More than 100 young change-makers collected over 173kg of litter and gave Save a Fishie Schools Eco Challenge a proper send-off!
Cape Town, South Africa (23 June 2026) – Twenty-six Cape Town schools spent months collecting, cleaning, building, and campaigning for their environment. Last week, champions were crowned!
The Save a Fishie Schools Eco Challenge wrapped up with a beach clean-up and awards ceremony at Lagoon Beach in Milnerton. Over 100 volunteers showed up, removing 173kg of litter from the coastline.
School eco teams arrived with their flags flying, big smiles, and their recycling monsters in tow!
“The weather was absolutely beautiful, and the energy was contagious from the moment the schools arrived. The excitement and enthusiasm from the learners was incredible to see,” the organisation shared.
The challenge, which ran from March to June, was designed to teach learners about pollution, waste reduction, recycling, water conservation, and the protection of natural ecosystems.
It put each participating group to work with community clean-ups, recycling drives, water conservation campaigns, and environmental education projects. It also challenged them to create ‘Recycling Monsters’ made from reclaimed materials
“Out of 26 participating schools, the competition was fierce and the excitement was amazing as the winners were announced.”
In first place, Liebenberg Primary School took top honours, followed by Laerskool Durbanville Primary School in second. In third and fourth place came Rallim Pre, Prep and Secondary School and Kenridge Primary School. Bay Primary School claimed its spot as fifth on the list.
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“There were cheers, celebrations, and even a few tears of joy from some of the learners. Seeing just how much this meant to them made every moment of this campaign worthwhile.”
The challenge, which reached hundreds of learners across the Mother City, was made possible through grant funding from the City of Cape Town.
Over the coming weeks, Save a Fishie will be sharing stories from the schools and the projects that came out of the programme – keep an eye on the organisation’s socials!
The next chapter is already on the way too.
“Keep an eye on our page for the announcement of the next chapter of the Save a Fishie Eco Challenge – the Guides & Scouts Edition!”
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