After a hiatus of seven years, the SANParks Junior Honorary Rangers (JHR) programme has been reignited to expose learners from grades eight to 12 to all there is to know about the Kruger National Park (KNP) and other national parks in the Lowveld.
The SANParks’ year-long programme was launched at the multipurpose events venue, Umbali, on January 26. Nearly 60 young nature enthusiasts registered to be part of the programme. The rangers’ parents were also present.
The JHR Lowveld co-ordinator, Chris Daniel, said they are still receiving more applications and are anticipating more children to register before the programme starts.
“The rangers will be exposed to the field during day visits and weekend camps in the KNP. They will participate in monthly classes operated by the skilled honorary rangers facilitators, and the participators will be assigned to different annual assignments. They will receive certificates that may be advantageous to those who plan to further their studies in nature conservation,” Daniel said.
“The JHR programme participants will be able put many environment-related issues into perspective, such as understanding the effects of environmental degradation and what we can do to prevent it. They will learn how the actions of people can impact the environment and be involved in campaigns that help to make a difference to our planet.”
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He said the facilitators who will work closely with the rangers are accredited for the JHR facilitator’s training course, are members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers, are screened according to the National Child Protection Act and have provided a police clearance certificate.
Daniel has urged the business communities in the Lowveld to support the programme through sponsorships that will enable its smooth management throughout the year.
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He can be contacted on 072 203 5496 or emailed at lowveld.juniors@sanparksvolunteers.org.
