Energy Efficiency schools programme
Eskom launched its Demand Side Management energy efficiency schools programme in 2002.
The programme is aimed at increasing awareness of Energy Efficiency issues in very practical ways that appeal to children. It also incorporates energy efficiency into the teachers’ lesson plans.
The key objective of the programme is to help create awareness of Energy Efficiency at an early age, giving learners the knowledge and skills to manage electricity use wisely. This will reduce household electricity costs, save electricity and reduce environmental impact.
Formal Energy Efficiency schools programme:
- Saving electricity means saving money.
- By saving electricity you help to save the environment.
- You can make a difference – every bit helps.
The grade 7 material was piloted in 30 Gauteng schools and then rolled out to a further 700 schools in 2003. A national rollout began in 2004.
This is supported by an informal schools programme comprising an energy audit guideline, which was piloted at intermediary and high school levels. It teaches learners how to do an energy audit and find solutions on reducing electricity consumption at home and at school. The process also assists them in reducing their carbon footprint.
The initial success of the programme was recognised when participating learners won the ETA award in the schools category in 2003.
Industrial theatre is one of the mediums used as an entertaining/interactive activity to introduce the various products, technologies and measures that can be used to reduce electricity consumption.
Energy Efficiency schools programme – materials:
- Energy Efficiency grade 7 teacher and learner guides (“counting the cost of energy”) click here to view the teachers guide & learners guide.
- Grade 8 and 9 teacher and learner guides have been developed and are under review and will be made available soon.
- Energy Efficiency Posters.
- Eskom Electricity generation brochures.
- An energy management and electricity audit guide, where learners can audit electricity usage at home and at their schools, and make recommendations on how to save electricity.
- Eskom Energy Efficiency Activity book.
Teacher training workshops: Teacher training workshops held in schools to train teachers in presenting and supporting the Energy Efficiency schools programme. Service and safety representative Visits: Electricity service and safety representatives are currently visiting schools to communicate electricity safety messages. Eskom Energy Efficiency CD/video material: These consist of children’s stories and songs, also a DVD on Eskom’s story. School visits to power station visitor centres and the MTN Science Centre: These are arranged for schools participating in Eskom’s schools programme to broaden the experience of learners and give them first-hand insights. Energy efficiency Stalls at Science Expos: These have been organised in Pretoria and KwaZulu-Natal. Partnerships with media: Youth radio and television channels will be pursued to create awareness of the energy efficiency schools programme and the issues that it covers. Competitions: An example is a competition for primary and secondary schools in Western Cape where learners can take part in different activities highlighting energy efficiency e.g. drawing a picture, preparing a speech, composing a song, drawing a detailed more advanced picture, building an energy efficient model house, and preparing and presenting a play. Energy Efficiency club: This is a long-term initiative – to establish an energy efficiency club with regular activities and communication, including newsletters, giveaways and community initiatives that learners can participate in. The DSM schools programme is co-ordinated by Ms Brigitte Morais
Her responsibilities involve:
- Overseeing the development of formal and informal DSM school programme material.
- Ensuring the successful implementation of the DSM school programme.
For fun activities and exercises in saving electricity:
How to calculate your appliance consumption
