To help the local communities live in a sustainable way that conserves their cultural and natural heritage, we run a Young Environmental Ambassador’s Leadership Course.
By supporting our ECO-AMBASSADOR Campaign, you are encouraging the leaders of tomorrow to protect their natural and cultural heritage.
The 5-day course is based at Suni-Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, and strives to achieve the following:
- The children are led to an all-encompassing understanding of Humanitarianism (Ubuntu)
- They are inspired to be proud of their inner capabilities and to know that they can excel in their ambitions and dreams
- They learn that human life is intricately bound with the environment, and that all life forms are to be respected and managed wisely
- These young leaders are encouraged to conserve their culture
The following topics and activities are included in the five day course:
Our duty to manage the environment – discussions, assessments of the main concerns. Animals have feelings! The learner gains a better understanding of the interconnectedness of all life forms. This awareness encourages a love for all life forms. Compassionate decision making is encouraged regarding the wise management of the environment by focusing on:
- Leadership qualities and humanatariasm
- Sustainable land use
- Wise management of resources
- Prevention of air pollution/acid rain
- Water shortages and droughts – wetlands (focus on False Bay World Heritage Site)
- Protection of water quality and use of correct sanitation
- Species fauna and flora – interpretation/protection of biodiversity
- The galaxy
- Environment and culture
- Home food gardens to provide food security
- The effect of all of this ultimately on man’s quality of life on earth.
A broad variety of subjects is investigated with the learners that include:
Humanitarianism – the introduction to Humanatariasm investigates the differences that historical and present day leaders have made to the world, such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Jane Goodall, Florence Nightingale, St. Francis. It also investigates findings by modern day scientists who are discovering more about how the world was created.
Music and dance – building self confidence and relaxation
Art in the environment – group work, sketches/drawings, literary essay: “What becoming a young environment ambassador means to us!”
Excursion to False Bay and hike at the lake – the learner experiences the World Natural Heritage Site and interprets the concepts of wetlands and forests identified during the field lecture
Excursion to “Big Five” Hluhluwe Game Reserve – in an open wildlife drive vehicle, learners view elephant, rhino, giraffe and other large mammals (often for the first time)
Excursion to croc center – interpretation of crocodiles
Field work – tracking animals; understanding more about their interrelationships. The learner gains a better understanding of the interconnectedness of all life forms, by focusing on the animals encountered
Water & the World Natural Heritage Site, False Bay, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park – where and what it is of importance to our region (environmentally and financially); eco-tourism; basic ecology of the wetlands – learners gain an understanding of the international, national, regional and local value of wetlands, with a focus on our own World Natural Heritage Site
Forests and trees – Sand Forest; unique endangered habitat; red data species – learners gain an understanding of the value of international, national and local forests, False Bay’ sand forest and gain a general knowledge of red data species and at least 4 locally occurring species
Live snake demonstration, interpretation, the importance of snakes – basic first aid for snake bites, learners gain an understanding of identifying snakes and why they are important for the environment
Campfire activities – leadership, self confidence, singing (create a Course song), observing the stars/galaxy, quiet moments to hear nature sounds, cultural ecology
Basic First Aid – the role of a leader in an emergency, and basic first aid procedures
Healthy living – health and healthy living, soil, water, sanitation
Food security – 80% of South Africa’s children are hungry; organic home gardens; poisons in the environment; working with nature permaculture leading your family towards food security and what can be done; field demonstration of home gardening/food security principles; fertile soil (field demonstration) and the role of the earthworm
Handling pets and other animals – prevention of cruelty to animals
Alien plants – field identification and methods of eradication
Birds in the environment
Bats in the environment – more than 22 species at Suni-Ridge
Environmental school club -identifying options for environmental action at school, such as:
- Improve environment – prevent litter; beautify the area with fruit trees, medicinal plants, shrubs and indigenous trees;
- Outreach into community opportunities; Junior Town council
- Communication – name of club, international communication and local communication with other eco-schools and environmental center; school and community conservation magazine; computerised conservation communication and contacts; school website to be developed
- Eco – school project – steps to be taken to obtain internationally recognized eco-school green flag. Actions defined.
- Eco-Tourism & career opportunities – the economical importance and career opportunities; learners gain an understanding of the international, national, regional and local value of Eco-Tourism; learn about career opportunities
- Eco-tourism – identifying school and community projects; identifying opportunities for the school and community; define projects and actions to be taken
Summation of Course – definition of and commitment to actions that need to be taken
We need your assistance to educate and inspire these young leaders to encourage sustainable living practices in their communities.
| By supporting our ECO-AMBASSADOR Campaign, you are encouraging the leaders of tomorrow to protect their natural and cultural heritage. |