The more than two decade old Children in the Wilderness (CITW) programme, continues to make a positive impact on children in the area of environmental education. The programme which is supported by eco-tourism operator Wilderness Botswana, and its sponsors has just concluded annual eco-camps where it hosted 80 children from various schools from areas where it operates.
The children, hosted at Jacana and Vumbura Plains safari camps were from Parakarungu, Sankoyo, Shashe (Maun) and Tshwaragano (Gaborone) Primary Schools.
The mantra of the programme is premised on educating and developing leadership acumen among children for sustainable conservation of natural resources. Much to the impact, is that most of the children engaged in the eco -clubs in these schools are from communities that live within these resources.
Started in 2001, CITW has over the years partnered with key stakeholder in its bid to foster environmental education in these schools of interests. Among these are the ministry of education where the duo have agreed on an environmental curriculum developed by the programme.
CITW works with teachers in the schools of interest where interested children are taught about the environment, which is also laced with the creation of environmental or eco clubs in schools as extra curriculum activity.
CITW Coordinator Moalosi Lebekwe indicates children who have shown interest in eco clubs and environmental education are then selected to participate in the end of year eco-camps in the Okavango Delta for a full on education about the wetland system.
Wilderness and Ngamiland Adventure Safaris close two of their camps annually every year during this period to host the children for the eco camps.
Meanwhile, First National Bank Foundation and Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited are some of the sponsors of the programme, and also attend the eco-camps for a full on appreciation of the project.
The eco- camps are attended by some of the graduates of the programme, as volunteers and proof of the effectiveness of the environmental education and leadership development.
