Nature-Based Education

South Africa is facing a significant challenge: unemployment affects nearly one-third (32.1%) of the population, with youth unemployment alarmingly high at 44.3% as of 2023. Traditional education has struggled to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the practical demands of the job market, leaving many young people unprepared for real employment opportunities. This disconnect contributes to an economic slowdown, particularly for new entrants to the workforce.

To address this, we are developing a nature-inspired, project-based learning curriculum for public schools. Our vision is to create a generation of young leaders who think sustainably and come from all demographics. By equipping students with essential 21st-century skills and fostering entrepreneurial thinking, we empower them to turn ideas into action.

Through our initiative, we aim to align the Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge (BYDC) with South Africa’s Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). By integrating Biomimicry into the CAPS framework as a form of Project-Based Learning (PBL), we encourage independence from traditional employment paths and prepare students to meet the modern challenges of the workforce. Our comprehensive approach nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset and promotes an understanding of nature’s principles, enabling students to create sustainable, marketable solutions to real-world problems. Together, we can drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and build a brighter, more resilient future for South Africa.

The long term vision is to have an framework applicable for all public school that focuses on nature-inspired project based learning while still meeting the CAPS competency framework. 

Though that approach we still work within the current system and create opportunities for children to matriculate while we make sure that children go through a meaningful learning journey that empowers them to create a sustainable abundant future.