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
LEOPOLDT VAN HUYSSTEEN
ACADEMIC HEAD & DIRECTOR
HEIDI BARTIS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BRECHED DE KOCK
GENERAL MANAGER
MATTHYS STRYDOM
HEAD ACADEMIC PROGRAMME
DERICK FORBANKA
LECTURER
JANET LABBERTÉ
STUDENT AQUISITION
JULINDA LE ROUX
HOSPITALITY MANAGER
KIAMI LINKS
INTERIM ADMIN ASSISTANT
LUCKY DINGAKENG
TECHNICAL ASSISTANT
DANIEL VENTER
TECHNICAL OFFICER & MARKETING ASSISTANT
MARCO PAUW
ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER
TERSIA REYNIERSE
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
AMELIA BEZUIDENHOUT
ACCOUNTING OFFICER (CREDITORS)
MARIETJIE VAN RENSBURG
ACCOUNTING OFFICER (DEBTORS)
MARA JULY
HOSPITALITY
CORNELIA TITUS
HOSPITALITY
MARILIZE VAN KRADENBURG
HOSPITALITY
JACOMINA STANDER
HOSPITALITY
LYA HORN
HOSPITALITY
CHANTÉ MIENIES
HOSPITALITY
POLLEN CLOETE
GROUNDSKEEPER
RICARDO VAN KRATENBURG
GROUNDSKEEPER
Associate academic staff
ANNEKE TEESSEN
LECTURER
PROF LIEZL VAN AS
GUEST LECTURER
DR JEANETTE DE KLERK-LUTTIG
GUEST LECTURER
PROF KAREN J ESLER
PROGRAMME ADVISOR & GUEST LECTURER
DAN BARTIS
SHORT COURSE MANAGER
JAMES MINYE
TRACKING & FIELD CRAFT INSTRUCTOR
PROF PAUL VAN HELDEN
TRACKING & FIELD CRAFT INSTRUCTOR
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.
Recently featured in the
Media
The Art of Tracking: Unveiling the Hidden World
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 […]
MATRICS, TAKE THIS STEP TOWARDS A BRIGHT FUTURE
There are a number of benefits of not going to university immediately. The last thing on a matriculant’s mind will probably be to become more mature and turn into a responsible adult. Yet for some learners, having the opportunity to mature and develop emotional skills during a year after school boosts their academic success later […]
Partnering with world-class universities and research
Public Private Partnerships are important for an institution to remain relevant. Therefore, AEL is collaborating with world-class universities such as Stellenbosch University Water Institute and Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands. We are an implementing partner with them on a project on Water Smart and Climate Wise Farm Management; this project is building capacity […]
Community Projects
In order to create a better world, systemic sustainability is of the essence; that means actions are needed which has to do with the natural environment, the economy and social aspects. Therefore, the AEL is an active partner on school food gardens in order to assist with the expensive school feeding programme. Schools are spaces […]
History
Welcome to the Academy for Environmental Leadership, situated in the heart of Southern Africa, where the Kalahari meets the Orange River. The idea of The Academy for Environmental Leadership was first conceived by Adv J.A. (Fef) le Roux SC., former Director and Chairperson of Curro Holdings Limited. The idea came about as a result of […]
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