“When I’m surrounded by nature, I feel relaxed and calm.” – Iviwe, Eco Explorer
In the busy streets of Khayelitsha, safe spaces for children are few and far between. Growing up here often means facing daily challenges: peer pressure, limited opportunities, and environments that can feel overwhelming. Yet, for 12-year-old Iviwe, stepping into nature has opened up a world of calm, confidence, and possibility.
Iviwe is one of the young participants in our Eco Explorers Programme, which introduces children to the wonders of the natural world. Through guided hikes, environmental education, and outdoor mindfulness activities, children like Iviwe are given the tools to connect with themselves and the environment in meaningful ways.
For Iviwe, the mountain has become a sanctuary. “When I’m surrounded by nature, I feel relaxed and calm”. In a community where stress and external pressures can weigh heavily on young shoulders, the opportunity to breathe fresh air, walk among trees, and sit in stillness has been life-changing. Nature has given Iviwe a sense of inner peace that she carries back into her everyday life.
Beyond calm, the Eco Explorers Programme has helped Iviwe grow in confidence. Each hike, activity, and group discussion teaches responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. She has learned how to identify local plants, understand ecosystems, and share knowledge with her peers.
Most importantly, she has discovered her voice. Iviwe now dreams of taking her friends hiking too, so that they can feel the same peace she has found and learn to care for the environment. In her own words, she hopes to “inspire a love for nature” in others.
Watch the clip below to hear Iviwe’s story
Why Nature-Based Learning Matters
Children in communities like Khayelitsha often grow up with little exposure to natural spaces. Concrete streets replace green fields, and survival needs often outweigh opportunities for exploration and growth. By reconnecting children with the environment, Earthchild Project not only nurtures environmental awareness but also supports emotional and social well-being.
For many Eco Explorers, this is their first chance to:
- Experience the quiet of a forest.
- Learn practical skills like plant identification and eco-friendly living.
- Build resilience, confidence, and leadership in a supportive community.
These experiences shape not just their present, but their future, empowering them to grow into young leaders who care for themselves, their peers, and the planet.
Iviwe’s journey is just one story among many, but it reflects the heart of our vision: creating spaces where children can thrive. By walking in nature, learning mindfulness, and discovering their own strengths, children like Iviwe are building futures filled with hope and possibility
