10 Apr 2024

A coaching conservation programme has benefited more than 15 000 learners in primary schools in the North West region.

The programme is designed to inspire children to care about wildlife and challenges that they faced.

One of the programme coaches Ms Goitse Lekau revealed in an interview that the programme was introduced in 2019 and that pupils were interested to participate because there was an element of fun.

The programme, she said, provided innovative conservation education through learning from wildlife models, adding that pupils learn about wildlife, their behaviour and their individual attributes for application in their personal lives. “We use sports as a medium to inspire pupils to care about themselves, each other and the natural environment around them hence more are embracing and enjoying the initiative,” she said.

Ms Lekau also said the programme promoted harmonious co-existence between humans and wild animals. She said they saw it fit to catch them young and teach them to value wildlife and the natural environment through immersive experiences. She added that their goal was to teach the next generation of custodians on conserving natural resources and inspiring a generation of citizens who care.

The programme is the brainchild of Wild Entrust Africa and Ms Lekau explained that initially the programme was community driven. She said they realised that the message was not well received as the parents had their own beliefs on wildlife conservation.

Furthermore, Ms Lekau revealed that they had organised a sensitization workshop targeting school heads and other stakeholders to share the coaching conservation mandate and its benefits. “We have realised that some people are clueless about the programme and we believe the workshop will be helpful,” she added.

Another coach, Ms Tlhagisegang Mosalaesi concurred that the programme aims to build a relationship of empathy between children and animals.

The programme, she said, raised awareness, developed environmental knowledge and changed learners’ attitudes about conservation. “We want children to grow into responsible citizens who view wild animals as creatures they can live with harmoniously,” she said

Wild Entrust Africa are leaders in applied conservation research, education and development since 1990, and the organisations core mission is to take a holistic innovative approach to conservation, integrating research, education and sustainable development to protect threatened species and make co-existing with wildlife viable and appealing. ENDS