News & Updates

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.

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.

At Eco Children, we believe in recognizing the individuals who go the extra mile to uplift communities, inspire young minds, and protect our planet. This March, we are incredibly proud to shine the spotlight on Tsoseletso Chiloane, our Employee of the Month, whose unwavering dedication and passion embody everything we stand for. Tsoseletso joined the Eco Children family in early 2021, and since then, she has been a powerful force for change. Serving as both Environmental Educator and Librarian at Tshokolo Primary School, she brings creativity, enthusiasm, and purpose to everything she does. Whether she's leading engaging lessons on environmental conservation or sparking a love of reading in her students, Tsoseletso always goes above and beyond. Her innovative teaching methods and ability to connect with learners have not only made education fun but have also planted seeds of curiosity and care for the world around them. What sets Tsoseletso apart is her deep commitment to both education and the environment—a dual passion that makes a lasting impact. Her work empowers the next generation to think critically, dream boldly, and act responsibly. She reminds us that great teachers don’t just teach—they inspire, empower, and shape the future. Tsoseletso, your hard work, passion, and positive spirit do not go unnoticed. Thank you for making a difference every single day. We are truly lucky to have you as part of the Eco Children team!

We're thrilled to announce Lorraine as our Employee of the Month for February! Her outstanding performance, steadfast commitment, and cheerful demeanor have truly shone, making her an invaluable member of the Eco Children team. Currently serving as an Environmental Educator at Powerline Primary School, she engages with about 120 students every day, whether in the Eco Village or the classroom – she truly excels! Her commitment to fostering young minds and instilling a passion for learning is evident. Lorraine's enthusiasm for environmental education shines through in every lesson she conducts, inspiring her students to care for the planet and embrace sustainable practices. Lorraine's innovative teaching methods and ability to engage her students have not only enhanced their learning experience but also fostered a genuine interest in environmental stewardship. Her colleagues describe her as a team player who is always willing to lend a hand and share her wealth of knowledge. We are incredibly proud to have Lorraine as part of our team and grateful for her contributions to our mission. Congratulations, Lorraine, on this well-deserved recognition! Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you for being such an inspiration to us all. “Success blooms where passion and hard work meet.”

Celebrating two decades of Eco Children

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.

For Eco Children’s Eco Villages to remain as beautiful as they are, constant maintenance and, in some cases, renovations are required. This was the case with Seganyane Primary School, where extensive renovations were needed.