Celebrating Excellence: Meet our August Star Employee
October 1, 2025
This August, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Khutso, whose journey with us has been nothing short of inspiring.
Khutso’s story with Eco Children began as a dedicated volunteer, giving her time, energy, and heart to support our Eco Village and Library. Day after day, she showed up with a smile, ready to contribute wherever she was needed. Her passion, consistency, and willingness to go the extra mile quickly made her stand out. As the famous quote goes, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” Khutso exemplifies all of this in her daily work.
Last year, Khutso officially joined the Eco Children family in a permanent role, and she continues to pour her heart into everything she does. From inspiring young minds to supporting her colleagues, Khutso embodies the teamwork, dedication, and care that we hold dear. Her contributions go far beyond the tasks on her job description – she brings light, energy, and positivity to every corner of the organization.
One of the most remarkable things about Khutso is her unwavering commitment to the children we serve. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure they feel seen, valued, and supported. Whether it’s through mentoring a student, organizing educational activities, or simply lending an encouraging word, Khutso shows that true impact comes from compassion combined with action.
As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Khutso embodies this principle daily. She reminds us that the magic of Eco Children lies not only in the programs we run but in the people who pour their hearts into making them succeed.
Please join us in congratulating Khutso on this well-deserved recognition! We are so proud to have her as part of our team and deeply grateful for the positive impact she makes every day. Her dedication inspires us all to strive for excellence and reminds us of the incredible difference one passionate individual can make.
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Themba's journey with Eco Children began long before he joined our team. In 2007, he was just a young boy attending our holiday workshops hosted at Klaserie Private Nature Reserve’s headquarters. Even then, his curiosity and passion for nature stood out. Little did we know at the time that the young boy seated under the marula tree, learning about ecosystems and animal tracks, would one day become one of our most dedicated team members. Over the years, Themba remained closely connected to Eco Children. As he grew, so did his sense of responsibility and love for his community. He returned to us — not as a learner, but as a volunteer. For several years, Themba gave his time and energy to support our educational initiatives, always willing to lend a hand and share his growing knowledge with the next generation of learners. Eventually, his consistent commitment, vibrant spirit, and leadership qualities earned him a well-deserved place on the team. Themba was officially hired as an Environmental Educator, a role in which he continues to thrive today. Every day, Themba inspires young minds the way he was once inspired — guiding learners through environmental lessons, encouraging them to dream big, and showing them that they too can create change. His work goes far beyond the classroom. Themba is a mentor, a role model, and a living example of how investing in young people and education truly creates a ripple effect. This month, we honour not just the incredible work Themba does today, but the entire arc of his story. From a young boy in our workshops to a powerful force for good in our team and community — Themba represents everything we stand for.
The 4th edition of Walking Wild 4 Girls took place from the 6th to the 10th of July 2025, in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, and yet again it was another adventure filled with plenty of walking, learning and laughing. What made this year special, was the people with whom I shared the journey with: Gary Freeman, who hosted us at his camp and lead the trails, Percy, for whom I raise funds for, Mark, my brother and my Dad, Derek, Tas Savage and Nats Howes from Kateka Safari & Wellness, who have supported this initiative right from the very beginning, and my aunt, Debby, came out from the UK to join us for our time in the bush. This year was slightly different. We walked in the mornings, then would return to camp for an incredibly satisfying lunch, prepared by Gary himself, and then after a little nap we headed out into the bush at around 4 o’clock in the afternoon for another walk and sundowners.
When the school term ends and learners head home for the holidays, Eco Children steps in to keep the energy, curiosity, and joy alive — through our much-loved Holiday Workshops. These workshops offer more than just a way to keep children occupied during the break — they are a space for growth, discovery, and connection with nature. Our dedicated environmental educators play a key role in bringing these workshops to life. With passion and creativity, they design engaging, nature-based activities that spark curiosity and inspire young minds. Whether it’s digging in the soil, learning how plants grow, or identifying insects and animal tracks, each activity is carefully planned to nurture a love for the environment. Children get the chance to experience first-hand what it means to care for the earth — all while having fun, getting messy, and staying active! In between games and gardening, learners enjoy energetic soccer matches, educational challenges, and creative expression — all under the guidance of Eco Children’s caring team. These moments aren’t just about play; they’re about building confidence, teamwork, and a sense of purpose.
