By Keletso Tumbega for The Midweek sun in Botswana
Okavango Wilderness Safaris suggests that environmental conservation education be added to school curriculums and supported with more investment.
Moalosi Lebekwe (programme coordinator at Okavango Wilderness Safaris) lamented that Environmental Science Education (ESE), is not available in Botswana because of a number of challenges, including a shortage in resources and the need to hold training in the subject outdoors.
Lebekwe stated, however, that the environment is not something that is highly prioritized but is a crucial aspect of development. Okavango Wilderness Safaris hosted 30 girls at James Sausage Tree Camp in Etosha under its foundation, Children in the Wilderness Botswana.
The American Embassy sponsored the camp with approximately 18,500 USD for a year. The camp’s theme was Conservation Science Camp For Girls in Rural Areas. Participants were Ngambao Junior Secondary school girls in Seronga. They were also trained and equipped in environmental conservation skills.
Lebekwe stated that the project aims to encourage girls from rural areas to study Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and provide career paths.
We noticed that many girls struggle with math and science. He also said that young girls are discouraged by other obstacles in their lives, such as welfare challenges.
Lebekwe explained that this camp was designed to inspire girls to pursue STEM-based tertiary educations and career paths.
He stated that the camp offered girls an opportunity to receive training in science, technology, and environment. The camp was run by an all-women team of ecologists and educators.
He noted that STEM subjects are often difficult to pursue in schools because of a lack resources. He reiterated that STEM fields need to be more popular.
We wanted to get started by testing the ground and reaching out to junior schools. This is where they are at a stage where they will be deciding on their senior subjects.
Lebekwe stated that they wanted to do more than just bring the girls together to address issues such as poverty and teenage pregnancies.
He stated that they wanted to encourage them to make better choices and have higher expectations for their lives. He pointed out that they were focusing on tourist-based areas, as that is where the greatest environmental protection is required.
Lebekwe is passionate for ESE in schools because he not just appreciates its relevance but also learned the importance of it to development when he lived overseas.
I noticed that all Governments are concerned about environmental conservation and that they have a direct influence on the future of work.
He stated that camps such as this are aligned to both the National Development Plan 11 (NDP 11), a plan to protect the environment, and Vision 2036, which advocates sustainable and optimal use, in the hope it will transform our economy, and lift people’s livelihoods.
This article is reproduced as part of the African Conservation Journalism ProgrammeUSAIDs VukaNow: Activity funded the project in Angola and Botswana as well as Mozambique, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. It was implemented by Space for Giants, an international conservation organization. It aims to increase the reach of conservation journalism in Africa and to bring more African voices into international conservation debates. Read the original storyHere.
