Help children in rural South Africa see wildlife

My name is Basetsana Teffo, and I want to start by saying thank you for helping us with this Big 5 Schools Program. It has been very important for me and for my learners here in Hammanskraal.

I have seen so many changes in my class since the program started. Before the program, all the kids were very scared of animals. Even games about the Big 5 made them think they will be eaten. But now, they talk about saving animals and taking care of nature. They even imitate them without fear. The class now have mounted pictures of domestic and wild animals, and children now understand why we must respect and care for all animals.

One of my learners, Lethabo at Shado’s ECD, took big interest in animals. She said she is amazed there are many types of animals, and she loves that both wild and domestic animals are important.

When we went on the reserve trip, it was the best feeling. It was my first time seeing uncaged animals, and at first I was very scared. But then I loved to see them close and smell the fresh air. The kids was so happy to see the Big 5 and learn from the tour guide the difference between the little 5 and big 5.

During the trip, I felt proud because my learners could name all the animals without any fear. They remembered that wild animals don’t like noise and showed respect. I was also happy to see them on the big truck ride and the games with kids from other schools.

Parents and other teachers said the kids bring joy to their homes and make noise playing as the Big 5. Some even join the kids to play. In the community, people now care more about wild animals and domestic ones too. They even say they want to go to the reserve to see for themselves what the kids see.

I think this program is very helpful because it teach kids from small age that wildlife is important, just like domestic animals. They will grow up with this mindset.

I just want to share that this program showed me why we must have more campaigns for wildlife. During Covid-19, only a few NPO registered ECDs could join the program, so it motivated us to register our ECD too. The community now want to join this program because it also help us learn from other teachers’ complaints and ideas.

Thank you so much for helping us. Learners are our ambassadors for wildlife.