During 2021, SAWC and Global Conservation Corps (GCC) engaged in a pilot phase of the Future Rangers Programme, whereby the two organizations partnered up to deliver high class environmental, conservation, and leadership curriculum to four schools in the Wildlife College’s area of influence, reaching over 1300 students between grades R to 8. A number of in-school lessons, activities and excursions took place throughout the year, with the majority of interventions taking place during Q3 (July – September) of 2021. The following tables outline the specific content the learners were exposed to during the time period, with high hopes of amplifying this impact and reach in 2022.
Lessons Completed
Mahlekisana Primary School | Salani Primary School | Mahlale High School | Sokisi High School |
Intro to Ecology | Intro to Ecology | Careers in Conservation | Careers in Conservation |
IUCN Overview | IUCN Overview | Ecology | Ecology |
Careers in Conservation | Careers in Conservation | Ecosytem Function | Ecosytem Function |
Africa Foundation Foundation Phase | Africa Foundation Foundation Phase | Feeding Relationships | Feeding Relationships |
Africa Foundation Intermediate | Africa Foundation Intermediate | Assessments | Assessments |
Conservation Poems | Conservation Poems |
Activities Completed
Mahlekisana Primary School | Salani Primary School | Mahlale High School | Sokisi High School |
Tree Planting | Snake Education | Tree Planting | Tree Planting |
Clean Up Campaign | Tree Planting | Clean Up Campaign | Clean Up Campaign |
Career Day Expo | Clean Up Campaign | ||
Snake Education | Career Day Expo |
Game Drives
Between 13 August and 3 September 2021, a total of 99 students from Grade 8 experienced a three hour game drive at the Wildlife College. The students came from Mahlale and Sokisi High Schools, both of which are in near proximity to the SAWC. For the majority of the 48 learners from Sokisi and the 51 learners from Mahlale, this was their first game drive experience, and for many the first time seeing iconic wildlife, including the following species:
- Elephants
- Honey Badger
- Nyala
- Impala
- Kudu
- Leopard Tortoise
- Blue Wildebeest
- Kori Bustard
- Warthog
- Blue-waxbill
“Many thanks to Sboniso Phakathi, Prof Mtungwa, and the amazing team at the College for a brilliant pilot year together. We’re really excited to kick things in 2022 at a higher level, especially with the new version of the App coming online,”
said Matt Lindenberg, Executive Director, Global Conservation Corps.
