Our Values and Mission

Helping KwaZulu-Natal children thrive

Our vision is for young children KwaZulu-Natal to thrive and learn in healthy environments.

Our mission is to assist the provision of climate resilient Early Childhood Development programmes in KwaZulu-Natal by supporting those who foster education and a love of nature in young children.

Who We Are

Our board of trustees comprises family members and dedicated professionals. The first trustees were Murray Grindrod (Chairman), Anne Marie Bury,  Josephine Grindrod, Sarah Rennie, Gary Noble and David White. The current trustees are:

  1. Sarah Rennie (Chairperson)
  2. Josephine Grindrod
  3. Gary Noble
  4. Fiona Raissig
  5. Amanda Lawson
  6. Jennifer Morrison

Deepa Patel is the Grants Manager.

Eli Napier is the Communications Lead.

Our Focus

We support organisations working in early childhood development (ECD) in KwaZulu-Natal

Our current strategy focuses on the intersection of climate change, environmental resilience, and the wellbeing of young children. We recognise that climate change increasingly affects the environments in which young children live, learn, and grow, particularly within vulnerable communities.

We support organisations and initiatives that help build climate resilient, environmentally aware ECD programmes and learning environments in KwaZulu-Natal.

This may include support for:

  • nature-based and outdoor learning
  • environmental awareness and education
  • food security and climate resilient nutrition programmes
  • improving the natural environments of ECD centres
  • research, convening, and knowledge-sharing related to climate and ECD
  • programmes that foster a connection to nature and environmental stewardship in young children

Our approach is collaborative and partnership-driven, and we value organisations with strong community relationships, thoughtful implementation, and a willingness to learn alongside others.