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.

At Eco Children, we are proud to partner with YES in tackling the growing challenge of youth unemployment. By providing these young individuals with a platform to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully, we are not only investing in their futures but also strengthening our mission of education, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.


Over the next year, our interns will be actively involved in a variety of meaningful activities, including:


  • Providing classroom support to enhance learning experiences for young learners, and assisting our Environmental Educators.
  • Assisting with Eco Village operations, contributing to the smooth running of our outdoor educational spaces.
  • Participating in staff workshops and training sessions to build their own skills and professional development.
  • Helping with daily maintenance and organization to ensure a well-ordered, productive environment for all.


We are confident that their fresh energy, creativity, and passion will bring new perspectives and added value to everything we do.


To our new interns: Welcome to the Eco Children family! We are excited to walk this journey with you, to support your growth, and to watch you thrive. Your presence here is a powerful reminder that with the right opportunity, the youth of South Africa can shape a brighter, more sustainable future.


Stay tuned as we share updates, stories, and highlights from their journey throughout the year!


"The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow."
— Kofi Annan

Eco Village Sign

Share This Article

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.
June 23, 2025
At Eco Children, we believe that true change is nurtured through connection, compassion, and collaboration. We had the immense honour of welcoming TELUS to Makwetse Primary School—a visit that left a lasting impression not only on our learners and staff, but on everyone who took part. Close to 200 guests from TELUS arrived at the school, greeted by eager learners and a sense of excitement that buzzed through the air. What followed was a morning full of hands-on, purposeful activity that reflected TELUS’s deep commitment to giving back and creating lasting impact in the communities they visit. The day began with environmental projects that are close to our hearts. TELUS volunteers eagerly joined our learners in planting trees and seedlings, laying down roots that will one day provide shade, nourishment, and a symbol of the growth we aim to inspire through our programmes. With care and dedication, they also helped paint and refurbish our keyhole gardens, breathing new life into these vital spaces that serve as educational and nutritional resources for our school. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the visit was the way TELUS volunteers connected with our Grade R learners through fun, engaging, and interactive activities. Storytelling, games, and creative play filled the air with laughter and learning, demonstrating the value of human connection across generations and cultures. As the day continued, the atmosphere shifted to the school field for a spirited soccer match—a highlight for many learners and guests alike. The game brought together students, staff, and TELUS volunteers in a shared moment of joy, teamwork, and camaraderie. It was more than just a game; it was a celebration of community, togetherness, and mutual respect. The generosity of the TELUS team extended beyond their time and effort. In a touching gesture, each learner at Makwetse Primary received an individual goodie bag, filled with thoughtful items that brought smiles to young faces and created a sense of being seen and valued. Moreover, TELUS made a significant financial contribution of $5,000 to Eco Children. This generous donation will go a long way in supporting our ongoing work in environmental education, early childhood development, and community upliftment. We are incredibly grateful for this investment in our shared vision of a brighter, greener future. We would also like to extend our deepest thanks to Kapama Private Game Reserve, who not only hosted the TELUS group during their stay but also played a crucial role in facilitating their visit to Makwetse Primary School. Their ongoing partnership and unwavering support continue to make opportunities like this possible. We are proud to work alongside such dedicated collaborators who share our values and commitment to lasting impact. As we reflect on this unforgettable day, we are filled with gratitude—for the time, energy, and generosity of the TELUS team; for the support of Kapama; and for the joy and curiosity of our learners, who continue to inspire us every day. At Eco Children, we know that transformation doesn't happen in isolation. It is through partnerships, shared values, and collective action that we are able to plant the seeds of change—both literally and figuratively.
June 17, 2025
At Eco Children, we offer a unique opportunity to enrich your travel experience while making a real difference. Our Community Tours invite you to witness firsthand the impact of education, conservation, and community development in action—and to play a part in it. We currently work with nine primary schools, impacting over 5,000 learners from Grade R to Grade 7. Through our programmes, we improve school infrastructure, introduce innovative educational resources, and promote sustainable living—all while encouraging a deep appreciation for the natural world.
More Posts