Children in the Wilderness programme expands

Children in the Wilderness (CITW), a non-profit community programme by Wilderness, has officially also launched in Kenya and Tanzania. With more than two decades of successfully running the programme in southern Africa, and Rwanda since 2018, the CITW programme is now fully operational in Kenya, managed by Wilderness partner Governors’ Camp Collection, and in Tanzania by Wayo Africa.“CITW is the flag-bearer for the educate pillar of Wilderness’ Impact strategy, its programmes focusing on the next generation of rural decision-makers," CITW group coordinator Lindy Nieuwenhuizen said.“It is one of the few programmes facilitating sustainable conservation through leadership development of African children in rural areas near wildlife reserves and national parks, aiming to bridge the divide that exists between communities and wildlife”.Through immersive wilderness experiences, educational workshops and community outreach initiatives, CITW instils a deep appreciation for natural heritage in children, while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become future conservation leaders, the company said. The CITW programme is managed by eco-mentors who run eco-clubs at partner schools; these environmental clubs introduce primary school children to the programme. The eco-clubs are followed by youth environmental stewardship (YES) clubs, aimed at secondary school learners who continue to show an interest in conservation and the environment.Comprehensive trainingVeteran CITW manager in the Zambezi Region, Sue Goatley led workshops for the new eco-mentors in the two countries during June this year. These eco-mentors are local community members, teachers and, in some instances, camp staff, who attended the comprehensive training sessions – held in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Loldia House in Laikipia County, and at Manyara Secondary School outside Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania, the company said.The goal is to expose children to wildlife and environmental conservation in an engaging and compelling way, in order to create positive long-term perceptions towards wildlife and wild spaces. Other activities include clean-up events, conservation talks, debates and discussions, game drives, screenings and discussions of wildlife films and documentaries.CITW was founded over 23 years ago, and at least 11 374 children have attended eco-clubs over the years – given the multiplier effect of the children’s learnings in their communities, Wilderness said.

Children in the Wilderness programme expands

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Children in the Wilderness programme expands

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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