Noko means “(African crested) porcupine” in Tswana, one of South Africa’s 11 official languages. Noko, is a playful character, with a mischievous spirit! He is confident in himself, inquisitive by nature, and eagerly explores the world around him.
Noko is a Knight, as he is not only a strong leader and brave in tricky situations, but is quick to find solutions, protect those around him and values diversity and inclusivity. Noko is also not afraid to admit when he is wrong and welcomes his friends’ input.
Noko proudly lives up to his personal mission: “YES, I am a Knight! I CHOOSE to do what’s RIGHT!”, a slogan already chanted in school classrooms nationwide as part of Noko Busts Bullying! – our unique bullying prevention & SEL programs.
As an added delight, Noko The Knight expresses his glee with little porcupine grunts and squeals, and his dissatisfaction and frustration by raising is quills, rattling his tail quills loudly and stomping his little feet, just as they do in nature!
Mr. & Mrs. Porcupine
This prickly pair serve a supportive and protective role as they do in nature. They fulfill their duty by teaching their young (Noko and his baby sister, Nokolyssa) valuable skills they need to navigate life in the bustling bushveld, and are productive members of the community.
Nature’s Night School
Our majestic baobab tree is also known as the “Tree of Life” in Africa. As a core part of our story, this baobab tree is where our bushveld buddies gather at dusk to learn and sharpen the crucial skills needed to overcome the colorful challenges they face. Many of their rich experiences are within and around this safe haven, which has different classrooms carved out on the inside!
Not only is this tree a school, but it also represents strength and inclusivity and doubles as a community center! It offers shelter and support to our diverse and dynamic families, and even has its own school nurse!
Principal Akkadis – our approachable and affable school leader at Nature’s Night School.
School Counselor Zebe keeps up with her students’ well-being, and their latest trends! She is always ready to lend an ear and is an anchor of support for both her students, and their families.
Nurse Brite Bottom, our school nurse, glows bright with glee, and dims with distaste. And when her light is out, don’t pout, for she is off duty and enjoys her time out and about!
Nkwe and his twin brother Ingwe, are our lovely leopard cubs! Ingwe invites us to learn more about living with Autism, as he is on the spectrum.
Inyoka, the African Rock Python loves to read and learn!
Tiny Tarentaal, our guinea fowl who’s always on the lookout!
Mmabudu, the aardwolf. Traditionally cautious and shy, Mmabudu teaches us the value of being self-aware & introspective.
Kolobe is an intelligent and sassy warthog, one who does not like to be told what to do. She often needs her spa day at the mud pool to help her cope with the high temperatures and her heated temperament!
The treacherous Tsetse Fly is constantly calculating her next crazy calamity amongst the bushveld buddies!