WESSA welcomes new Education Centres manager Kristi Garland

 

WESSA welcomes Kristi Garland back to the team as the new Education Centres Manager, overseeing WESSA’s three environmental education centres in KwaZulu-Natal.

Kristi’s appointment marks a powerful return; she first began her career at WESSA back in 1999 at the Treasure Beach Education Centre. Over the past 25 years, she has built a career rooted in environmental education, managing a centre for 15 years and fostering spaces where young people can connect with the natural world.

“I’ve always been an outdoors person who enjoys sharing and learning about the space around us and the people who inhabit it. Each one of us needs to create a space where learning, exploration, and enjoyment can take place and to nurture that going forward.”

With a strong belief in resilience, collaboration and learner-focused impact, Kristi brings energy and depth to her new role. She sees her return as both a homecoming and a fresh challenge.

“Having been involved in the environmental education sphere for the last 25 years and managed a centre for 15, I believe my experience, tenacity and never-give-up take on life and challenges will stand me in good stead for this amazing challenge ahead with the three education centres in KZN.”

Her top priority is to revitalise the visibility and reach of WESSA’s education centres, expanding access and impact for learners across South Africa.

“I would really want to work with our Education Centre teams and get our WESSA education programmes back on the map, providing good experiences and learning platforms for as many of our young South African learners as possible.”

Kristi’s powerful message for the next generation of green leaders, “Find your passion, what makes you tick and then put your head down and make it a reality.”

We’re excited to welcome Kristi back to the WESSA team as she takes on this pivotal role in shaping environmental education for the future.