In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are highlighting 10 remarkable Earthchildren from the past and present. Our Earthchild Spotlight number eight is Katlego Shaloma who is 11 years old and in Grade 6 at Sakumlandela Primary School in Khayelitsha. Each time that I have joined the Eco-Warrior Club in Khayelitsha, Katlego has been present and shown herself to be eager to learn. She also has some wild and unruly energy shining through her eyes. You will notice her from a distance, she is definitely something special.

“My advice is that we shouldn’t chop down trees, because trees make us live.”
– Katlego Shaloma

What is the role of Earthchild Project in your life? It means to me that ECP helps children who have no homes. When you don’t have clothes, Sis [sister] Noks can buy some so you don’t have to look down on yourself. It means to see that you are somebody.

When we’re going to close yoga [at the end of the year], Sis Noks or Sis Xoli, take us out to swim and give us some presents. I like it [Earthchild Project] because it doesn’t hurt children. When you have something that hurts you, Sis Xoli or Sis Noks can fix it.

How has Earthchild Project affected who you are today? Earthchild Project has affected me because I now feel that I don’t look down on myself. It has taught me many things to do and also to not hurt other children. You need to take care of him or her and love him or her and you must treat everyone else like you treat yourself. You must not hurt other people.

How are you involved with Earthchild Project? I do Eco-warriors and dance.

What is your favourite? Yoga. I used to do it too, but now I don’t do yoga. I do the Eco-warrior Club.

What does nature mean to you? Nature means to me like -when a plant is dying, I must water it so that it can grow. Your mother can’t let you die: you must treat the plants and nature the same as your mother treats you.

After the interview, I managed to snap one photo of Katlego before she ran back to the garden at Sakumlandela Primary School where the Eco-warrior Club was making a compost heap. This tall, young girl can sometimes fool you with her maturity; one moment she is an 11 year old girl and then she turns into a wise and centered young woman. Katlego, there is so much we can learn from you.

Stay connected with us to learn about the next Earthchild Spotlight and details regarding our 10 year anniversary! #CelebrateECP10

Interview by Amanda Norrlander, Intern.