Conservation Education in Schools
Junior and Senior Conservation clubs
Chipembele has 4 Community Conservation Educators (CCEs) who live and work in our four key zones: Nsefu, Kakumbi, Mfuwe Central and Mnkhanya. They run 4 to 5 conservation education sessions a week during term time in schools their respective zones, each of 2 hours, in a total of 32 Conservation Clubs in 20 local schools. They teach on a diversity of topics including: Animal behaviour and predator-prey relationships; Sustainable development; Animal adaptation; Evolution; Human Wildlife Conflict; Protected area management and design; Evolution; Cell biology.
Conservation education for school children in our programmes is not limited to the classroom and our club members have the opportunity to participate in several outdoor programmes that are discussed below.
Field Trips Into The National Park
School children from the conservation clubs have the life-changing opportunity to participate in field trips into the National Park. Many of the children living in the rural settlements around South Luangwa National Park have never been into the Park, or experienced seeing many of the species found in the area. Having the opportunity to see and learn about the wildlife in its natural environment helps to develop a passion to conserve and the drive to protect it.
Nature Nights programme
Participation in our inspirational Nature Nights programme involves students camping in tents for two nights within the Lupande Game Management Area. They participate in activities such as team building, leadership, communication, problem solving and critical thinking. The programme helps them to develop conservation and life skills, all the while being exposed to wildlife and nature. We hold 4 per year, timed to fit within the local school breaks, with 12 of the most active students from our Conservation Clubs participating in each session.
Field Ecology club
The Zambian Carnivore Programme partnered with our Conservation Education team to run a Field Ecology Club for students in the Mfuwe Secondary School Conservation Club. The main aim is to equip our students with hands-on experience of scientific research techniques.
Computer classes
The Computer Literacy Programme is designed to teach students the basics of how to use a computer and associated software applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as typing skills. Sessions are held for approximately 10 students at a time, who must be active participants in their school Conservation Club to qualify for a place. Students take a series of 10 classes, each of 2 hours, and are awarded certificates if they attend all classes and pass.
Kalata for Kids Magazine
A new project in 2021 was the design, production and distribution of our Kalata for Kids magazine, which is done in partnership with PAKO, an established wildlife children’s magazine in Namibia. We will produce and distribute 4 issues per year.
