Training for Success: Empowering Educators for Lasting Impact

May 15, 2025

At Eco Children, we believe that empowered teachers are the cornerstone of quality education. 

Our monthly staff training workshops are designed to equip educators from our partner schools with innovative teaching methods that ensure they can deliver engaging and effective learning experiences. These sessions not only upskill and empower teachers but also reignite their passion for teaching, foster creativity and innovation in the classroom, and ultimately enhance the quality of education for every child they reach.


Building Capacity, One Workshop at a Time

Each month, our team collaborates with local and external education specialists to deliver hands-on, practical workshops focused on the realities of rural teaching. These workshops address the real-world challenges that educators face in under-resourced schools, and they are tailored to meet teachers where they are — both professionally and personally.


Key focus areas include:

Early Childhood Development

Teachers are equipped with creative, low-cost strategies to stimulate motor development and foundational skills in young learners. From clay modelling to gross-motor play, the sessions reinforce how play-based learning leads to strong academic outcomes.


Mathematics & Numeracy Skills

Many educators report feeling underprepared to teach core numeracy concepts. Through targeted math capacity building, our workshops help demystify methods, promote problem-solving techniques, and build confidence in the classroom.


Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

Recognizing that learning is not just academic, we focus on helping teachers support their learners emotionally. SEL training helps teachers guide students in developing respect, resilience, and empathy — essential qualities for both the classroom and the wider community.


Classroom Innovation & Resourcefulness

In schools with limited materials, creativity becomes a superpower. Workshops encourage teachers to use recyclable and natural materials to create engaging lessons — proving that quality education doesn’t always come from expensive resources. The workshops don’t just provide skills — they build a community of practice, where teachers encourage each other, share ideas, and feel part of a larger mission.


A Ripple of Change in Every Classroom

Every workshop plants a seed — and we’ve seen firsthand how those seeds grow. As teachers apply their new skills, the quality of classroom learning improves. Children are more engaged, lessons are more interactive, and schools become centres of inspiration within their communities.

With stronger teachers come stronger learners, and with stronger learners comes the hope of transformed communities.


Join Us in Training for Success

These workshops are made possible by the generous support of our donors, partners, and community members who believe in the power of education. Every contribution helps us continue offering this essential training to those shaping the future — one child at a time.

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Growing a Greener Future

June 6, 2025
But here at Eco Children, this isn’t just a one-day event—it’s at the heart of everything we do, every single day. Rooted in the rural communities of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, Eco Children is on a mission to nurture not only the land, but the minds and hearts of the next generation. And this World Environment Day, we’re proud to spotlight the work that is transforming lives, landscapes, and learning. At Eco Children, we believe that real change starts young. Our approach to environmental education goes far beyond the classroom. Our keyhole gardens are a symbol of sustainable living. These small, productive gardens use minimal water, are easy to maintain, and allow children to grow their own vegetables. They're more than a food source—they're outdoor classrooms where learners discover composting, soil health, food cycles, and the value of self-reliance. Environmental themes are integrated across the curriculum. Whether it’s science, geography, or reading, students learn how climate change, biodiversity, and conservation affect their own communities. The goal isn’t just to teach them about nature—it’s to help them fall in love with it. We also promote eco-literacy through school libraries, filled with books that spark curiosity about the world. Thanks to our literacy programmes, children gain the reading and research skills they need to understand and respond to environmental challenges. This transformative work is only possible because of our generous donor, The Legacy Experience Foundation. Their unwavering support empowers us to build stronger schools, train dedicated teachers, and develop community-centred education that honours both people and planet. This World Environment Day, we recommit to a future where every child has the knowledge, resources, and passion to care for the Earth. Together—with you, our educators, our communities, and the continued support of our donors—we’re planting the roots of a brighter, greener tomorrow. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Celebrating our Employee of the Month

May 30, 2025
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.

Welcoming Our YES 4 Youth Interns to the Eco Children Family

May 21, 2025
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.
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