Rhino poaching awareness by reaching out to schools
Rhino Revolution (RR), an NGO working to save white and black rhinos from extinction, host programmes to educate and inspire local communities about the importance of rhinos and all wildlife to the local economy.
According to Monika Boulanger of RR, they are a small team of only five paid staff members that ensures that all donations are used for their front-line rhino conservation work. RR had its first education outreach in 2019 in collaboration with another NGO, Village Library. “In 2021, after two years of experience in the local rural outreach arena, RR met with various local community stakeholders and became aware of the huge need for education in the local schools themselves, with an emphasis on the Acornhoek area bordering the Kruger National Park.
The first two schools chosen were Baretta, with 60 learners in Grade 6, and Mugidi, with 45 learners in Grade 6. “Our amazing community outreach ambassadors, Karabo Chiloane and Admire Ndlovu, held three lessons of one hour each per week. Working closely with the teachers and with the input of RR’s board member, Vusi Tshabalaba, ensures educational rigor. RR follows the government natural sciences curriculum with an emphasis on the environment and, of course, rhino,” she said.
In 2022, RR took on two more schools, Funjwa (52 Grade 4 learners) and Ndabeni (48 Grade 5 learners). This year, RR will focus only on Grade 5 learners at Ndabeni Primary School. The aim for 2023 is to engage with close to 200 Grade 5 learners from Term 1 through to Term 4. RR will teach three classes with around 60 children in each class. “Classes are interactive, with as many practical activities, games, and competitions as possible. RR also celebrates the important days in a child’s life that we are so accustomed to in our own upbringing.
We celebrate every birthday with a small token gift and a song. We will reward students with certificates and small prizes for class competitions and celebrate events such as World Rhino Day and World Environment Day to keep learners engaged and excited about our teaching. Rhino Revolution’s most important goal this year is to increase excursions and take as many learners as possible out of the classroom and into the bush. Currently, RR conducts about six trips per year to Kruger Park, with approximately ten children, one teacher, and two outreach ladies.
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This is the maximum number of people that we can legally fit into our Quantum bus,” Monika said. Whenever possible, RR also takes children to a private game reserve. “The aim is to bring children into the reserves so they can see the wonderful wildlife on their doorstep and become advocates for conservation, helping to stop poaching.” RR is also introducing the ultimate experience in 2023, spending two nights in a solar bush-tented camp inside the Greater KNP.
“RR also invites young people to attend rhino horn trimmings where possible, so they can see conservation in action. This is an emotional and moving experience, and young people become effective ambassadors and messengers within their communities,” concluded Monika. Contact 082 606 1207 or monika@rhinorevolution.org.
