From early childhood development to bursaries for unemployed youth, our educational programmes create pathways that extend far beyond the classroom and often, back to Thornybush itself.
Beneficiaries reached through education
Invested in 2025 59% of total spend
Meals served through school gardens
Bursaries awarded 5 SACT & 1 Tracker Academy
4 ECD Centers, 3 Primary Schools, 1 High School, and 2 Bursary Programmes
NSKP kitchen built at Manyangana, 60,000+ meals, 5 SACT graduates, and 1 Tacker Academy pioneer
Through targeted partnerships and long-term community relationships, Thornybush supports education from early childhood development through to high school, bursaries, and skills training. These initiatives help create safer learning spaces, improve access to opportunity, and nurture the next generation of leaders in the communities surrounding the reserve.
Wisani – meaning “rest from hardship” – enrolls approximately 100 children aged 0–5. In 2025 we provided educational supplies, hygiene items, seedlings for the nutrition programme, and infrastructural support for a new school building. Blankets handmade by Thornybush lodge guests were also donated to the children.
Following flood devastation at the start of 2025, Tshembekani Creche received urgent support through the erection of new fencing to ensure a safe and secure environment for its children — a vital first step in restoring stability after a crisis.
Good Life Creche was brought into our portfolio in 2025 — a direct result of the Thornybush Ingwes winning the Kick It for Conservation Soccer Tournament, with winnings channelled into community support. We provided classroom furniture, educational supplies, and a water tank.
Nourish bridges conservation and community, focusing on education, food security, and employment. In 2025 we provided educational supplies, clothing, and blankets, while also partnering on Community Tours — generating sustainable revenue that allows Nourish to maintain its own programmes.
Our longest-standing school partnership. We provide uniforms for orphaned and vulnerable children, essential resources, and maintain a school garden — managed by custodian Keysman Nkuna of Pfunekani Africa — that has now served over 60,000 meals to learners annually at Hananani Primary.
Added to our portfolio in 2025 through a partnership with SPAR Hoedspruit’s Little Shoes, Big Smiles campaign — 85 pairs of school shoes were donated to Sihlekisi learners. We also provide educational resources and link learners to our conservation awareness programmes.
New to our network in 2025. We provide essential school supplies and have opened access to our conservation awareness programmes — encouraging academic growth alongside an early appreciation for wildlife and environmental responsibility.
A top-performing school in the Manyeleti District. In 2025, the major milestone was the construction of a new National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) kitchen — ensuring learners have access to nutritious meals that directly support academic performance. We also continue to provide learning materials and educational tools.
A 14-year partnership with one of South Africa’s leading hospitality training institutions. In 2025, we celebrated the graduation of five bursary recipients, who move on to paid internships at Thornybush lodges. The Class of 2024 completed their internships with a 40% absorption rate into permanent positions.
2025 graduates: Portia Makhubela, Nhlanhla Malatji, Thandokunhle Mashele, Amber Mathebula, Donex Ngobeni
In 2025, Thornybush Community proudly offered a bursary to Langutani Nwenya from Welverdiend, to join a pioneering, first of its kind all-female tracking team class. The programme covers accredited field-based training in animal tracking, bushcraft, and environmental awareness, culminating in a Thornybush lodge internship.
Wisani – meaning “rest from hardship” – enrolls approximately 100 children aged 0–5. In 2025 we provided educational supplies, hygiene items, seedlings for the nutrition programme, and infrastructural support for a new school building. Blankets handmade by Thornybush lodge guests were also donated to the children.
Following flood devastation at the start of 2025, Tshembekani Creche received urgent support through the erection of new fencing to ensure a safe and secure environment for its children — a vital first step in restoring stability after a crisis.
Good Life Creche was brought into our portfolio in 2025 — a direct result of the Thornybush Ingwes winning the Kick It for Conservation Soccer Tournament, with winnings channelled into community support. We provided classroom furniture, educational supplies, and a water tank.
Nourish bridges conservation and community, focusing on education, food security, and employment. In 2025 we provided educational supplies, clothing, and blankets, while also partnering on Community Tours — generating sustainable revenue that allows Nourish to maintain its own programmes.
Wisani – meaning “rest from hardship” – enrolls approximately 100 children aged 0–5. In 2025 we provided educational supplies, hygiene items, seedlings for the nutrition programme, and infrastructural support for a new school building. Blankets handmade by Thornybush lodge guests were also donated to the children.
Following flood devastation at the start of 2025, Tshembekani Creche received urgent support through the erection of new fencing to ensure a safe and secure environment for its children — a vital first step in restoring stability after a crisis.
Good Life Creche was brought into our portfolio in 2025 — a direct result of the Thornybush Ingwes winning the Kick It for Conservation Soccer Tournament, with winnings channelled into community support. We provided classroom furniture, educational supplies, and a water tank.
Nourish bridges conservation and community, focusing on education, food security, and employment. In 2025 we provided educational supplies, clothing, and blankets, while also partnering on Community Tours — generating sustainable revenue that allows Nourish to maintain its own programmes.
Our longest-standing school partnership. We provide uniforms for orphaned and vulnerable children, essential resources, and maintain a school garden — managed by custodian Keysman Nkuna of Pfunekani Africa — that has now served over 60,000 meals to learners annually at Hananani Primary.
Added to our portfolio in 2025 through a partnership with SPAR Hoedspruit’s Little Shoes, Big Smiles campaign — 85 pairs of school shoes were donated to Sihlekisi learners. We also provide educational resources and link learners to our conservation awareness programmes.
New to our network in 2025. We provide essential school supplies and have opened access to our conservation awareness programmes — encouraging academic growth alongside an early appreciation for wildlife and environmental responsibility.
A top-performing school in the Manyeleti District. In 2025, the major milestone was the construction of a new National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) kitchen — ensuring learners have access to nutritious meals that directly support academic performance. We also continue to provide learning materials and educational tools.
A 14-year partnership with one of South Africa’s leading hospitality training institutions. In 2025, we celebrated the graduation of five bursary recipients, who move on to paid internships at Thornybush lodges. The Class of 2024 completed their internships with a 40% absorption rate into permanent positions.
2025 graduates: Portia Makhubela, Nhlanhla Malatji, Thandokunhle Mashele, Amber Mathebula, Donex Ngobeni
In 2025, Thornybush Community proudly offered a bursary to Langutani Nwenya from Welverdiend, to join a pioneering, first of its kind all-female tracking team class. The programme covers accredited field-based training in animal tracking, bushcraft, and environmental awareness, culminating in a Thornybush lodge internship.
Every contribution makes a meaningful difference. The donation amounts below are examples of the impact your generosity can have, but you’re welcome to give any amount that feels right to you. Your support helps create lasting opportunities for education and community development.
