Programmes and training conducted in the first quarter include:
University Groups:
The first international group of the year stayed at the SAWC from 23 -27 February in partnership with Global Conservation Corporation. The group enjoyed a behind the scenes conservation experience where they met with the men and woman managing and training various aspects in terms of the College’s offerings. This included visiting the Aerial unit, the Ranger Camp, the K9 Unit and spending time with the Responsible Resource Management department. During the time spent at the College they were exposed to the area’s natural beauty through game drives, bush walks and excursions in the Kruger to Canyon biosphere.
In March we also had students from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Good Work Foundation (GWF) arrive on campus. They will have the opportunity to work practically in the field.
Field Guide Training:
This year in collaboration with Bushwise we are again facilitating the training of four previously disadvantaged individuals on the online and practical training required to complete the Apprentice Field Guide Level 2 course, and in preparation for their internships. Four students have already benefitted from these training programmes and we are keenly following their progress.
First Conservation Management Short Course Completed:
Our students completed the first short course in a series of credit-bearing accredited short courses whilst we await accreditation of what will be the College’s new flagship programme, the applied three-year diploma in Natural Resource Management. The first short course: Data Management and Technology for Conservation was concluded on 10 March this year. “Students are eager to start with the second in the series of short courses namely Introduction to Biological Systems”, said Lecturer, Dr. Qinisani Qwabe.
During the first short course we invited two guest lecturers, one from the SAWC’s Applied Learning and Research Department, Mr. Peter Hamming, and Dr. Palesa Natasha Mothapo from Stellenbosch University. They offered unique perspectives and added value to the course for the students, which is an important part of the learning process.
Herding4Health and other short courses:
Our senior trainer, Mr. Pieter Nel, began the year with a busy schedule travelling in and out of South Africa. Nel is overseeing our Herding4Health/Eco Rangers programme and a few of our other short courses. He facilitated two Dangerous Game Awareness Training Courses off-site in Mozambique and Botswana. Recently, Nel also trained a group from SA Hunters on buffalo and elephant courses on campus.
