Young residents and visiting learners gathered at Fourways Gardens Estate for a morning of environmental education and hands-on activities during the estate’s first EcoKids event of the year.

The initiative, hosted at the Tennis gazebo on March 14, aims to teach children about the importance of protecting the environment, while encouraging a deeper appreciation for nature. According to the estate communications and events manager Francois Grobler, the EcoKids programme was created to help children understand how fortunate they are to live in an environment rich in natural resources.

Read more: Children from Fourways Gardens and Diepsloot inspired to protect water and nature

“EcoKids started as an initiative just to raise awareness among the children of the estate of how privileged we are with the natural environment we’ve got.

“It gives us an opportunity to teach them how important it is to look after the environment, especially around trees. We have a very strong relationship with City Parks and we want children to appreciate the importance of trees.”

While the event is usually held annually, Grobler said they try to host two sessions each year when possible.

He said each event focuses on a different environmental theme to keep children engaged and learning. “Last year we did one focused on bees. This year we wanted to expand the initiative and also include children from outside the estate.”

For this year’s event, the estate partnered with the Green Hope Foundation, inviting 20 children from Diepsloot to attend.

Their entry fees were waived and transport arrangements were made to ensure they could participate.

Also read: New life takes root as Fourways Mall gardens flourish

Grobler said the partnership was an important way for the estate to give back to the broader community. “We felt it was important to create an opportunity for children from other parts of Johannesburg to also learn. Hopefully, we inspire tomorrow’s environmentalists and scientists through activities like this.”

During the event, children participated in educational activities and planted fruit trees within the estate. Among the trees planted were gooseberries, which are currently fruiting.

Grobler said the trees were selected to complement the existing lemon and peach trees already growing in the estate. “The idea is to create a community orchard for anyone passing through the area. It’s something that is welcome and open to all.”

He added that planting fruit trees also helps children understand the value of locally grown produce. “It’s about showing them the importance of local produce from an environmental perspective. When food is grown locally, there is less transport involved, which is better for the environment.”

Grobler hopes that initiatives like EcoKids will continue to inspire young people to care for nature and take an active role in protecting the environment for future generations.

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