Celebrating our Employee of the Month

May 30, 2025

At Eco Children, we love celebrating the incredible individuals who make our mission come to life. 

This May, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on someone whose story perfectly embodies our values of dedication, growth, and community impact — Rumi Malope, our Employee of the Month. 


Rumi’s journey with Eco Children began in 2018 when she joined us as a volunteer in our Eco Village. Even then, her passion for education and the environment stood out. Year after year, she showed up with unwavering commitment, eager to learn, lead, and uplift those around her. 


In 2024, all her hard work paid off when she was officially offered a permanent position on our team. Today, she serves at Mapalane Primary School, where she continues to make a difference every single day. Her warmth, reliability, and can-do spirit have not only earned her this month’s recognition, but also the admiration and respect of her colleagues and community. 


Rumi was announced as Employee of the Month at our recent staff workshop — a moment that reflected her journey of perseverance and purpose. As her name was called, the room filled with cheers and applause, a testament to the positive energy and inspiration she brings to our team every day.


In her role at Mapalane Primary School, Rumi leads environmental education initiatives, supports learners in their academic growth, and serves as a role model for young people in the community. She is deeply involved in creating hands-on learning experiences, helping learners understand the value of sustainability, conservation, and self-empowerment.


Her colleagues often speak of her infectious optimism, her patience with learners, and her tireless work ethic. Rumi doesn’t just do her job — she brings heart into everything she touches. Whether she’s planting a garden, facilitating a workshop, or mentoring a fellow educator, Rumi does it with purpose and pride.


Her story reminds us that real change starts with people — those who are willing to show up, do the work, and lift others along the way. We’re honoured to have Rumi as part of the Eco Children family and excited to see her grow even further in the years to come.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." — Robert Collier
Eco Village Sign

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Season of Giving: Support Kit-a-Kid & Merry Moments This Festive Season

October 6, 2025
The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but for many children in our communities, it’s also a time when the reality of limited resources becomes painfully clear. At Eco Children, we believe that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and loved, no matter their circumstances. That’s why, this year, we are inviting you to join us in creating brighter futures and unforgettable festive memories through our year-end campaigns: Kit-a-Kid and Merry Moments.

Celebrating Excellence: Meet our August Star Employee

October 1, 2025
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.

Celebrating Themba’s Journey

By Mandie Gericke • August 7, 2025
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.
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