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20 Years of Change

January 6, 2025

Celebrating two decades of Eco Children 

Eco Children originated as an initiative by the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) aimed at educating and enhancing the lives of children whose parents work at KPNR through holiday 'bush' workshops. These sessions were crafted to help children appreciate wildlife and foster a generation of nature advocates for the future. 



As we commemorate 20 years of Eco Children, it's important to reflect on the remarkable journey that started with a straightforward concept: enriching the lives of children linked to the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR). This initiative has grown into a transformative presence in South Africa, demonstrating that empowering youth can create lasting impacts on both the environment and local communities. 


The vision of Eco Children swiftly extended beyond the KPNR. Today, we proudly support nine Primary Schools in neighbouring towns and villages, benefiting a total of 5,347 children. While we've made significant strides, our mission remains unchanged: We empower the children in rural Mpumalanga and Limpopo by developing their capacity to flourish and become catalysts of positive change in their families and communities. 


We sow seeds of change by creating an environment conducive to learning, increasing their awareness of conservation; improving the quality of their education; and providing opportunities for talented learners. 

By weaving nature-based learning into the curriculum, children gain a richer understanding of their natural surroundings. This method not only elevates their educational journey but also empowers them to actively engage in conservation efforts. 


It's important to recognize that many children benefiting from Eco Children come from some of the most disadvantaged areas. By fostering a relationship between these communities and their natural heritage, we address educational disparities and economic challenges. As these children learn about conservation, they also acquire valuable skills that can lead to improved opportunities for themselves and their communities. 


Reflecting on the last two decades, we celebrate not only the milestones reached but the innumerable individual stories of growth, awareness, and passion ignited among the children. Each workshop, project, and school partnership has contributed to shaping the future of these young minds. 


As we continue to expand, we eagerly anticipate new partnerships and innovative programmes that will extend our reach and deepen our impact. We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to engage with nature and acquire the skills needed for its preservation. Our goal is to alleviate the challenges of poverty by providing access to quality education. 


Thank you for being an integral part of this incredible journey. Here's to many more years of empowering young minds and making a positive impact in our world. Together, let's ensure that the next generation inherits a planet that is not just preserved but thriving. 



Your support is invaluable, and together, we can continue to nurture a lifelong love for the environment. 


IMPACT

Our numbers

36,841

Books in 7 Libraries

5000+

School Uniforms Donated

355

Keyhole Gardens Established

58

Holiday Workshops

19

Winner's Excursions Held

60

Publications

Eco Village Sign

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By Mandie Gericke April 11, 2025
At Eco Children, we’ve always believed that education and environment go hand in hand. That belief comes to life in our school gardens — vibrant, living classrooms where children are not just learning to plant food, but growing confidence, knowledge, and a deep connection to the land. 🌱 Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability Each garden starts with a patch of soil and a whole lot of hope. Through our garden program, we partner with schools to establish productive vegetable gardens that are cared for by the learners themselves, alongside their teachers and community members. The goal? To promote food security, environmental education, and hands-on learning — all while supporting the nutritional needs of learners. From composting and water-wise gardening to understanding the life cycle of a plant, children don’t just read about these things — they live them. 🍅 More Than Meals: A Lesson in Life Yes, these gardens help supplement school feeding schemes with fresh, healthy produce like cabbage, carrots, and beets. But the true impact goes far beyond the plate. Learners gain: • Skills in agriculture and teamwork • Pride in nurturing something from seed to harvest • Respect for the environment and sustainable living • Knowledge, they take home, sharing what they learn with their families 👨🏾‍🌾 A Whole Community Grows The ripple effects are incredible. Parents become involved. Community members volunteer. And soon, the garden becomes a space where everyone learns and contributes. In some schools, surplus produce from the gardens is sold to support school needs or reinvested into expanding the project — a small but mighty example of community-led development. 🌍 Growing Hope, One Seed at a Time In a region where challenges like poverty, food insecurity, and climate change are very real, these gardens are a quiet revolution. They teach our children that change doesn’t always come from far away — sometimes, it starts with your hands in the dirt and a seed of an idea. So yes — we’re growing vegetables. But more importantly, we’re growing leaders, caretakers, and changemakers for tomorrow.
By Mandie Gericke April 7, 2025
At Eco Children, we believe in recognizing the individuals who go the extra mile to uplift communities, inspire young minds, and protect our planet. This March, we are incredibly proud to shine the spotlight on Tsoseletso Chiloane, our Employee of the Month, whose unwavering dedication and passion embody everything we stand for. Tsoseletso joined the Eco Children family in early 2021, and since then, she has been a powerful force for change. Serving as both Environmental Educator and Librarian at Tshokolo Primary School, she brings creativity, enthusiasm, and purpose to everything she does. Whether she's leading engaging lessons on environmental conservation or sparking a love of reading in her students, Tsoseletso always goes above and beyond. Her innovative teaching methods and ability to connect with learners have not only made education fun but have also planted seeds of curiosity and care for the world around them. What sets Tsoseletso apart is her deep commitment to both education and the environment—a dual passion that makes a lasting impact. Her work empowers the next generation to think critically, dream boldly, and act responsibly. She reminds us that great teachers don’t just teach—they inspire, empower, and shape the future. Tsoseletso, your hard work, passion, and positive spirit do not go unnoticed. Thank you for making a difference every single day. We are truly lucky to have you as part of the Eco Children team!
March 12, 2025
We're thrilled to announce Lorraine as our Employee of the Month for February! Her outstanding performance, steadfast commitment, and cheerful demeanor have truly shone, making her an invaluable member of the Eco Children team. Currently serving as an Environmental Educator at Powerline Primary School, she engages with about 120 students every day, whether in the Eco Village or the classroom – she truly excels! Her commitment to fostering young minds and instilling a passion for learning is evident. Lorraine's enthusiasm for environmental education shines through in every lesson she conducts, inspiring her students to care for the planet and embrace sustainable practices. Lorraine's innovative teaching methods and ability to engage her students have not only enhanced their learning experience but also fostered a genuine interest in environmental stewardship. Her colleagues describe her as a team player who is always willing to lend a hand and share her wealth of knowledge. We are incredibly proud to have Lorraine as part of our team and grateful for her contributions to our mission. Congratulations, Lorraine, on this well-deserved recognition! Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you for being such an inspiration to us all. “Success blooms where passion and hard work meet.”
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