Abstract
M.A.
Peoples’ lives depend on the environment. Natural resources are vital for human survival. Human activity is degrading the environment and should, therefore, be managed. This is manifested in the environmental problems resulting from human activity. Soweto is one of those areas affected by environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, littering, the dumping of waste, a loss of bio-diversity, the depletion of natural resources, etc. Environmental awareness can be created through formal or informal education. As the first formal institution, the school can be used to create environmental awareness in children while they are still young, thus creating environmentally aware future citizens. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Department of Education try to promote environmental awareness through the school curriculum. The contribution of educators, as drivers of the curriculum, is of paramount importance.
This study investigates the impact of environmental education on learners’ environmental awareness levels, particularly among Grade 9 learners who are in their final year of the General Education and Training band (GET), compulsory education in selected Soweto schools. The study also assesses the attitudes of learners towards the environment and their knowledge of environmental issues.
Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used for the collection and analysis of data to assess the level of awareness among Grade 9 learners and educators in selected Soweto schools. Recommendations were made and conclusions drawn from the results of the study.
This study concluded that environmental knowledge of learners is good but their attitude and behaviour towards the environment shows clearly that there is a lack of application of knowledge gained at school. The educators need more training on environmental issues and teaching methods to ensure that the environmental education forces application.