The Community and Youth Development Department (CYD) headed into quarter two without the Natural Resource Management, Terrestrial Level 5 students on campus. All 26 students in the flagship class were busy with different projects as part of their Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
The WIL is based on the modules covered in block one with WIL occurring between the training blocks. With the help of mentors, the students showed determination as they completed the different projects within the specified time.
They were welcomed back from their WIL for block two starting with the Animal Management module. This was of particular interest due to the fact that this class had been preceded by the Vegetation Management module at the end of block one. After learning about the role of different plants and how they influence animal distribution in a park, the students could now add to the knowledge gained by learning about further animal management techniques.
They also visited the Hans Hoheisen Research Centre after strenuous assignments and formative activities in and out of the classroom. They were then introduced to the Water Catchment Management module where they welcomed the new Assistant Facilitator Robert Lebese, a Groen Sebenza Intern funded by the Department of Forestry and Fisheries through the SANBI Internship programme. He brought a great deal of experience into the integrated Water Catchment Management module, an area of his major during his Bachelor studies. The students enjoyed the field excursions during the practical application of the modules.
Robert Lebese readily assisted our experienced facilitator, Fanuel Nleya and together they brought out the best from the students who come from over 10 different conservation organisations. The students are set to attend a session when they conclude the Conservation Compliance Module by the end of June.
The Department is happy to report that the 65% milestone on contact training will be reached by the end of the second quarter. The class is scheduled to complete contact sessions by August and be ready for their second WIL in September before they graduate on 30 November this year.
The Department is also at an advanced stage after advertising the donor-funded Youth Access Bridging Course that we hope to start in July and finish in December this year. The Department of Agriculture Rural Development and Land Reform has engaged with us on submitting proposals on some of its training programmes for consideration by youth under the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) programme.
