ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CLUBS

BACKING THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS OF TOMORROW

A&K Philanthropy is partnering with Botswanan schools to empower the future custodians of the nation’s most precious wildernesses.

With more than 25% of its area set aside for parks and reserves, Botswana has one of Africa’s highest proportions of protected lands. The children who live near Botswana’s protected areas, such as the Okavango Delta, are no strangers to wildlife. They share their backyards with the hippos, lions, leopards and elephants that roam freely nearby. Yet too often, the perception of wildlife from communities that border protected areas is one of “human-wildlife conflict,” versus valuing co-existence. There is frequently little understanding of the tourism industry, nor tourism’s role as one of the highest value income and job creation generators.

To deepen the children’s bond with the wildlife and precious habitats they share, AKP partners with seven local primary schools near the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park to host an ongoing series of in-class environmental education clubs.

The clubs meet monthly to explore topics such as gardening, forestry, composting and upcycling. Club members also receive one lesson per week on various environmental and conservation topics. At the end of each school year, the most active students are flown to an A&K Sanctuary lodge for a three-night Kids’ Retreat Camp, where they go on a guided game drive and explore potential careers in tourism and hospitality.

Serving over 300 students, the clubs aim to inspire the next generation of Botswana’s environmental stewards. With continued support from our guests and Botswana’s Ministry of Education, AKP plans to bring this program to more schools throughout the Maun and Kasane areas.