Providing Outreach to Local Communities

The year has gone so fast, the project has developed a lot and really quickly, I can hardly keep up myself. Luckily it is all for the good. A big “thank you” to everybody who is supporting this new project and all it’s developments. I updated some of the information on the project page, because we are doing much more then just running two eco-clubs. We work closely with schools and post matric students in the Limpopo region to empower, motivate and help find jobs and schools which will enable the young adults of the area to better themselves and their future. We help them find out what they want to do with their future, help them with job placements or college placements, as well as run our eco-clubs in the villages which promote environmental friendly ways of living, and how to become a spokes person for your community and set the right example.

We also changed our name. It is no longer Daktari Outreach, which was too vague. Our new name it Daktari YEP, which stands for Youth Empowerment Program. What do you think, much better right?

At the eco-club meetings the students get lessons about different animals, like the big 5, the small 5, but also about the antelope, birds and about animal behavior. We also discuss endangered species and rhino poaching. Especially the rhino poaching is a big topic at the moment since South Africa already lost 668 rhinos in 2012! These children live in the area where the poachers live; we have to make sure that they feel for the rhino so that they can influence their peers. We can save the rhino by educating this generation!

It is not only the lessons itself that make the students gain knowledge; it’s also the fact that all the lessons are in English, so they develop their language skills. The form a team, a group, they feel like they belong to something, that they mean something. It also keeps them off the streets. They even develop politeness skills and talk to international volunteers makes them more confident, all of this will help them towards a brighter future. Most jobs in this area are tourism related so to have good English communication skills and general knowledge about the environment will enhance their chance on getting a job in the future.

Kutullo one of the post matric (he finished his high school) students applied with our help to SA Wildlife college, so he can study more about the environment. He has an interview next week Monday! We all believe he can make it and will get in. It would be the opportunity he needs to change his life.

Grace, one of the students of the eco-club got transferred to a new school, a private school! Here she will get all the opportunities she needs to achieve her dreams! On the picture you can see her in her wonderful new school uniform! We still need your help, we found a sponsor that covers a big part of her school fees, but she still needs a uniform, school supplies, transport and sometimes to be able to go on a trip. You can read her whole story on her micro project page. http://www.globalgiving.org/microprojects/help-grace-to-achieve-her-dreams/

Again thank you for your amazing support! Thanks to your donation these children have a chance to a better life and you are saving the environment at the same time.

Links:

• Join Daktari YEP Facebook Page