In late February, Shannon Dawson shared thrilling news: a new partnership had been forged with Lessons In Conservation (LiC) through the Londolozi Ripple Fund. As part of our guiding team, we embarked on an extraordinary mission: to educate 200 learners from nearby communities and treat them to an unforgettable safari experience at Londolozi.
Every day, we have the privilege of introducing guests from all corners of the globe to the pristine wilderness and rare wonders of Londolozi. As a team, we revel in the sight of the incredible wildlife that roams these lands. And now, we have the joyous opportunity to share this treasure with children who live just beyond its borders.
In the first week of March, our rangering team embarked on our inaugural Lessons in Conservation expedition. Bursting with excitement for this new partnership, we set off to the community of Kildare, bound for Nembe Mhlaba Primary School.
Learning about the Big 5 animals
With LiC’s guidance, we delivered immersive lessons over three days, weaving our insights into nature between our usual game drives. On the final day, we had the privilege of leading these eager learners on a safari around the reserve, bringing to life everything we had explored together.
Ranger Robbie Ball teaches how to identify birds from the bird book.
Our first school visit, to Kildare, saw us engaging with a group of 24 Grade 4 learners (around 10 years of age), with invaluable assistance from Donald of the Lotus Foundation, an organisation helping implement the syllabus designed and crafted by LiC into the schools in the area. Witnessing their enthusiasm for learning about nature was truly captivating. Together, with LiC’s support, we journeyed through ecosystems, bird migration patterns, animal tracks, and the various threats facing wildlife. We also discussed the promising avenues of job opportunities in eco-tourism and underscored the vital importance of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Learning about bird migration and why they travel such long distances in search of food and to breed.
As we explored the mysteries of bird migration—why these feathered creatures travel vast distances in search of sustenance and breeding grounds—the classroom buzzed with curiosity and wonder.
It was a refreshing change to see my fellow guides passionately sharing our knowledge with children, especially in such a vibrant educational setting. Our session concluded with a poignant discussion on the importance of waste management, followed by a collective effort to clean up litter in and around the school premises. Departing with hearts brimming with anticipation, we eagerly awaited the next day’s adventures.
Following a spirited competition among the guides and their teams to collect litter, we were astounded by the sheer volume we managed to gather.
With Rangers James Souchon, Nick Tennick, Kate Arthur, and myself at the helm, we embarked on a game drive, accompanied by the 24 learners and their four teachers. It struck me then, that for many of these children, despite living close to the reserve, encountering such wild wonders was a first-time experience. Their excitement as they spotted creatures we had discussed and learned about was infectious. I eagerly anticipate our next LiC mission and am filled with excitement for the future of this partnership.
Kirst Joscelyne
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