Educate African Children about the environment

Throughout February, we had the pleasure of welcoming Lepono students from Bismark. Each week, we  greeted eight children who arrived with great enthusiasm and curiosity. Our dedicated volunteers were equally excited to share their knowledge about the environment and other valuable lessons. Together, we created a nurturing environment where these children could learn, grow, and discover new perspectives.

Following our wonderful experience with Lepono students, we opened our gates to the students of Maahlamele School from the Oaks Village. Each week, a group of eight Grade 8 students joins us. Thanks to your unwavering support, we could offer these children an opportunity to receive lessons that they may not have access to in their regular school curriculum.

One of the highlights of their time at Daktari was taking care of the animals through daily stabling activities. The children learned important lessons about wildlife conservation. At the end of each week, they returned home with a poster showcasing their promises and a little book with all the lessons they had learned during their week. The bond formed every week between our volunteers and the children was truly special, as they enjoyed spending time together.

Without you, none of this would be possible. On behalf of Maahlamele School, Lepono, and the children, we extend a heartfelt THANK YOU for your continued dedication. While the children may change from week to week, one thing remains constant each child thoroughly enjoys their time here.

Kings regards

Bush School Update:

The year 2022 was a full and exciting year with many children coming through our gates and leaving both enriched, informed and excited about their futures as well as the future of the environment!

Without you, our generous donors and supporters, we could not have made the impact on the children we were aiming for.  So, a great big THANK YOU to all our wonderful supporters through GlobalGiving. 

The animals have all had their Christmas break and are also ready to fulfill their part as ambassadors to the new intake of children and volunteers for this new year. They too, send you a great big THANK YOU for all your support.                                   

2023 has started with a bang!  We have already welcomed 3 groups of children along with wonderful new and enthusiastic volunteers ready to impart their knowledge about the environment and other lessons.

To track the impact these lessons have on the children, each child fills out a survey with the help of a volunteer upon arrival where certain questions are asked. Then at the end of week, those same questions are asked to the children so we can see the improvement in their progression which is very satisfying.

We look forward to a wonderfully successful year ahead, and we are positive that with you, our supporters alongside us, it will be a great 2023.  

Thank you for your ongoing support

Take care and stay safe

Bush School July/August/September 2022 Report  

 With travel being fully opened across borders again, things have picked up nicely as of the end June and a steady stream of overseas volunteers and local children has made the camp buzz with life once again.

 Lessons taught include Leadership skills; Environment and plastics;  Making SA a better place; Public Speaking;  Animal Knowledge; Animal Tracks; Drawing your future; Substance Abuse; Safe Sex;  Wildlife Crime and Poaching; to name a few.

The pupils are also taught the importance of cleaning the animal cages, what and how to feed  the various animals in the orphanage.  Their days start early with the “stabling”, then a hearty breakfast followed by a morning of lessons,  lunch and swim/play time for 1.5 hours and then back to the classroom. 

 Their evenings end with a delicious dinner, then either games, a night safari or a movie.  The final night of their stay is the highlight for the pupils and volunteers alike, as after supper a large bonfire is built and singing and dancing are the order of the night.

 To track the impact that these lessons have had on the children, each child fills out a survey with the help of a volunteer upon arrival where certain questions are asked, then at the end of week, those same questions are asked of the children and to see the improvement in their progression is so satisfying.

Thank you for your ongoing support

Take care and stay safe

Dear friends,

The beginning of the year was a bit tough, we had no volunteers so no children, but from late February on, we have been working hard to educate local children about the environment.

So far, we are very proud to have welcomed 143 students from Lepono, Maatla, and Maahlamele schools. 

At the beginning of the children’s stay at DAKTARI, they each fill in a general survey that works as a level indicator. The questions are based on crucial points of their education that they may or may not have learnt in school or in life, as of yet.  It is also used as a progression sheet throughout their week, as they are asked to fill out the same questions at the end of their stay.  DAKTARI also uses this survey as an indicator as to what might need to be improved on their program.

The project has so far remarked an extensive progression in all subjects, between the beginning and end of the week.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Stay safe and have a lovely day,

Dear friends,

We started this year by welcoming the children from Lepono Secondary. So far we managed to have them all for the week of environmental education, a total of 72! We were also able to arrange a game drive for our 10 students of the week as part of their presents. It happened at Wait A Little at the beginning of the month.

Two weeks ago, we started working with Maahlamele High School and will continue to do so until we have had them all for the week in our camp.

In total, we have welcomed 88 students this year thanks to your support!

Stay safe and have a lovely day,