Cultivating change through mindfulness and education

Janna Kretzmar, founder of EarthChild Project, brings yoga, mindfulness and environmental education to under-resourced schools in South Africa. In recognition of her impactful work, she was awarded the 2022 Santam Social Entrepreneur Award, celebrating her mission to empower and inspire the next generation.

How has your social enterprise evolved since winning the Social Entrepreneur title?
Since receiving the award, Earthchild Project has grown from strength to strength. The award came at a pivotal time – shortly after the challenges of the pandemic – and marked a turning point for our organisation. We’ve not only become more stable and resilient, but we’ve also taken bold new steps. One of our biggest milestones was the launch of our first national campaign, which reached more than six million South Africans. It was a significant step forward and a proud moment for us as an NPO.

What kind of impact has the award had in terms of visibility, funding, partnerships or support?
Winning the award definitely boosted our visibility and credibility, not only with donors, but also with our partners and the communities we serve. It opened doors and reaffirmed the value of our work. Importantly, it wasn’t just recognition for me personally; it felt like a celebration of the entire Earthchild Project team. The award gave us renewed energy and confidence, and strengthened our support base on every level.

Who or what continues to inspire and drive your passion for social change?
I’m deeply inspired by the team I work with – people who show up every day with passion, heart and commitment. I also draw motivation from the partnerships we’ve built with schools, donors and community members. Being part of a collective that truly believes in positive change and works tirelessly to uplift children and communities is both energising and humbling.

What key skills or mindsets do you think are essential for success in this space?
A growth mindset has been vital. After 19 years of leading Earthchild Project, I’m still learning and evolving, which keeps the work fresh and meaningful. I also believe in focusing on the positive – this work can be tough, and the challenges are real, from systemic social issues to the demands of running an NPO. But by staying anchored in the purpose and the small, everyday stories of transformation, we find the strength to keep going.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to make a difference in their community but doesn’t know where to start?
Start with what you love or what you’re good at, and offer that to your community. If you’re passionate about animals, volunteer at a rescue centre. If you’re a runner or cyclist, use an event to raise funds. If you’re a creative, offer your skills to a local cause. When you align your passions and strengths with service, you’ll add the most value – and find the most meaning.

How do you stay motivated and keep your team aligned with your mission during tough times?
Having gone through many highs and lows, I’ve learnt that tough times always pass, and often bring growth, learning and unexpected gifts. This perspective helps carry us through. As a team, we stay grounded by focusing on our shared mission, celebrating even the smallest wins, and leaning on the strong relationships we’ve built with each other and our community.

What’s next for you and your organisation, and what impact do you hope to create in the future?
Looking ahead, we are excited to deepen our impact. Our goal is to fully equip every school we work with, with Earthchild Classrooms and thriving organic food gardens by the end of 2026. We’re also preparing to roll out our second national initiative –Take 5 – in 2026, which will bring mindfulness and well-being practices to even more schools, children and South Africans across the country.

What does the future look like for Earthchild Project?
As we approach our 20th anniversary next year, we are reflecting on the journey and reconnecting with the many young people who have been part of our programmes. We look forward to sharing their stories and celebrating the long-term impact of our work. We’re also growing our team and expanding our reach, and we remain committed to building a movement that nurtures conscious, resilient children who can lead the change in their communities.

For more information, visit https://earthchildproject.org/