What if the secret to cleaner oceans and greener parks started right in your school hallway? Save a Fishie is inviting primary schools across Cape Town to take part in a hands-on environmental education programme designed to teach learners about pollution and how to manage it.
Cape Town, South Africa (18 February 2026) – Save a Fishie, known for its ongoing commitment to keeping the beaches of Cape Town clean through regular cleanups, is excited to announce its latest initiative!
The 2026 Schools Eco Challenge & Environmental Awareness Campaign will soon inspire and educate young minds by rolling out in local primary schools.
Running from March to June 2026, this initiative is made possible by grant funding from the City of Cape Town. Primary Schools across the city are invited to participate in a hands-on environmental education programme designed to teach learners about pollution, waste reduction, recycling, water conservation, and the protection of natural ecosystems.
How it Works
Participating schools will form Eco Teams of 20 learners who will complete a series of practical challenges aimed at creating real environmental impact within their schools and surrounding communities.
Through action-based learning, learners will explore how everyday choices affect streets, parks, rivers and oceans – and how positive behaviour changes can prevent pollution before it occurs.
Activities will include:
- School and community clean-ups
- Recycling and waste reduction initiatives
- Water conservation awareness campaigns
- Environmental education projects
- Creative “Recycling Monster” builds made from reclaimed materials
Inspiring Active Environmental Leaders
The campaign focuses on empowering young people to become environmental leaders by turning knowledge into action. Rather than only learning about environmental problems, learners actively participate in solutions and inspire behaviour change among peers, families and their wider communities.
At the end of the three-month programme, participating teams will present their projects for judging. The top three schools will receive prizes of R20,000, R10,000 and R5,000 to support further sustainability initiatives, along with recognition awards for team members.
“This project is about giving learners the opportunity to understand pollution in a real-world way,” says Zoe Prinsloo, Founder of Save a Fishie.
“When young people see the impact of their actions and realise they can be part of the solution, lasting change begins. Thanks to the City of Cape Town’s support, we can reach more schools and empower more future environmental custodians.”
The programme aims to engage up to 50 schools, directly involving over 1,000 learners and indirectly reaching thousands more through school communities and families.
Primary schools interested in participating can contact Save a Fishie at info@saveafishie.co.za for more information.
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