Celebrating Excellence: Patrick Ndlovu, our June Employee of the Month
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.
Whether he’s guiding learners through the intricacies of ecosystems, teaching them how to grow their own vegetables, or leading by example in the school’s permaculture garden, Patrick consistently goes above and beyond. His passion for nurturing both the earth and young minds is evident in everything he does — from classroom activities to after-school engagements and community outreach projects.
His colleagues describe him as a gentle soul with a quiet determination and an unshakable belief in the power of education. Learners admire him not only for his knowledge, but for the kindness and respect with which he treats every individual. Patrick’s work reflects Eco Children’s mission at its core: educate, empower, and uplift.
As we celebrate Patrick’s well-earned recognition this month, we are reminded of the importance of every single person in our Eco Children family. It’s the daily commitment of educators like Patrick that keeps our programmes thriving and our impact growing.
To Patrick, we say thank you. Thank you for the seeds you plant — both in the soil and in the hearts of those you teach. Your work is helping to grow a greener, more conscious future for us all!
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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.
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.
But here at Eco Children, this isn’t just a one-day event—it’s at the heart of everything we do, every single day. Rooted in the rural communities of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, Eco Children is on a mission to nurture not only the land, but the minds and hearts of the next generation. And this World Environment Day, we’re proud to spotlight the work that is transforming lives, landscapes, and learning. At Eco Children, we believe that real change starts young. Our approach to environmental education goes far beyond the classroom. Our keyhole gardens are a symbol of sustainable living. These small, productive gardens use minimal water, are easy to maintain, and allow children to grow their own vegetables. They're more than a food source—they're outdoor classrooms where learners discover composting, soil health, food cycles, and the value of self-reliance. Environmental themes are integrated across the curriculum. Whether it’s science, geography, or reading, students learn how climate change, biodiversity, and conservation affect their own communities. The goal isn’t just to teach them about nature—it’s to help them fall in love with it. We also promote eco-literacy through school libraries, filled with books that spark curiosity about the world. Thanks to our literacy programmes, children gain the reading and research skills they need to understand and respond to environmental challenges. This transformative work is only possible because of our generous donor, The Legacy Experience Foundation. Their unwavering support empowers us to build stronger schools, train dedicated teachers, and develop community-centred education that honours both people and planet. This World Environment Day, we recommit to a future where every child has the knowledge, resources, and passion to care for the Earth. Together—with you, our educators, our communities, and the continued support of our donors—we’re planting the roots of a brighter, greener tomorrow. Thank you for being part of this journey.
