15 Apr 2024

Gauging the success and impact of coaching conservation programme, some teachers in Maun sub-region have called for the programme to be implemented nationally to benefit all targeted learners.

They shared their views during a workshop held on Friday citing that the programme was well designed as it covered all subjects in the schools’ curriculum and wished the opportunity could be extended to other schools across the country.

Through the programme, youngsters are taught to value wildlife and natural environment, as a meaningful way of reaching out to the next generation of custodians in conserving natural resources and inspiring a generation of kids who cares.

The programme spearheaded by Wild Entrust Africa was rolled out to primary schools in Ngamiland targeting classes of Standard 5, 6 and 7 respectively.

“This is a brilliant initiative and its methods of delivery are the best. I have adopted them in my lessons because they makes learning and teaching easier,” said Mr Galetlhophe Diphorano of Thito Primary School.

He acknowledged the value of the programme, adding that involvement of teachers was key for its success. He also commended lead coaches, for doing their job under challenging conditions.

The coaches, he said were energetic and keen to deliver a quality learning experience to learners citing that their teachings were interactive and allowed learners to participate fully.

However, he wished the coaches could visit schools once every term and not once a year as it was the case. He said this would give learners enough time to learn, adding that consistency was key to the syllabus.

Another teacher, Mr Sladen Danaye from Chanoga Primary School concurred that the programme was beneficial to schools as it made learning and teaching effective and was in line with their curriculum delivery.

The programme, he said was also addressing the cognitive domain and psycho motor  as it exposed learners on how to interact with animals and appreciate their behaviour and how they survive in their habitat.

By virtue of learners residing in a tourism hub, he said it was important to create effective conservation education in schools so as to inspire learners to care for nature and protect the prestigious resources found in the region.

“It will disappoint if any teacher perceived the programme as a waste of time because it communicates a lot and the lead coaches do not disturb our lessons at all as they are well resourced. The coaches are making life easier for us and I appeal to fellow teachers to support the programme,” he added.

Mr Danaye also said the programme could help learners become conservationists and eventually venture into income generating projects to benefit from the natural resources in their surroundings.

A student from Shashe Primary School who benefited from the programme, Ms Lisa Samsam described the programme as an eye opener as it changed learners’ attitude about environmental conservation.

“This programme has inspired me to respect myself, others and the environment. It has also instilled discipline as learners now appreciate the importance of respect,” she added.

She said the programme also enhanced her knowledge about the environment, particularly how human beings, animals and the environment were connected. ENDS