Since the establishment of the Coaching Conservation program in Ngamiland, a sports
conservation initiative by Wild Entrust, a total of 73 primary schools in the region have
already benefited from the initiative.
The program which was kick-started in Shorobe village in 2004 uses sport as a tool to encourage empathy for wildlife, engender respect for self, each other and the environment and inspire a generation for kids who care. The program target students from standard five to standard seven aged between 10 and 12.
In an interview, Wild Entrust Director Lesley McNutt said that through the program they intend to inspire a generation of kids who care about themselves, about each other and the natural world around them using sports as a mechanism.
‘‘Our use for sports as the active vehicle for change, in conjunction with our unique ‘learning from wildlife’ model, has proven to be an effective way of engaging kids, inspiring concern for conservation issues and creating empathy,’’ she said.
According to McNutt, Coaching Conservation’s ‘learning from wildlife’ model motivates the protection of animals by harnessing kids’ natural enthusiasm for soccer and play. She expressed that the animals that they aim to protect are introduced as ‘wildlife mentors’ possessing highly developed, learned skills and strategies that help the students to thrive and be resilient within their niches just like elite athletes.
“On the sport field, Coaching Conservation kids learn to mirror their ‘wildlife mentors’ exhibiting speed and balance like a cheetah, or vision like a vulture. Off the field, kids apply these same skills in different contexts, perhaps changing direction to navigate social challenges, or responding with speed and balance to counter an environment threat,” she said.
In an effort to develop the program, MacNutt has stated that last year they signed a five-year MOU with the Ministry of Education and Child Welfare to deliver the program to every child in Ngamiland in those five years.
Thamalakane Primary School Head teacher Merwalo Mokgadi has revealed that the program will play a very important role by aiding students in their subjects more especially science which encompasses environmental conservation. She said that as the students participate in sports at the same time that would improve their academic performance by enhancing their concentration, mental agility, and time management skills.
One of the teachers at Thamalakane Primary School Charles Gadifele has also emphasised the importance of the program expressing that by participating in sports the students will gain knowledge and skills which are being required in Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) subject. He said that the program also offers the students an opportunity to refresh their minds and to learn about wildlife.
Wild Entrust Africa (WEA) is globally recognised conservation research, education and development organization active in Southern Africa since 1990, it was registered in Botswana in 2008.
