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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Walking Wild 4 Girls 2025

July 21, 2025
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.

Holiday Workshops with Eco Children

By Mandie Gericke • July 17, 2025
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.

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.
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