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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June 30, 2025
At Eco Children, we believe in the power of passionate individuals to plant seeds of change — in our environment, in our classrooms, and in our communities. That’s why we are proud to shine a spotlight on someone who embodies all those values and more: Patrick Ndlovu, our Employee of the Month for June. Patrick serves as an Environmental Educator at Mahlathi Primary School, where he plays an instrumental role in educating and inspiring the next generation of eco-conscious leaders. With a calm, humble presence and a deep-rooted commitment to environmental awareness, Patrick is more than just a teacher — he is a mentor, a role model, and a steward of positive change.
June 23, 2025
At Eco Children, we believe that true change is nurtured through connection, compassion, and collaboration. We had the immense honour of welcoming TELUS to Makwetse Primary School—a visit that left a lasting impression not only on our learners and staff, but on everyone who took part. Close to 200 guests from TELUS arrived at the school, greeted by eager learners and a sense of excitement that buzzed through the air. What followed was a morning full of hands-on, purposeful activity that reflected TELUS’s deep commitment to giving back and creating lasting impact in the communities they visit. The day began with environmental projects that are close to our hearts. TELUS volunteers eagerly joined our learners in planting trees and seedlings, laying down roots that will one day provide shade, nourishment, and a symbol of the growth we aim to inspire through our programmes. With care and dedication, they also helped paint and refurbish our keyhole gardens, breathing new life into these vital spaces that serve as educational and nutritional resources for our school. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the visit was the way TELUS volunteers connected with our Grade R learners through fun, engaging, and interactive activities. Storytelling, games, and creative play filled the air with laughter and learning, demonstrating the value of human connection across generations and cultures. As the day continued, the atmosphere shifted to the school field for a spirited soccer match—a highlight for many learners and guests alike. The game brought together students, staff, and TELUS volunteers in a shared moment of joy, teamwork, and camaraderie. It was more than just a game; it was a celebration of community, togetherness, and mutual respect. The generosity of the TELUS team extended beyond their time and effort. In a touching gesture, each learner at Makwetse Primary received an individual goodie bag, filled with thoughtful items that brought smiles to young faces and created a sense of being seen and valued. Moreover, TELUS made a significant financial contribution of $5,000 to Eco Children. This generous donation will go a long way in supporting our ongoing work in environmental education, early childhood development, and community upliftment. We are incredibly grateful for this investment in our shared vision of a brighter, greener future. We would also like to extend our deepest thanks to Kapama Private Game Reserve, who not only hosted the TELUS group during their stay but also played a crucial role in facilitating their visit to Makwetse Primary School. Their ongoing partnership and unwavering support continue to make opportunities like this possible. We are proud to work alongside such dedicated collaborators who share our values and commitment to lasting impact. As we reflect on this unforgettable day, we are filled with gratitude—for the time, energy, and generosity of the TELUS team; for the support of Kapama; and for the joy and curiosity of our learners, who continue to inspire us every day. At Eco Children, we know that transformation doesn't happen in isolation. It is through partnerships, shared values, and collective action that we are able to plant the seeds of change—both literally and figuratively.
June 17, 2025
At Eco Children, we offer a unique opportunity to enrich your travel experience while making a real difference. Our Community Tours invite you to witness firsthand the impact of education, conservation, and community development in action—and to play a part in it. We currently work with nine primary schools, impacting over 5,000 learners from Grade R to Grade 7. Through our programmes, we improve school infrastructure, introduce innovative educational resources, and promote sustainable living—all while encouraging a deep appreciation for the natural world.
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