Eco Children News July 2024

Zelda de Keijzer • August 1, 2024

Opening of Tshokolo Primary School Library 

On 4 March 2024, our seventh library at Tshokolo Primary School was officially opened. This library, which also features an interactive EduBoard, is a testament to the generosity and vision of the Holder Family. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for sponsoring four libraries in our partnering schools. Christopher Holder joined us for the momentous occasion and cut the ribbon alongside our chairman, Deon Huysamer. This library, a symbol of hope, will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter future for many children. We are also excited to announce that the Holder Family is continuing their support by sponsoring our eighth library at Powerline Primary School, with construction set to commence in July 2024. 

Breaking Ground - Eco Children’s first Grade R Centre 

The emotional, social and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adults they will become. That is why understanding the need to invest in very young children is so important, to maximise their future well-being. Play allows kids to learn and improve their cognitive, social, language, coordination and motor skills. Without being able to play, kids may develop those skills at a severely stunted rate. The construction of our first Grade R Centre commenced in April with a groundbreaking ceremony at Makwetse Primary School. The centre will comprise a 200m2 building with three classrooms accommodating 108 Grade R learners at Makwetse Primary School. The learners will have a fully equipped playground fenced off from the rest of the school. This milestone project has been made possible by the generosity of the Jell Foundation, the headline sponsor, and Kapama Private Game Reserve. The project is expected to be completed in July 2024. 


Bursary Programme 

After a successful academic year in 2023, our 11 bursary students from Southern Cross Schools have begun their college journey. Two students are in Grade 8, six in Grade 9, two in Grade 11, and one in Grade 12. Their achievements have been outstanding, not only in academics but also in their active participation in extracurricular activities. Xolile, a Grade 12 student, has been appointed as the Head of Boarding and CRUX leader for 2024. His hard work and exceptional leadership skills have not only brought him personal success but have also served as a beacon of hope for our community. In 2024, we also welcomed our first Lowveld Academy bursary student. Additionally, we are supporting two tertiary students. We are very proud of Kwetsimane Mathebula, who joined Southern Cross Schools in 2012 in Grade 8 and graduated in 2023 with an LLB. She is currently doing her articles at a law firm in Cape Town. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. It has been truly inspiring to witness the personal growth of the students. 


Incentive Initiatives 

It is equally important to acknowledge the hard work of learners who take care of vegetables in our keyhole gardens with love, just like it is important to acknowledge top academic performers. Our incentive initiatives recognise both. 

At the end of 2023, we awarded 210 vouchers to students to buy new school uniforms through our Kit-a-Kid initiative. This initiative has had a significant impact on our students and the community. For many of our students, these vouchers are a lifeline, ensuring that they have the necessary uniforms to attend school. So far, we have donated more than 5,000 school uniforms through this initiative, making a tangible difference in the lives of these children and their families. 


Our Merry Moments initiative, an annual, heartwarming event, brought early Christmas joy to nearly 700 children at the end of 2023. The children, who might not have had the opportunity to celebrate Christmas otherwise, were delighted to find stockings filled to the brim with gifts. This initiative was made possible by the collective efforts of our community, and we are proud of the spirit of giving that it represents. 



The monthly Kruger National Park (KNP) excursions are highly anticipated among our Grade 7 learners, who work diligently to earn a coveted spot on the trip. For many, it will be their first time visiting KNP and encountering wild animals, an experience that broadens their horizons and ignites their curiosity. This year, we are taking 11 students from each of our nine partner schools


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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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