Educate African Children to Save Their Environment

Welcome back to DAKTARI,
We've had over 70 students here since you read our last project report!

Last week, DAKTARI visited Lepono High School to conduct a workshop on the importance and value of education. DAKTARI runs an outreach program in addition to an environmental education program and wildlife orphanage. DAKTARI’s outreach program has four main parts: eco-clubs at two local secondary schools (Maahlamele and Rakgalokwana), community development, waste management and a job-hunting program.

Approximately 100 eight and ninth graders were able to participate in the workshop. In small groups, the children spent seven minutes interviewing a DAKTARI volunteer about their job and previous education. Once the seven minutes were up, the groups swapped and the children were able to interview another volunteer. The children asked the volunteers what they do, what they studied at school and whether or not they went to university. By the end of the workshop the students had spoken to seven volunteers who were from different countries around the world. The volunteer’s career and education backgrounds were all vastly different which was beneficial for the students as it highlighted that basic education is important no matter what job you want to do!  

We also continue to educate the local school children when they come for their week here at DAKTARI around conservation, wildlife and the enivonrment at our camp.
Our volunteers work hard with the children to develop their own ideas around these issues, we have a lot of fun here with the kids and love greeting the new faces every Monday, we can't help but love seeing how excited they are when they see what's in store. 

A warm welcome to everyone!
We’ve had a lot happen here at DAKTARI; new additions such as the Bush Pig (Molly) and two new Meerkats that the kids love.

Careers guidance weeks; where we take in older students and help them build a CV and cover letter to gain employment.

Previously we would have to share our office computers and write out the CVs for the students with their input. Now we’re stepping up our careers week and changing the formula. We’ve put together a project on GlobalGiving that will have DAKTARI train them independently with 4 separate computers while the volunteers provide supplemental support if needed.

A special campaign called “Bonus Day” on the 12^th July where GlobalGiving match 50% of donations for 1 day!

This is a big day for us and we hope to find support through the community.

Some quick facts about DAKTARI?

• Over the past 3 months, we have educated nearly 100 local children.
• Since 2006, DAKTARI welcomed over 3500 children, impacting more than 12000 people in the community.
• We’ve had 15 volunteers within these 3 months from all over the world teaching at DAKTARI. (People from the United States all the way to Australia that believe in our mission).

Here’s to another 3 months of education; we aim to make South Africa a better place and we’re glad you’re with us!

Links:

• DAKTARI Website