Junior Honorary Rangers Lowveld Region receive their assignments for the year
The Junior Honorary Rangers Lowveld Region all gathered at Umbali Events and Tents and learned all about what it means to be a SANParks Honorary Ranger. They also received this year's assignments.
The Junior Honorary Rangers (JHRs) Lowveld Region were given their year’s assignments by SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) last Friday afternoon, February 9, at a collaborative introduction to what being an honorary ranger is all about.
Several teens from the Lowveld gathered in the hall at Umbali Events and Tents where they were handed their assignments by the JHR Lowveld Region co-ordinator, Chris Daniel. Following explanation of the assignments, the Kruger National Park’s senior conservation manager, Navashni Govender, spoke to the 60 children enlisted in this year’s course about the importance of the SANParks Honorary Rangers’ role in supporting the SANParks conservation objectives nationally and what being an honorary ranger entails.
The JHR course is currently being offered to children between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age. They will be taken through various activities and learning opportunities to increase their conservation, fauna and flora knowledge and, ultimately, what it is to be a SANParks Honorary Ranger and the discipline this requires. This with the assistance of leaders in their field, as was the case on this evening, to share their knowledge and experience with the children.
JHRs can expect to be encouraged to visit the national parks and will meet once a month.
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On March 16, the JHRs will embark on a day trip to the Kruger National Park Scientific Services Department and the Skukuza Nursery, where they will begin their educational journey.
The next outing will see them in the throws of conservation techniques as they are guided in the arts of snare removal and alien plant eradication. This is a core function of the honorary rangers in the Kruger National Park and a viable skill to attain.
Other events throughout the year include stargazing, snake demos, a trip to the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, camping weekends both in the Kruger National Park and in Barberton and a trip to Chimp Eden, to name a few.
After many years’ absence from the region, it looks like the Junior Honorary Ranger programme is back in full force and is being well supported. The future of conservation definitely seems to be in safe hands with the enthusiastic and qualified JHR facilitators volunteering to spearhead and drive this programme.
To find out more on how to join or sponsor it, email jhrlowveld@gmail.com.
