A Champion for Environmental Education and Community development

 Dr. Cheryl Lynn Ogilvie, with 27 years of experience, has become a guiding light and change in environmental education and community development. Leading the Ndumo Community Project, she has touched countless lives, particularly in underrepresented communities, by empowering the next generation through hands-on learning and dedicated mentorship.

Her journey began with a love for nature that was evident from childhood. Dr Ogilvie explored various career paths, and with the guidance of her mother, she found her calling in Nature Conservation. Her academic journey is impressive, with qualifications from Technikon Pretoria, now Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where she completed her doctorate in 2019, focusing on the effectiveness of environmental education in socio-economically challenged areas.

During a recent interview on the Alumni Talk radio show on September 5th, Dr Ogilvie reflected on the pivotal role that TUT played in shaping her career. She credited the university and its dedicated faculty for equipping her with the skills and knowledge she now passes on to her students. “TUT has taught me to believe in myself,” she said, emphasizing the importance of hard work and practical experience in her educational philosophy.

Dr Ogilvie's work extends beyond the classroom. Her research has consistently highlighted the interconnection between socioeconomics and environmental health, stressing the need for sustainable development that addresses both poverty and environmental concerns. She believes in the power of universities to lead by example in this regard, advocating for a hands-on, heart-driven approach to education, what she calls the "3 H’s: head, hands, and heart."

Under her leadership, the Ndumo Community Project has transformed thousands of lives, ensuring that the forgotten community is on the map. For Dr Ogilvie, the ultimate reward is seeing her students, like Sandile Mabatha and Futhi Khumalo, go on to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the environment. 

TUT remains close to her heart, as it provided the foundation for her career, enabling her to become the mentor and leader she is today. She looks forward to ensuring that people's lives change for the better with her contributions.