Lilyfontein – Two Decades as an Eco School

Lilyfontein is proud to have been an Eco-School since 2006, with eco-friendly values deeply woven into our school culture. Surrounded by indigenous gardens and farmland, we offer a learning environment that inspires care for the planet and encourages sustainable living every day.

One of the long-standing achievements that we are truly proud of is being the winners of the #Call2Action Schools Recycling Award for collecting the most waste in Buffalo City—thanks to our strong recycling programme led by our Eco Department. This is no small accomplishment for a small school. The next chapter of this success is to help our neighbouring schools do the same. 

Every year, the whole school takes part in a themed action project that helps build and improve our eco-campus. Past projects have included building our recycling centre, creating eco-brick walls for our outdoor classroom, expanding our permaculture garden, and labelling indigenous trees across the campus.

Our permaculture programme is a highlight of the Primary School. Learners in Grades 1–6 have weekly lessons in our food garden where they learn to grow their own vegetables using organic, sustainable methods. It’s hands-on learning that teaches teamwork, responsibility, and a deep connection to nature.