Project description

With the Ecoclubs, Wilderness Safari has implemented an important educational program for the youngest members of local communities with the aim of raising their awareness about biosphere conservation of their territories. The Children in the Wilderness program aims to educate the youth of Africa,  inspiring and assisting them to preserve their magnificent natural heritage.The financial and educational empowerment of local communities is, in fact, fundamental so that they recognize that wildlife is their greatest resource and must therefore be protected, studied, valued and managed. The Eco-Clubs are an innovative informal project that adds to the many initiatives promoted by OCT such as the creation of grants and scholarships for schools and students. Eco-Clubs consist of weekly meetings at rural schools where interested students can discuss and expand their knowledge on environmental issues. The interactive and fun sessions are held in collaboration with community members, teachers, and area Wilderness camp staff. They allow children to have different mentors and help improve interaction between camp staff and the host community.  Ecoclubs also provide Eco-Mentor Trainings that aim to develop teachers' knowledge of environmental issues so that they can implement more initiatives and projects that benefit students and the community. This is a project that partially compensates for the educational gap in southern Africa in terms of environmental education.