A Q & A on the last field ranger course the College was able to run before all courses at the College ceased as a result of the Covid-19 virus.
Field Ranger/Law Enforcement – Armed
How many students (men and women) attended the course?
Twenty-three (23) students completed the programme: 4 female and 19 males.
What qualifications have they received?
Field Ranger/Law Enforcement – Armed Accreditation/Certification
What did their training involved?
Learning or training outcomes include:
Learners qualifying against the skills program were able to:
- explain the importance of managing personal finances, set financial goals and identify ways to achieve personal financial goals whilst also developing a personal and or, family budget
- explain the basic principles of personal hygiene, demonstrate an understanding of health and nutritious eating habits for a healthy lifestyle, and demonstrate understanding of the consequences of abusing drugs and medicine
- explain the concept and principles of nature conservation broadly
- outline the history of nature conservation
- demonstrate the relevance of nature conservation principles to society
- explain the inter-relatedness within ecosystems
- identify local plants and animal species, their sign, spoor, and habitat
- count the local plants and animals
- determine the locality of animals, plants and abiotic elements
- record information on the species observed
- communicate directions to specific locations according to the requirement of the situation
- find, orientate and navigate along a route to a specific destination
- read, interpret and use maps
- draw and or create simple maps
- plot information on a map using symbols
- conduct patrols to collect and interpret information associated with conservation guardianship
- react appropriately within the law and according to established procedures, to counter any illegal activities
- collect evidence to prosecute a suspect and present evidence in a court of law
- apply appropriate communication techniques during conservation guardianship operations
- identify the advantage of working in a team or group
- identify the characteristics of an effective team or group
- identify the rules and responsibilities of the individual in a team or group
- identify techniques to manage group dynamics
How they performed?
Each individual performed to the best of their abilities, reaching beyond their comfort zone to excel in all areas. Each person brought together a collective skills set based on the unique qualities and life experiences of each member. All members graduated with the sought after certification/qualification and or, the Field Ranger/Law Enforcement – Armed accreditation.
Were there any highlights or other areas of interest?
Various highlights prevailed throughout the course. These included team cohesion and the bond that was formed during training sessions. This occurred within the classroom environment; all elements of understanding and taught were put to practical application, reinforcing the overall teachings.
The instructor Mr Excelent Macabe was commended for the knowledge and experience he shared with the students;
“We learnt a lot from you Sir. May God bless you more. We also give thanks to the Southern African Wildlife College for the training and skills we gained even although the Covid-19 virus disturbed the programme of going out to do our field phase. We appreciate the training and for still managing to take us out into the field to implement work physically and in practicals.”
