The Youth Development team recently implemented a four-week Siyazenzela Employability, Wellness and Leadership training course at the picturesque Nyosi Wildlife Reserve outside Gqeberha.
The course was funded by the Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA) and conducted in aid of disadvantaged youth from three communities neighbouring the reserve, namely KwaNobuhle, Greenbushes and St Albans. One of the main aims of the course was to educate these young people about the significance of wilderness areas and to instill within them the desire to protect these natural resources.
The course commenced on the 6th of February 2023 and, apart from the traditional content, included an overnight Wilderness Nature trail at Founders Lodge. The beneficiaries were also treated to an informative talk by best-selling author and media personality, Dr Dean Allen. In addition, the learners were involved in alien vegetation clearance on the reserve, which they all seemed to enjoy immensely.
Eighteen learners successfully completed the course and graduated on World Wildlife Day (3 March 2023) at a beautiful Ceremony conducted at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve.
It was evident from the speeches conducted by the graduates, that this group of learners has taken up the task of becoming true custodians of wilderness areas and wildlife. The guest speaker at the event was Themba Maseti, the Skills Centre Manager for LoveLife in Kariega, whose message encouraged the graduates to “use their newly found wings to fly”.
An exciting part of the ceremony was the announcement of two graduates who were selected to complete a six-month Internship programme with Indalo Indigenous Nursery and Nyosi Wildlife Reserve. The two very excited learners were Vuyisanani Busakwe and Akhona Ngalo.
The event encompassed the true meaning of this year’s World Wildlife Day theme, “Partnerships for Conservation’’. The success and impact of this Siyazenzela training course would not have been possible without WFA’s existing partnerships with equally minded organisations such as CCFA, Mantis Impact, Indalo Indigenous Nursery, Nyosi Wildlife Reserve and LoveLife.
For more information on our Youth Development Programme, please contact nicky@wfa.africa.