Sun International Celebrates Global Recognition for Educator Driving Change Through Eco-Schools Programme

As part of a three-year partnership with Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) – which concludes in August 2025 – the Sun International Eco-Schools project significantly advanced environmental education around the country and specifically at four schools in Gauteng—Moduopo Primary, Ipontshe Primary, Ekukhanyisweni Primary, and Tembisa School of Specialisation—reaching over 280 students and 23 teachers through hands-on environmental learning.

Teachers were equipped with innovative teaching tools during two themed workshops designed to align biodiversity education with the national curriculum. The journey of excellence was celebrated at the WESSA Schools Awards, where Moduopo Primary School was proudly awarded their Platinum 2 award for 7 years on environmental excellence. A standout moment was the recognition of Christina Lephalala from Moduopo Primary School, who was honoured as the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) Teacher of the Year—an esteemed global award celebrating educators who show outstanding dedication to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Christina received this prestigious accolade at the FEE Education Awards ceremony.

“One’s environment is the best teacher. We need to conserve as much of our nature as possible so our children will have the best opportunity of learning,” said Lephalala, the school’s passionate Grade 7 teacher and environmental coordinator.

Lephalala will now serve as a national ambassador, sharing her experience and inspiring educators across South Africa and beyond to green their schools and empower learners as environmental leaders.

At Moduopo Primary School in Tembisa, environmental education is more than a classroom subject—it’s a way of life, and through Lephalala’s dedication, the school has become a shining example of how education can empower young people to become custodians of their environment. With the full backing of school leadership, Lephalala championed the integration of environmental goals into the school’s improvement plan, aligning with the Eco-Schools 7-Step Framework to formalise the adoption of a local wetland as a long-term sustainability project.

“This is more than just a school project, it is about giving our learners real-world experiences that empower them to protect their future. They are no longer just students but environmental leaders, and this wetland is their legacy,” said Lephalala.

Through the Eco-Schools Programme and Lephalala’s leadership, Moduopo Primary is transforming its grounds and its learners into champions of a greener future. These young eco-stewards are proving that with the right tools and guidance, meaningful climate action can start right in the classroom. By integrating subjects like science, geography, and life skills with hands-on conservation work, the school is making learning real, action-oriented, and rooted in local context.

This initiative exemplifies the goals of the Sun International Eco-Schools project, which supports schools in developing sustainable, curriculum-linked projects that address local environmental issues.

“We are incredibly proud to recognise Mrs Lephalala for her dedication, creativity, and impact in advancing environmental learning. Her work exemplifies the heart of Education for Sustainable Development,” said Olivia Copsey, Director of Education at FEE.

Says Heidi Edson, Sun International’s Group SED Specialist: “As Sun International we would like to congratulate Mrs Lephalala on this outstanding achievement! We are inspired by the dedication to environmental education and sustainability. As a corporate committed to a greener future, we are proud to celebrate educators like Mrs Lephalala who are shaping responsible, eco-conscious leaders of tomorrow."

This story of Moduopo Primary School stands as a beacon of what is possible when passionate teachers, engaged learners, and community stakeholders unite for a common cause. It shows that through education, restoration, and youth leadership, it truly is possible to restore hope.

In addition to the accolade, Sun International hotel, The Maslow Sandton treated Lephalala to a scrumptious lunch and a stay in four-star luxury.

Read more about the FEE Teacher awards here https://www.fee.global/teacher-award