Celebrating two decades of Eco Children

Eco Children originated as an initiative by the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) aimed at educating and enhancing the lives of children whose parents work at KPNR through holiday 'bush' workshops. These sessions were crafted to help children appreciate wildlife and foster a generation of nature advocates for the future.

As we commemorate 20 years of Eco Children, it's important to reflect on the remarkable journey that started with a straightforward concept: enriching the lives of children linked to the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR). This initiative has grown into a transformative presence in South Africa, demonstrating that empowering youth can create lasting impacts on both the environment and local communities.

The vision of Eco Children swiftly extended beyond the KPNR. Today, we proudly support nine Primary Schools in neighbouring towns and villages, benefiting a total of 5,347 children. While we've made significant strides, our mission remains unchanged: We empower the children in rural Mpumalanga and Limpopo by developing their capacity to flourish and become catalysts of positive change in their families and communities.

We sow seeds of change by creating an environment conducive to learning, increasing their awareness of conservation; improving the quality of their education; and providing opportunities for talented learners.

By weaving nature-based learning into the curriculum, children gain a richer understanding of their natural surroundings. This method not only elevates their educational journey but also empowers them to actively engage in conservation efforts.

It's important to recognize that many children benefiting from Eco Children come from some of the most disadvantaged areas. By fostering a relationship between these communities and their natural heritage, we address educational disparities and economic challenges. As these children learn about conservation, they also acquire valuable skills that can lead to improved opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Reflecting on the last two decades, we celebrate not only the milestones reached but the innumerable individual stories of growth, awareness, and passion ignited among the children. Each workshop, project, and school partnership has contributed to shaping the future of these young minds.

As we continue to expand, we eagerly anticipate new partnerships and innovative programmes that will extend our reach and deepen our impact. We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to engage with nature and acquire the skills needed for its preservation. Our goal is to alleviate the challenges of poverty by providing access to quality education.

Thank you for being an integral part of this incredible journey. Here's to many more years of empowering young minds and making a positive impact in our world. Together, let's ensure that the next generation inherits a planet that is not just preserved but thriving. Your support is invaluable, and together, we can continue to nurture a lifelong love for the environment.