education in the curriculum was partially implemented, as learners were aware of various environmental concepts such as "waste", "waste management" and "environmental education". The findings also revealed that subjects such as Life Orientation, Geography and Natural Science in grades 9 and 12 have integrated environmental-impact topics. The researchers uncovered a failure to attend, become involved in, and participate in environmental awareness and waste management initiatives organised by the school or local authorities. The study advises that the Department of Education develop policy guidelines for teaching environmental education, integrate environmental learning outcomes in syllabi, and provide teacher training.

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