Providing Outreach to Local Communities

Today I'd like to relate the story of Kagiso and Tebatso, two Eco Club members who have shown tremendous artistic talent.  The boys, who are long time participants of Eco Club, were inspired last year by the lesson "Art and Recycling", during which they discovered their talent in making animals out of recycled wire.  They went home and surprised us the next week with an ostrich, elephant, giraffe, impala, monkey, and shark, all first drawn on paper and then perfectly copied into bends of the wire!

Later, during the rainy summer weeks, they began making clay animals.  They collect and form clay into the shape of an animal, bake it in a homemade kiln, and paint it.  Their portfolio is very impressive: everything from rhinos and elephants, to kudu, warthog, and even porcupines! 

Last month, DAKTARI and the NPO Nourish were able to provide an opportunity for the young men to sell their creations at the local farmer's market in Hoedspruit.  After some initial shyness, they opened up and were spectacular salesmen.  The sold many of the animals; customers were especially taken by the detailing of the porcupines! 

Kagiso and Tebatso's animals are now on display at DAKTARI, as well as at a local Craft Shop.  They have realized that they can work hard and use their natural artistic talent to have fun, and get an income too!  Kagiso, who will be in the 12th grade next year, has expressed an interest in pursuing an Art Degree after high school.

DAKTARI is incredibly proud of everything the boys have accomplished, and we THANK YOU, our fantastic donors, for allowing us to help these young artists. 

I'll leave you with a letter directly from Kagiso:

Daktari and the eco-club made this possible, without daktari and the eco-club today i would not be making those beautiful animals. So thank you for bringing the eco-club to us and get a chance to learn new thing every week and I am greatful for knowing daktari. If it wasn't for your love and care, see and knowing about the environment and animals would not be possible. So thank you and all the volunteers at daktari, we are were we are because of you.

From: Kagiso