Changing Lives Through Nature

Within the environmental sector it is understood that people who participated in outdoor nature activities as children are more likely to have pro-environment behaviours and attitudes as an adult. Since the inception of CTEET in 2001 the primary aim has been to provide opportunities for the children of Cape Town to experience the outdoors and in the process to develop a curiosity and interest for the natural environment.

Over the years our scope has widened to focus on further development of individuals who are passionate about nature, hence offering support to schools to assist their conscious journey through our Sustainable Schools Programme. Our vision for a broader, deeper focus also gave rise to our Conservation Leadership Programme, which identifies youth who are passionate about nature and who could be developed to lead and effect change in their homes, among peers and in their communities.

Our focus on developing behavioural change is strengthened through the educator’s own personal journey to sustainable practices. Their engagement and learning is passed on through practice and implementation at their schools. Educators firmly rooted in sustainable practices are better able to engage their learners and lead whole-school involvement.

Schools are offered a diversity of immersive nature experiences and are supported in starting environmental projects on the school grounds. Hands-on activities of this nature are often seen as the first step in the reconnection with the natural environment. To strengthen this association we run environmental programmes in the schools linked to action projects and environmental calendar days.

For more details on our programmes and offerings visit: Changing Lives Through Nature