Raise a Generation of Wildlife Conservationists

Thanks to your support, the Kevin Richardson Foundation has been able to help fund an important education pilot with Lessons in Conservation in the Hammanskraal area of South Africa.

The programme is designed to do more than teach children about wildlife for a day. Its goal is to build a longer-term conservation journey for learners who show a real interest in the natural world, helping them grow from early awareness into deeper involvement, practical experience, and eventually possible conservation pathways.

During the first half of 2026, the programme reached 120 learners across six schools.

The first phase focused on Grade 6 learners from four primary schools: Rethabile Primary School, Marokolong Primary School, Ramotse Primary School, and St. Camillus Primary School. Each school brought 20 learners to Mongena Private Game Reserve in Dinokeng Game Reserve, where they took part in six interactive lessons and a game drive excursion. The lessons introduced learners to insects, birds, snakes, spiders, teamwork, and the importance of caring for the environment in ways that were practical, fun, and memorable. 

The second phase began with Grade 11 learners from Steve Bikoville Secondary School and Hosea Kekana Secondary School. These club sessions focused on plastic pollution, a topic the learners could connect directly to their own communities. Learners shared their personal experiences, discussed possible solutions, worked in groups from different community perspectives, and ended by taking part in a community litter clean-up. 

One especially meaningful part of the programme was the involvement of Bongani, a 2025 Craghoppers / KRF Bursary recipient and former learner from Hosea Kekana Secondary School. Bongani joined some of the sessions, shared his own story, and gained practical experience assisting younger learners. His involvement is an early example of what this programme hopes to create: young people growing through conservation education and returning to inspire others. 

The next phase will continue from July, with further high school club sessions planned, followed by interviews and an immersive conservation experience later in the year. A new feedback form is also being developed to help measure the impact of the club sessions more effectively. 

Your support is helping young people build a real connection with wildlife, their communities, and the role they can play in protecting the natural world.