“The club is helping us to clean our planet Earth and to love animals and to respect nature.” – Ivenathi, 13
Meet Ivenathi, a young leader from Khayelitsha who has been part of Earthchild Project’s Eco Explorers Programme for three years. Her journey shows the transformative power of environmental education, youth leadership, and access to nature in under-resourced communities.
Before joining Eco Explorers, she says she “didn’t care about nature.” Today, she teaches her friends not to litter, leads her family in meditation, and shares why protecting the environment matters.
Through hikes, silent walks, guided reflection, and hands-on learning, Eco Explorers helps young people build emotional resilience, environmental awareness, and a sense of belonging.
Most importantly, it ignites a dream for the future:
“I want to see young Black girls and young Black boys learn about nature and get opportunities like me.”
At Earthchild Project, we believe access to nature is access to opportunity. We are proud to walk alongside children like Ivenathi as they grow into confident, conscious, empowered changemakers – and the future sustainability leaders of South Africa.
