Early childhood development forms a vital part of Natural Selection’s commitment to strengthening local communities and expanding access to education. By supporting safe, nurturing learning environments in a child’s earliest years, we help lay the foundations for confidence, resilience, and lifelong opportunity. When children grow up surrounded by consistent care, learning, and encouragement, they begin to believe in their own worth—and that belief shapes futures, families, and communities.
We support early learning through the following initiatives, each creating spaces where young children can learn, grow, and thrive:
THE LEARNING TREE Botswana
In Shorobe Village in North-west Botswana, The Learning Tree Centre provides early childhood education for children aged 3–5, laying essential foundations for learning, confidence, and wellbeing. Opened in May 2024 in partnership with our Tawana camp, the centre focuses on early literacy, numeracy, and vital nutrition during the most formative years of development. As the programme grows, the centre also serves as a space for afternoon learning and skills development for women, creating pathways for women to build skills, independence, and opportunity—strengthening families and communities side by side.
THE MARIA RAMSDEN LEARNING CENTRE Botswana
The Maria Ramsden Learning Centre in Khwai Village was founded to support preschool children from vulnerable households, particularly those led by single mothers. Established by Maria Naledi Ramsden and Sandra Rubins in close partnership with the local community, the centre continues to honour Maria’s legacy following her passing. Today, it provides a safe learning and play environment alongside daily nutritious meals for young children. With a new kitchen in place and a garden under development, the centre is strengthening food security while expanding its reach. We support the running costs of the centre and work with donors to fund daily meals and future adult learning opportunities, ensuring long-term, community-led impact.
GUDIKWA SCHOOL & FEEDING PROGRAMME Botswana
The Gudikwa School initiative is a collaborative effort between SAVE Wildlife Conservation Fund Botswana, the Wild Bird Trust, and Natural Selection, focused on supporting early childhood development in a human–wildlife conflict area. Through a community playgroup, children aged 3–5 participate in free, structured learning-through-play sessions delivered by a trained local playgroup leader using SAVE’s Early Childhood Development curriculum. The programme provides two to three hours of preschool-style activities and is supported through ongoing training and mentorship from SAVE’s Shakawe Network Area facilitator. Plans are in place to introduce a feeding component, pending the necessary council approvals, to further strengthen the programme’s impact.
LORATO HOUSE RESCUE CENTRE Botswana
Lorato House Rescue Centre provides a place of safety, care, and early childhood education for orphaned and vulnerable children from birth to five years old, and up to ten years for children living with disabilities. Supported by Thamo Telele and operated by the founders of the Love Botswana Outreach Mission, the centre offers 24-hour care, early learning, therapy, and case management in a stable, nurturing environment. Since its inception, Lorato House has supported more than 170 children, with the capacity to care for up to 75 as operational funding allows—ensuring vulnerable young lives are met with dignity, love, and opportunity.
OTJIKONDAVIRONGO CONSERVANCY KINDERGARTEN Namibia
In the Orutjandja Community within the Otjikondavirongo Conservancy, a kindergarten has been established in response to a request from the community to strengthen early learning opportunities for their children. Enabled through the airstrip usage agreement with guests visiting Hoanib Valley, the project reflects a shared commitment to community partnership and long-term impact. The kindergarten was constructed and formally handed over to the community and has been operational since February 2024, providing a vital foundation for early childhood education and supporting families in laying the groundwork for lifelong learning.
