Environmental Education to Change Lives

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• DISTRIBUTED 2000 WILDLIFE EDUCATION BOOKLETS ALONG WITH 120 BOXES OF CRAYONS
• 2000 STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN RHINO ART COMPETITION
• 2000 STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT RHINO POACHING AND PLASTIC POLLUTION
• 400 YOUTH ATTENDED 3-DAY ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPS

Between lockdown regulations and whilst adhering to strict COVID protocol, 400 learners attended our camp held on a farm in the Umkomaas Valley called Nyala School Camp. During the drive to camp, the youth were filled with trepidation and excitement, but they soon overcame their fears and the three days were filled with fun activities, learning experiences and personal growth.

The program includes: name games and ice breakers; preparing a team dinner; camp fire storytelling; wildlife walks; water studies; litter and pollution lessons; a lesson called We Are Part of Nature; fun obstacle course & team-building games.

 This experience is the best possible way to immerse them in nature, raise their awareness of it, and to inspire their responsible care of it. It gives young people a chance to begin to understand the natural world, their impact on it, and what they can do to preserve our planet.

This is a truly life-changing experience for many, and the beginning of a healthier environment for us all.

We were once again a recipient of the children’s environmental educational booklets created by Blue Sky Society. This year’s edition is beautifully illustrated and packed with activities. The children loved them and learned more about nature and the importance of protecting the natural world. Our sincere thanks to Blue Sky Society Trust for donating the books to us, and for the beautiful graphic design work created by Stephanie de Wit.

A rhino art competition was held in 14 schools with over 2000 learners. The goal of the art competition is to raise awareness of the scourge of rhino poaching that plagues Africa.

Along with the art competition, there were also theory classes on rhino poaching and how that impacts conservation. Learners were also thoroughly trained on the impact of plastic pollution on the planet.