The Save a Fishie Schools Eco Challenge came to a vibrant close last weekend, as learners from across Cape Town gathered for a final beach clean-up and awards ceremony marking the end of months of environmental learning, action and friendly competition.

The initiative, which combined hands-on education with environmental awareness and teamwork, ended on a high note as schools reflected on their achievements and the impact of their efforts.

Sunshine, school pride and coastal action

Under clear skies and warm conditions, participating schools arrived at the coastline proudly carrying flags, with many showcasing their handmade “recycling monsters” created during the programme.

The atmosphere was energetic and celebratory, with excitement building up as more than 100 volunteers prepared to take part in the final clean-up effort.

Together, volunteers removed 173 kg of litter from the beach.

While much of the waste consisted of small plastic fragments, organisers stressed that every item collected played a role in reducing harm to marine ecosystems.

“Every item removed was one less piece that could harm our environment,” said Save a Fishie founder Zoë Prinsloo.

After the clean-up, participants gathered for a large group photograph before heading into the awards ceremony.

Schools recognised for environmental achievement

For the 26 participating schools, the competition throughout the challenge remained intense, with learners constantly demonstrating commitment to environmental action.

Final results:

• 5th Place: Bay Primary School

• 4th Place: Kenridge Primary School

• 3rd Place (R5 000): Rallim Pre I Prep I Secondary

• 2nd Place (R10 000): Laerskool Durbanville Primary School

• 1st Place (R20 000): Liebenberg Primary School

All participating schools received certificates and handcrafted wooden medals in recognition of their efforts throughout the programme.

Emotional celebrations at awards ceremony

The awards ceremony was marked by loud cheers, celebrations and emotional moments as learners reflected on months of teamwork and environmental learning.

Organisers said the response from learners highlighted how meaningful the initiative had been.

“It was incredible to see how much it meant to the learners,” said Save a Fishie founder Zoë Prinsloo.

“The energy, the pride, even the tears of joy showed just how powerful this journey had been.”

Organisers thanked volunteers, including members of the Junior City Council, as well as Robyn, Dominique and Dylan, who assisted on the day.

Appreciation was also extended to Woolworths and aQuellé for providing refreshments and to photographer Uhla Barlow Photography for capturing the event.

The City of Cape Town was also thanked for its funding and support, which made the programme possible at scale.

Impact to continue beyond final event

Although the beach clean-up marked the conclusion of this year’s challenge, Save a Fishie said the impact of the programme would continue to be shared through upcoming features on participating schools and their environmental projects.

Attention then shifted to the next phase of the initiative, as Save a Fishie prepared to launch its Guides & Scouts Eco Challenge Edition.

Turning awareness into action

Participating schools formed Eco Teams of 20 learners who completed a series of practical challenges designed to create measurable environmental impact within their schools and surrounding communities.

The programme moved beyond theory and placed learners at the centre of real-world environmental action.

Activities included school and community clean-ups, recycling drives, water conservation awareness campaigns, environmental education projects and creative reuse tasks such as “recycling monster” builds.

“These hands-on activities aimed to inspire long-term behaviour change among learners, their families and broader school communities,” said Save a Fishie founder Zoë Prinsloo.

Building future environmental leaders

The campaign aimed to involve up to 50 schools, directly reaching more than 1 000 learners and indirectly impacting thousands more.

“When young people saw the impact of their actions and realised they could be part of the solution, lasting change began,” said Prinsloo.

She added that support from the City of Cape Town had been crucial in expanding the reach of the programme.

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