In the heart of South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, just a stone’s throw from Kruger National Park, a small village is creating ripples of change. Nourish Eco Village, founded by Sarah Dawn Bergs in 2011, has become a beacon of hope for both people and wildlife. But this isn’t your average nonprofit. It’s a movement, a model of transformation that ties together poverty alleviation, community empowerment, and wildlife conservation, showing the world that when you nourish people, you nourish the planet. A Vision for Change Sarah grew up in a private game reserve on the wild edge of South Africa’s Kruger National Park. From a young age she witnessed a stark reality: communities bordering conservation areas were struggling with high unemployment, food insecurity, and limited educational opportunities. Wildlife poaching, often driven by desperation, was a growing issue. Sarah had a vision that would address these issues holistically, by empowering the people who lived alongside the wild. Her radical idea? “You can’t protect wildlife if the people living alongside it are hungry.” For Sarah, fighting poaching wasn’t just about protecting animals, it was about breaking the cycle of poverty that fueled it. So, in 2011, Nourish Eco Village was born with the goal of uplifting communities through education, empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. A Holistic Approach Nourish Eco Village didn’t just set out to create another charity, it sought to build a comprehensive, sustainable ecosystem of change. The village became a model of how social and environmental issues can be tackled together. At its core, Nourish focuses on education: a preschool supporting early childhood development, after-school programs like the Green Kidz Club teaching literacy, creativity, and environmental awareness, and mentorship and skills development programs that open pathways into both conservation and conventional careers. It’s not just about teaching, it’s about creating opportunities. At the heart of the Eco Village is a thriving farm that supports food security, training, and livelihoods. The permaculture gardens, chicken coop, moringa trees, and seedling nurseries provide fresh produce for feeding programs and generate income. In the vocational center, women sew reusable sanitary pads, while young people learn digital skills and artisans craft goods to sell at local markets. This ecosystem isn’t just sustainable; it’s a living example of Ubuntu, the African philosophy of interconnectedness that says, “I am because you are.” Sustainable Tourism and Community Impact What sets Nourish Eco Village apart from other nonprofits is its innovative approach to tourism. While many organizations use tourism as a fundraising tool, Nourish has turned it into a symbiotic exchange. Visitors come not to “save” anyone but to learn, share, and engage. Cultural village tours, craft workshops, and traditional meals all offer travelers an immersive experience while directly benefiting the local community. Through this ethical tourism model, Nourish generates income, but more importantly, it shifts visitors’ perspectives, turning them into lifelong advocates for the cause. This model has helped reduce reliance on illegal hunting and unsustainable practices. As Sarah explains, “When communities flourish, wildlife thrives.”
From Small Beginnings to Global Impact
What began as humble beginnings has now blossomed into an ecosystem that has impacted over 15,000 community members. Nourish supports 1000+ children each week with education and food security, has created more than 40 local jobs, and has provided over 420,000 nutritious meals over the past year. The organization’s reach extends beyond South Africa with the creation of Nourish International USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects U.S.-based donors and travelers with this grassroots movement. Through its work, Nourish proves that poverty alleviation and conservation don’t have to be separate issues. By combining education, food security, enterprise development, and ethical tourism, Nourish is creating pathways to resilience and opportunity. As Sarah says, “We’re not giving handouts. We’re creating pathways, pathways out of poverty, toward dignity, education, and opportunity.”
A Blueprint for Hope
Nourish Eco Village is more than just an organization, it’s a blueprint for hope. It shows how one small village can spark a wave of change that transforms lives, communities, and ecosystems. “What started as small acts of community care has grown into an ecosystem of hope,” Sarah reflects. “We’re excited to see what comes next.” For the American reader, Nourish Eco Village offers a refreshing alternative to traditional charity. It demonstrates how development doesn’t have to choose between people and the planet, it can nurture both. Nourish’s work challenges the norm and provides a holistic, sustainable approach to solving some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Why Nourish Eco Village Matters
Nourish Eco Village’s unique approach is making a difference, not just in South Africa but on a global scale. Their model integrates conservation with poverty alleviation, showing the world that both can coexist harmoniously. The power of Ubuntu is evident in every corner of Nourish, from the children in the classroom to the adults learning new skills and building better futures. Every person who engages with Nourish becomes a part of this interconnected network, proving that the fight for the planet begins with the fight for its people.
Nourish isn’t just a place, it’s a living, breathing movement that demonstrates the profound truth that when communities thrive, the world around them does too.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to contribute to a sustainable, impactful cause, consider learning more about Nourish Eco Village. Whether you’re a conscious traveler seeking an authentic experience or a donor wanting to make a real difference, Nourish offers a path to change that doesn’t just benefit one, but benefits all.
Visit www.nourishecovillage.com or connect with Nourish International USA to find out how you can be part of this transformative journey
Social Media Links:
Through the power of Ubuntu, Nourish Eco Village is changing the future for both people and wildlife, one path at a time.
