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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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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