Twenty Children in the Wilderness alumni packed their bags and headed for the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) at the beginning of July. The students have been taking part in a bridging course, entitled: “Youth Access Conservation and Environmental Education” which exposes school-leavers to theory and practical application of environmental education and the life of a field ranger in a conservation area. Learners attend the SAWC for three months, following which they are work-placed with host conservation organisations in nature reserves for two months, for post-training experiential learning. This provides them with first-hand experience and a real understanding of a career in nature conservation.
We cannot believe that it their three months have nearly come to an end! The students are required to provide feedback on their time at the college each month. Here are a few quotes from our wonderful students on their experience of the course thus far:
Kemelo Kopano from Botswana: “My favourite module was environmental education because I understand [the] environment and it [has given] me knowledge concerning biophysical environment and its problems, and aware of how to solve these problems.”
Emmanuel Moyo from Malawi: “Environmental education has been my best module this month, because it is full of knowledge on how to motivate people to change their attitude [towards] the environment.”
Abiollus Sylvanus Haneb from Namibia: “I have learned how to take care of my natural environment as well as how to teach or pass on the message of our environment to different people. [Above] all I learned how to be myself and have confidence in myself. I learned how to talk in front of many people.”
Nambula (Ruth) Imbula from Zambia: “I learnt about the environment and the impact human activities have on the environment. I have also learnt the solutions that we can do to reduce or eradicate these problems that are affecting our globe.”
Mdlungwa Wisdom from Zimbabwe: “The module which touched me was environmental education, because it gives everyone the ability and skills to participate and have concern toward the environmental issues.”
