Eco Children is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming learning environments while nurturing a deep appreciation for nature among young learners. By “sowing the seeds of change,” Eco Children places children at the centre of environmental education, empowering them with knowledge about conservation while supporting schools through much-needed infrastructure improvements and fostering a love of reading through the establishment of libraries.

Kapama is proud to partner with Eco Children at Makwetse School, where the principles of eco-education come to life. We believe that fostering a connection to nature and understanding the significance of living in the community of the Kruger National Park and Kapama Private Game Reserve requires careful, consistent education. By teaching children about the environment they call home, we equip them with the knowledge and values needed to become custodians of their future.

“By nurturing gardens and young minds, we grow resilience, independence, and hope within our community.”

A cornerstone of this programme is the creation of Eco Villages, where large vegetable gardens are established as living classrooms. Here, children learn to cultivate their food, gaining practical skills in sustainability while developing a sense of ownership and pride. With guidance from teachers and volunteers, these gardens thrive, often producing surplus vegetables that help support the broader community.

Witnessing the joy on a child’s face as they taste the produce they have grown is a reminder of the power of these initiatives. It is more than just planting seeds in soil; it is about nurturing resilience and independence, and creating opportunities for these young learners to grow in knowledge and confidence.

Guests often ask how they can connect more deeply with the place they visit. At Kapama, this connection extends beyond the wilderness into the lives of the communities that neighbour our reserve.

Our community initiatives are guided by our dedicated Community Manager, Trichia Jacobs, with a focus on meaningful, long-term partnerships. One of our key projects centres around Makwetse School in Acornhoek, where we support teacher development, assist maths educators, and provide early learning support for Grade R pupils to help build strong foundations for their future. Through a bursary programme, select learners also have the opportunity to attend Southern Cross Schools in Hoedspruit, unlocking new pathways for growth.

For guests wishing to understand the challenges and opportunities within our community, visits to Makwetse School can be arranged during the school term. These visits are not excursions but moments of connection—allowing you to see first-hand the work being done, the impact it has, and to meet the children whose lives are touched by these efforts.

Whether walking through the Eco Village gardens, witnessing ongoing improvements, or sharing time with the students, guests often leave with a deeper appreciation of the community’s resilience and potential—and of how meaningful change begins, quietly, one child at a time. For more information on how to get involved, feel free to email us.