Eco Children News July 2024

Exciting news! We’re excited to welcome fifteen new interns to the Eco Children family through the YES 4 Youth Initiative , in partnership with Wild Impact and facilitated by the Timbavati Foundation . This national movement is dedicated to empowering unemployed youth across South Africa by providing them with valuable and meaningful work experiences. The YES (Youth Employment Service) program is a government-backed initiative that connects young South Africans with 12-month work experiences in various sectors. It’s more than just a job placement—it’s a chance for youth to gain valuable skills, earn an income, and take an important step toward building a successful and sustainable career.

At Eco Children, we are committed to nurturing young minds, not just with knowledge, but with experiences that awaken purpose. One of the most impactful ways we do this is through our Kruger National Park trips—a cornerstone of our environmental education program. These trips aren’t just about seeing animals. They are about unlocking new perspectives, inspiring dreams, and building connections to nature that last a lifetime. Imagine being a child who’s grown up just kilometers away from one of the world’s most renowned game reserves, yet you’ve never set foot inside. This is the reality for many of the learners we support. When they enter the park for the first time, their faces light up with awe. The moment they see a giraffe gracefully crossing the road or hear a lion’s distant roar—something changes. They’re no longer just hearing about wildlife. They’re experiencing it. They’re forming personal memories with the landscape that shapes our country’s identity. These moments are profound—and often life-changing. Our Kruger trips are designed to complement our in-class environmental curriculum. But in the park, the lessons come alive. Guided by Eco Children mentors, the learners take part in talks about: • Ecosystem dynamics – how plants, animals, and people all play a role in nature’s balance. • Conservation challenges – including poaching, climate change, and habitat loss. • Sustainable practices – and how they can make a difference at home and in their communities. These discussions aren’t abstract. They’re grounded in what the learners are seeing, hearing, and feeling. It’s hands-on education at its best. Beyond the educational value, these trips give learners a sense of belonging and self-worth. They see themselves as part of something bigger—as stewards of a heritage that is theirs to protect. For many, these outings are also their first opportunity to travel, to eat in a group outside of school, or to speak in front of others during group reflections. It builds confidence. It builds friendships. It builds dreams. Thank You to The Legacy Experience Foundation. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. This year, our first Kruger trip was made a reality through the support of The Legacy Experience Foundation, whose belief in environmental education mirrors our own. Their contribution ensured that transportation, meals, activities, and learning materials were all covered—removing barriers and allowing learners to simply immerse themselves in the experience. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and vision. What starts as a day trip often becomes the beginning of a lifelong passion. The ripple effect is real—and it starts with a single day in the bush. As we continue this year’s Kruger Trip series, we invite you to follow along. These are more than excursions—they are acts of empowerment. And with every child who into Kruger for the first time, we are investing in a more sustainable, compassionate future for South Africa.