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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Celebrating Themba’s Journey

By Mandie Gericke • August 7, 2025
Themba's journey with Eco Children began long before he joined our team. In 2007, he was just a young boy attending our holiday workshops hosted at Klaserie Private Nature Reserve’s headquarters. Even then, his curiosity and passion for nature stood out. Little did we know at the time that the young boy seated under the marula tree, learning about ecosystems and animal tracks, would one day become one of our most dedicated team members. Over the years, Themba remained closely connected to Eco Children. As he grew, so did his sense of responsibility and love for his community. He returned to us — not as a learner, but as a volunteer. For several years, Themba gave his time and energy to support our educational initiatives, always willing to lend a hand and share his growing knowledge with the next generation of learners. Eventually, his consistent commitment, vibrant spirit, and leadership qualities earned him a well-deserved place on the team. Themba was officially hired as an Environmental Educator, a role in which he continues to thrive today. Every day, Themba inspires young minds the way he was once inspired — guiding learners through environmental lessons, encouraging them to dream big, and showing them that they too can create change. His work goes far beyond the classroom. Themba is a mentor, a role model, and a living example of how investing in young people and education truly creates a ripple effect. This month, we honour not just the incredible work Themba does today, but the entire arc of his story. From a young boy in our workshops to a powerful force for good in our team and community — Themba represents everything we stand for.

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.

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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.
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