In striving for the gold standard for guide training, and in bringing their unique strengths and resources to the table, the Southern African Wildlife College and Bushwise are excited about the opportunity for guide training to be more inclusive.
With the first intake of students now under the belt, the second intake of guiding students includes four students from local communities who have completed their online guide training at the SAWC. This will help ensure that these students are well versed when starting their practical training in collaboration with Bushwise in July 2022.
“In addressing transformation within the sector, special emphasis is being placed on increasing the number of historically disadvantaged individuals that go through the field guide training courses,” said SAWC CEO, Theresa Sowry.
The SAWC and Bushwise are both FGASA endorsed training providers, offering similar training for field guides within the conservation industry. As such, this course provides an exciting opportunity for both the SAWC and Bushwise students to advance their skills set and begin their careers.
“For the SAWC, another important component is trainer transformation. The intention being for individuals to be able to work as guides within the conservation and tourism sector, or to intern with the SAWC. The latter will enable selected individuals to be further mentored towards becoming assistant or junior trainers,” Sowry added.
If successful, this collaboration will essentially provide more sustainable opportunities and increase diversity within the guiding industry.
Judging by some of the student highlights during the first course, and the fact that the new intake will include a diverse group of students from across the globe, the next intake of students in July are in for a real treat. They will be totally immersed in the bush with the opportunity to be part of some awesome wildlife sightings, interactions and hands-on learning opportunities.
In addition, the training also allows for individual transformation, where an internal shift brings about alignment with the students’ self and highest potential. It is here where they will have an opportunity to understand how they see and relate to the world and other cultures, and how they understand their place on this planet whilst strengthening their commitment to ensuring that Africa’s wildlife economy is sustained and responsibly managed.
The students selected to join the training include three female students and one male student namely :
Queeneth Seepano
Siphiwe Khoza
Thinnah Mbombi
