The overall aim of this project is to offer children, whose childhoods have been disrupted by life threatening conditions such as illness, poverty and HIV/AIDS, a six day educational programme. This programme combines conservation, environmental education, arts and crafts, HIV/Aids and health education and recreation in a unique environment. We wish to increase children's understanding and appreciation of the unique diversity of natural environments as well as to demonstrate to the youth of rural communities the opportunities that exist. In addition, the programme is designed to increase self-esteem, teach new skills and knowledge to our children. The fundamental objectives of this programme are continued, with the support of our staff, in the local communities once the week long camp has finished.
Participants not only gain a better appreciation of their natural environment, through different terrestrial and marine activities in the unique surroundings of the various wilderness areas, they also experience serious and powerful learning about themselves that can have a lasting and meaningful impact on their lives.
The programme aims to restore a sense of the playfulness and exuberance of childhood to youngsters whose lives have been disrupted by an external circumstance over which they have had no control, such as illness, economic disadvantage, and disability.
The programme creates a physically and emotionally safe and supportive environment for youth to build self-confidence, discover their own unique strengths, and learn how to incorporate these strengths into their challenging lives.
Among the tragic effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is the breakdown of the traditional extended family as a support network for children and youth. Children in the Wilderness intends to build a sense of family and community among its staff and participants.
To increase awareness amongst the children, of all the opportunities that exist in the the field of conservation and eco tourism. In addition by teaching life skills, we hope to increase the children's ability to make healthy life choices for themselves and their environment