Educo Africa develops active citizenship amongst youth in the disadvantaged communities of South Africa, moving youth from cycles of despondency and despair to resilience and hope. Using the tool of Wilderness Experiential methodology we work with youth who are involved in long term projects in partner NPOs who focus on the rights of the child. These partners are particularly focusing on Tertiary Education, HIV/AIDS and Child and Youth Care.

The youth are taken to Educo Africa’s Outdoor Environmental Learning Centre in the Groot Winterhoek reserve for 5 to 9 days. Here the youth live as a small community in the wilderness; sleeping out, hiking, abseiling, rock climbing and having quiet solo time to journal and reflect on their past life journey and to vision for a different future. They share their stories, often for the first time and are encouraged to see their strengths and acknowledge their developmental areas. The wilderness experience impacts emotionally, behaviourally and mentally and thus acts as a catalyst to personal change. They are encouraged to set intentions against which long term impact can be measured by both Educo Africa and the partner NPO.

Educo Africa also works with those who work with the youth to help strengthen the developmental approach and tools of our partners. Many of those working with youth have had their own challenging experiences and benefit from a chance to share and begin their own healing process. This increases their capacity for being able to work effectively with youth and preventing burn out. It also allows for their own personal development encouraging them to engage positively with family and community.

The transformation that takes place during the wilderness experience has become the topic of many research studies globally. For the participant the experience is a springboard towards a different future with new possibilities and changed behaviour, all contributing to them becoming active citizens who can make a positive contribution to family, community and society at large.

Our invitation to you is to journey with us as we journey with them. Educo Africa’s Footsteps campaign is to encourage those who have easy access to wild and beautiful spaces to help the disadvantaged youth of South Africa, so they can benefit from the healing and empowerment an Educo Africa wilderness experience can offer. The campaign targets individuals and businesses to make a monthly pledge or to gift in kind from the list on our website page. If Educo Africa’s focus on citizenship and environment is not suited to you we invite you to connect us to others you know who may be interested in walking this journey, of developing active citizenship, step by step on a mountain trail.

Operates in: Cape Town, All of South Africa
Established in:

Non-Profit Organisation Number: 006-030
Public Benefit Organisation Number: 930001872
Section 21 Company Number:
Trust Number: IT 1319/95

Contact person: Alison Lee
Phone: 021 761 8939
Fax: 021 797 5292
Email:

Website: www.educo.org.za

Physical address: 7 Dalegarth Road, Plumstead, Cape Town
Postal address: 7 Dalegarth Road, Plumstead, Cape Town, 7800