TIME IN WILDERNESS - AT THE CORE OF EDUCO PROGRAMMES

Our core principle is simple; to take predominately urban young men and women into the deep wilderness 

of South Africa, for them to use this time “in nature” to look deep inside themselves and trawl through their issues. 

Much of this is done alone and in quiet reflection and then shared with other participants in group sessions where our professional and experienced course leaders coach participants to structure their findings and guide them to find a path towards a healing process. 

Back at Educo central, participants are given tailored programmes for change. This is encompassing a set of proven tools and resources from counselling and medical advice, to skills qualifications and job seeking support. 

The balance of self-exploration, spiritual and team awareness with practical resources for change resonated well with visionaries of the New South Africa and we were delighted when Archbishop Desmond Tutu agreed to be our Patron in the early 1990s. 

Over the past twenty-five years Educo Africa has perpetually reinvented itself to stay relevant with the courses and support services we offer, yet always remained centred on a wilderness experience. Our principle remains - to get underprivileged or vulnerable urban youth out of volatile, and potentially perilous environments.  

We help our participants to step away from their daily routine and environments, allowing for space to find clarity, helping to step away from abusive homes perhaps, a break from constant trauma in hospitals where they work, or find distance from the streets where they deal drugs. 

We work for, but also within NGOs, CBOs, tertiary institutions, International organisations and Institutions 

to support not just their client base, but also their own young leaders, and coaches running their youth programmes. 

Through our various programmes we empower youth to discover and realise their potential and therefore 

to overcome challenges and drive meaningful change in their homes, schools and communities. 

Educo Africa beneficiaries are young people taking charge of their lives, whether it is by completing 

a qualification, finding employment, managing their health or starting a small business.

“Educo Africa has changed the way I think about myself. I always thought I was a failure and that I’m never going to succeed. But being at Educo made me realise I’m strong and capable of doing anything when I just put my mind to it."