Education – getting back to normal, saving painted dogs through education
Our Iganyana Children’s Bush Camp resumed its programs smoothly following the holidays and the relaxing of COVID-19 regulations. We had eight schools coming to the Bush Camp for the free-of-charge camps in the period July-September, making a total of 24 camps so far this year.
The Ngamo kids were very excited, as they thought the camp had eluded them, as had happened for the 2020 kids, who missed their camp due to the pandemic.
The “Special Camp”, which brings the best-performing students from each school, back to the Bush Camp for the season finale, will be conducted again this year before schools close in December.
Complimentary to our education program is our university sponsorship program, which aims to create local role models for kids and communities, to look up to. The program funds deserving and/or underprivileged students who have attended our Children’s Bush Camp, to pursue their studies at the university level. We are looking at establishing a Scholarship Fund that you can contribute to and help sustain this critical intervention.
A case in point is Survivor, not only is he one of our anti-poaching unit scouts but he is also a graduate of our Children’s Bush Camp. He is studying Bachelor’s Degree in Film, Television and Media Studies at Lupane State University. He has committed to using his profession to profile conservation issues and create awareness of such. The objective on our end is that sponsored students take up key posts and leadership roles in wildlife conservation, prompting local people to appreciate wildlife and the environment more.
Student Profile
Name: Survivor Nyasulu
Current Occupation: Anti~Poaching Scout
Field of Study: Bachelor’s Degree in Film, Television and Media Studies
Length of Program: 4 years
Institution: Lupane State University
Future Prospects: Wildlife Documentaries, Photography and Podcasts
How do you see your study contributing to creating an environment where painted dogs can thrive?
Answer: “Firstly, media is a very powerful means of communication. We're living in an advanced world where the media controls everything. For instance, in the case of radio, Radio has the ability to reach remote areas. A good example, on the 4th of October 2022 l got a call from a listener in Solusi, after (they listened to) my radio show, they said they had sighted a PANGOLIN. I got in touch with ZIMPARKS who then headed there and recovered it.
Media is also equipping me with the necessary skills to tell stories through the lens, stories of the plight of painted dogs, that will be seen by many, and also help in engaging with many people in protecting the painted dogs, I am happy that I live with these animals and I can tell the stories”
