About KuCoNa
A place to create, connect, and grow.
KuCoNa creates practical opportunities for people and the natural world to thrive together.
Who we are
Human wellbeing and environmental wellbeing are deeply connected.
Through skills development, lifelong learning, community care, mentorship, and meaningful experiences in nature, we create opportunities for people and the natural world to thrive together.
Based in Kurland Village, with a satellite centre in Covie in The Crags, KuCoNa serves neighbouring communities surrounded by indigenous forests, rivers, mountains, and coastline—one of South Africa's most remarkable natural landscapes.
Our purpose
Mission
To support people, build skills, create opportunities, and care for the environment through community-led learning and action.
Vision
A thriving community where people grow, families are supported, youth have purpose, and the environment is protected.
Our story
Rooted in three neighbouring communities.
KuCoNa is part of the NVT Behavioural Change Programme 2024–2028 and launched in December 2025. Its name reflects the communities and landscape at the heart of the centre.
Kurland
Covie
Nature's Valley
Our approach
Community-led from listening to action.
- 01Listen to community needs
- 02Build on local strengths
- 03Create practical opportunities
- 04Work together
A welcoming centre
Space to learn, connect, create, and grow.
KuCoNa welcomes children, young people, adults, and older persons to develop practical skills, build confidence, discover their potential, form meaningful relationships, and strengthen their connection with the natural world.
Through the Learning Hub, Community Care Hub, and Nature Connect Hub, KuCoNa creates opportunities for skills development, lifelong learning, mentorship, wellbeing, creativity, and community connection.
Computer lab
Digital learning, online access, and practical technology skills.
Community kitchen
A shared setting for practical learning and community activity.
Learning spaces
Flexible rooms for classes, creative work, and mentoring.
Meeting areas
Welcoming spaces for groups, support, and collaboration.
Outdoor gathering spaces
Places to learn together and connect with the surrounding landscape.
Many programmes extend beyond the centre into the forests, rivers, coastline, and protected areas surrounding our communities, encouraging hands-on learning and meaningful experiences in nature.
How we learn and improve
Community feedback guides the work.
KuCoNa reviews its programmes every six months with community feedback. The centre uses aggregate measures such as participation, skills gained, health outcomes, and environmental impact to understand what is working and where programmes can improve.