From Teaching to Game-Changing Education: The Inspiring Journey of Hannah Barnes

Mandie Gericke • August 30, 2024

As I write this article, I am reminded of the incredible journey of a remarkable individual. Dr Hannah Barnes' dedication to education has not only transformed the lives of countless students but has also revolutionised how we approach learning, paving the way for innovative and game-changing methods. 

Words & Photos Mandie Gericke 

Eco Children Teacher's Workshop

This is the story of Dr Hannah Barnes, a passionate educator from South Africa whose journey from teaching in traditional classrooms to developing game-changing educational resources has left an indelible mark on the world of education. Hannah was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, where she developed a love for learning and a passion for teaching from an early age. From her humble beginnings in a public school, she navigated various challenges and setbacks, always fuelled by her unwavering determination to make a difference in education. 

 

After completing her schooling, Hannah harboured aspirations of becoming a personal manager. However, the lack of financial resources to pursue higher education did not deter her. Instead, she found an alternative path by securing a bursary for teaching, a decision that would shape her career trajectory in ways she could have never imagined. Her journey into the world of education led her to pursue a BA in Education, followed by higher diplomas and postgraduate studies in education. Her expertise in mathematics and her love for languages, particularly Northern Sotho and French, set the stage for a career filled with diverse teaching experiences. 

 

Hannah found herself teaching mathematics and French at a prominent high school in Pretoria, a role that would define the next seven years of her career. Her passion for education and her innate ability to inspire and motivate her students propelled her into leadership roles, where she played a pivotal part in reshaping the educational landscape of the institution. However, the turning point in Hannah's career came when she was presented with an opportunity to co-author a mathematics book, a project that would set her on a path of innovation and transformative education. 

 

This marked the beginning of a series of achievements, including writing best-selling math books and being recognised as a leading voice in the field of mathematics education. Following her tenure at the high school, Hannah continued to impact the education sector through lecturing at the University of Pretoria. Her dedication to her craft and innovative teaching methodologies positioned her as a thought leader in education, inspiring a new generation of educators and shaping the future of learning. In 2013, Hannah made a significant shift in her career by transitioning to Hoedspruit, where she continued to make meaningful contributions to education. 

 

The journey started in 2013 with the initiation of extra maths lessons for Eco Children bursary students. In 2016, intermediate phase teacher training math workshops became a turning point in her career. The workshops resulted in a noticeable improvement in class percentages and drew the attention of district officials. The scope of the workshops expanded to include more districts, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for the workshops shifted to Kapama Game Reserve. This led to the establishment of Bush Maths, a consultancy born out of a passion for education and the bush. However, the onset of the pandemic led to a loss of work. 

 

During the unprecedented challenges brought about by the global pandemic, Hannah demonstrated her resilience and adaptability. In response to the educational disruptions caused by COVID-19, she identified a critical need for reimagining early childhood education. She launched Young Game Changers, a revolutionary play-based and impactful learning approach. Young Game Changers represents a paradigm shift in education, focusing on problem-solving, financial literacy, and sustainability as its core pillars. 

 

This prompted the development of educational resources, including the Young Game Changers cards, to promote number sense development and problem-solving skills among young learners. The Young Game Changers initiative encompasses academic, financial literacy, and sustainability pillars, with over 50 games designed for Grade R teachers. Bush Maths continues to serve as a consultancy for higher grades, while Young Game Changers has evolved to become part of the Early Childhood Development foundation phase. The vision is to cultivate play-based learning and classroom culture while providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children. 

 

Through a series of innovative games and resources, Hannah has addressed critical gaps in early childhood development and provided a platform for children to cultivate essential skills in a fun and engaging manner. Furthermore, Hannah has extended her vision for inclusive and quality education through initiatives like Toys4Trash, emphasising the importance of enriching learning experiences for children from all walks of life. Her commitment to educational equity and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education continue to drive her work forward. 

 

“The collaborative efforts with Eco Children have been integral to this journey, highlighting the shared ethos of community and sustainability. The experience of witnessing the community involvement in school gardens and the ethos of sharing within the Eco Children community has been particularly inspiring.” 



As Hannah looks to the future, her aspirations transcend individual accomplishments, focusing on the enduring impact she envisions for the next generation of learners. Her innovative approach to education, coupled with her unrelenting passion for creating positive change, inspires educators and learners alike in South Africa and beyond. Hannah’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that one individual can have on the world of education. 

 

Her story, from overcoming adversity to pioneering transformative educational initiatives, is a testament to the boundless potential of dedicated and visionary educators. As we navigate the complexities of the modern educational landscape, Hannah's journey stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the enduring power of education to shape a brighter future for all. 


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Our April Employee of the Month

By Mandie Gericke • April 29, 2025
Employee of the Month: Lydia from Hloaia Primary School

A Milestone Moment

By Mandie Gericke • April 20, 2025
On April 15th, we reached a proud and powerful milestone in the journey of Eco Children — the official opening of our very first Grade R Centre at Makwetse Primary School! This momentous occasion was filled with joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of purpose, as we celebrated a step forward for early childhood education in our community. Building the Future, One Child at a Time The importance of Grade R — or the Reception Year — cannot be overstated. It’s during these early years that the foundations for lifelong learning are laid. Grade R is where children begin to explore their world, build social and emotional skills, and develop the confidence to take on the future. This centre is more than a classroom — it’s a carefully crafted environment made for children, where learning happens through play, imagination, and exploration. Every element was thoughtfully designed to foster curiosity, joy, and growth. From age-appropriate educational tools to beautifully curated play spaces, this Grade R Centre is a place where our youngest learners can truly thrive. Thank You to Our Generous Supporters This dream would not have become a reality without the generosity and commitment of our partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to: • The Jell Foundation • Kapama Private Game Reserve Your support has been instrumental in making this vision come to life, and your presence at the launch event made the day even more meaningful. We were also honored to have our chairman, Deon Huysamer , join us in celebrating this momentous occasion, alongside key community leaders and stakeholders, including: • Chief R.N. Chiloane • Induna Manzini • Circuit Manager, M.L. Makofane • Ward Councillor, R. Mashile Your attendance reflects the shared commitment to uplifting our children and building stronger communities through education.

Our Eco Gardens grow more than just vegetables

By Mandie Gericke • April 11, 2025
At Eco Children, we’ve always believed that education and environment go hand in hand. That belief comes to life in our school gardens — vibrant, living classrooms where children are not just learning to plant food, but growing confidence, knowledge, and a deep connection to the land. 🌱 Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability Each garden starts with a patch of soil and a whole lot of hope. Through our garden program, we partner with schools to establish productive vegetable gardens that are cared for by the learners themselves, alongside their teachers and community members. The goal? To promote food security, environmental education, and hands-on learning — all while supporting the nutritional needs of learners. From composting and water-wise gardening to understanding the life cycle of a plant, children don’t just read about these things — they live them. 🍅 More Than Meals: A Lesson in Life Yes, these gardens help supplement school feeding schemes with fresh, healthy produce like cabbage, carrots, and beets. But the true impact goes far beyond the plate. Learners gain: • Skills in agriculture and teamwork • Pride in nurturing something from seed to harvest • Respect for the environment and sustainable living • Knowledge, they take home, sharing what they learn with their families 👨🏾‍🌾 A Whole Community Grows The ripple effects are incredible. Parents become involved. Community members volunteer. And soon, the garden becomes a space where everyone learns and contributes. In some schools, surplus produce from the gardens is sold to support school needs or reinvested into expanding the project — a small but mighty example of community-led development. 🌍 Growing Hope, One Seed at a Time In a region where challenges like poverty, food insecurity, and climate change are very real, these gardens are a quiet revolution. They teach our children that change doesn’t always come from far away — sometimes, it starts with your hands in the dirt and a seed of an idea. So yes — we’re growing vegetables. But more importantly, we’re growing leaders, caretakers, and changemakers for tomorrow.
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