By Altin Gysman – Head: Protected Area Integrity/African Field Ranger Training Services
The fifth Braveheart Ranger Leadership Development Course, which was the last course for 2022, concluded with great success. Eighteen (18) students from different areas/organisations including Mpumalanga Tourism Parks Agency (MPTA), Waterberg and Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) were represented during the three-week course. Two female students from MTPA formed part of the grouping, a first for this WWF-SA sponsored course and an exciting prospect for future female representation.
This course was no exception as it presented its own dynamics and challenges for both students and facilitator. Students were exposed to more practical activities and we also included more video content. This is an indication of the development of the course from lessons learnt from previous courses and what is the most effective means of training.
Students participated in a teambuilding excursion during the second week of the course in order to rest and recuperate after an intense week of theory and practical activities.
All students completed the course successfully and received certificates of achievement on 17 November 2022. Dr Okori , the SAWC’s new Executive Manager: Business Operations was the Guest of Honour for the event and we were happy to have him assist in the following awards which were presented to the students:
- Best student theory
- Best student practical
- Neatest student
- Dedicated and effective contribution to the course
Thanks must be given to WWF-SA and International Rhino Foundation for supporting us and more importantly sponsoring the students to attend this course, allowing its development and implementation – without you it would not be possible.
The work being done here is crucial to creating well-rounded and balanced rangers in the field highlighting the need for emotional and mental training as well as physical training. We look forward to 2023 and the further development, improvement and broader reach of this course.
