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Learning that starts at the roots.

Four strands of work, all rooted in indigenous knowledge and the trees of the Lowveld.

A facilitator shows a child a twig with green fruit
A facilitator shows a child a twig with green fruit. Photo: Vusi Mathe

The indigenous medicinal garden

The garden began after a 2019 trip to Mozambique, with support from Dr Michelle Henley of Elephants Alive. It brings together indigenous plants traditionally used for healing, so their names, uses and stories are not lost.

Visitors and learners walk the garden to see the plants up close and hear how they have been used.

Young people studying a leafy branch outdoors
Young people studying a leafy branch outdoors. Photo: Vusi Mathe

Tree planting

We raise and plant indigenous trees with households and schools, choosing species that belong in the Lowveld and that people value for fruit, shade and medicine.

We also work with Zingela Ulwazi Trust on its 10 Trees programme.

A classroom lesson with an insect field guide
A classroom lesson with an insect field guide. Photo: Vusi Mathe

Children and schools

Lessons happen outside, under the trees themselves. Children learn to recognise local species, collect seeds, plant and care for seedlings, and connect what they see to what their grandparents know.

Young people tending seedlings in a nursery
Young people tending seedlings in a nursery. Photo: Vusi Mathe

Community workshops

Workshops for adults cover growing indigenous trees at home, the traditional uses of plants, and caring for the biodiversity that supports Lowveld livelihoods.

How we’re organised