About the AEL
At the AEL we offer a structured academic programme presented in a safe and nurturing environment through which we mentor and assist young adults to discover themselves and ascertain what they want for their future.
What we offer
What is the AEL?
At the AEL we offer parents great comfort and peace of mind knowing that their child is receiving the necessary guidance that will result in optimal growth and personal development.
The year-long NQF-level 5 National Higher Certificate in Conservation Ecology programme is structured in the form of a transformative academic year in nature. It consists of ten modules spanning a variety of key disciplines in relation to Conservation Ecology, including Personal Development and Conflict Management.
The academic modules are complemented by practical training, some of which are done outdoors in the veld, and others are done in our Campus Laboratory. Some of the other outdoor activities and practical modules offered as part of our programme include Orange River rowing, a Fieldcraft & Tracking course, as well as a First Aid training course.
AEL students will also embark on an action-packed educational tour to the Richtersveld during the year.
At the end of the year, successful students obtain an NQF-level 5 National Higher Certificate in Conservation Ecology.
A home away from home
Campus and facilities
Our campus is uniquely situated on a 21ha farm right on the banks of the Orange River at Uizip, ± 25km upstream from Upington in South Africa’s Northern Cape Region. This region, also known as the Kalahari, is classified as semi desert and has its own pristine natural beauty. The vast array of biological diversity this unique location offers, as well as other outside factors like how farming, mining and other technological developments in the area affect the environment, make this one of the world’s finest living laboratories in which to study conservation and the effects of climate change.
Once known as the Uizip Outdoor Education Centre, hosting outdoor education seminars for Church and Youth Groups, it now plays host to our beautiful Campus and Office Buildings. When you enter through our gates, a true oasis with lush green gardens and lots of open space greet the eye, truly making it one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.
Accommodation is offered in comfortable, fully furnished student dormitories.
All meals, seven days a week, are supplied throughout the year. Balanced and nutritious, all meals are freshly prepared daily by our dedicated and well trained kitchen staff. Special dietary requirements can be arranged, and filtered drinking water is provided.
We have a fully equipped Laboratory, and recreational facilities on site include a Gym, Library and Games Room. WiFi and DSTV are available
Our beautiful swimming pool is the perfect accompaniment for those hot summer days, and evenings can be spent socialising and gazing at the stars in the expansive night sky from the outdoor Braai area. We boast all the luxuries and comforts of a true home away from home.
We believe in
Fun and adventure
We proudly present
Our exceptional team
FEF LE ROUX
DIRECTOR
MARCO PAUW
OPERATIONAL OFFICER
SUMANDI CAMPHER
MARKETING ASSISTANT
MARILIZE VAN KRADENBURG
HOSPITALITY
CORNELIA TITUS
HOSPITALITY
POLLEN CLOETE
GROUNDSKEEPER
LEOPOLDT VAN HUYSSTEEN
ACADEMIC HEAD & DIRECTOR
DR MATTHYS STRYDOM
HEAD ACADEMIC PROGRAMME
AMELIA BEZUIDENHOUT
ACCOUNTING OFFICER - CREDITORS
SHANA BRANDT
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
MARIANA TITIES
HOSPITALITY
LYA HORN
HOSPITALITY
HEIDI BARTIS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DANIEL VENTER
TECHNICAL ASSISTANT
JULINDA LE ROUX
HOSPITALITY
MARA JULY
HOSPITALITY
JACOMINA STANDER
HOSPITALITY
RICARDO VAN KRATENBURG
GROUNDSKEEPER
Associate academic staff
DR JEANETTE DE KLERK-LUTTIG
GUEST LECTURER
PROF PAUL VAN HELDEN
TRACKING & FIELD CRAFT INSTRUCTOR
PROF KAREN J ESLER
PROGRAMME ADVISOR & GUEST LECTURER
JAMES MINYE
TRACKING & FIELD CRAFT INSTRUCTOR
PROF LIEZL VAN AS
GUEST LECTURER
Don’t miss out. Apply now!
We equip young adults with the necessary skills and acumen to excel in the next chapter of their lives.
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Part 2: Immersive Learning Adventures: Richtersveld Tour Continues
Welcome back to Part 2 of our exploration of the Richtersveld region with the Academy for Environmental Leadership (AEL). In Part 1, we saw how students could merge their learned classroom theories with real-world applications. In this edition, we’ll delve into more of the captivating experiences they had during their adventure through nature’s classroom. Discovering […]
Part 1: Exploring Nature’s Classroom: A Journey through the Richtersveld
Embarking on an academic journey that seamlessly blends theory with practical training can be a game-changer for students transitioning from high school to tertiary education or the world of work. The Academy for Environmental Leadership’s recent tour to the Richtersveld region perfectly illustrates this dynamic approach. From exploring different landscapes to delving into sustainable farming […]
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At the Academy for Environmental Leadership SA, students have the opportunity to engage in practical sessions on our campus, which serves as a living lab for data collection and analysis. The campus boasts ample natural veld and a diverse range of species, providing an ideal setting for students to acquire, measure, and analyse data, thereby […]
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Three of our students, Gerdus Minnaar, Amber Jones and Cibella Wilkens, were asked to think about this question and quickly brainstorm an answer, they came up with the following: What can we do? There are several small things at home we can do collectively that can have a great impact, for example taking shorter or […]
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It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Mrs Heidi Bartis as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Academy for Environmental Leadership SA (AEL), effective 2 May 2023. Heidi was born and raised in Upington, and completed her schooling at the local Saul Damon Secondary School. She celebrates an illustrious corporate […]
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Tracking is an ancient skill that holds great significance in our modern world. It allows us to connect with nature, understand wildlife behavior, and even ensure our safety in certain environments. Recently, a group of students had the privilege of participating in a tracking course led by renowned Master Tracker James Minye, Omakhai Kruiper, descendant […]
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