From March 21st to 23rd, 2024, the third Koru Camp of our educational initiative took place in the hart of the bushveld - a time that was not only significant for the children but also for us as an organization. For the first time, thanks to the generous support of our donors, we were able to grant access to the Koru Camp to 12 children, two more than before. This group consisted of 6 boys and 6 girls from the 5th grade of Ndabeni Higher Primary School.
During the 4 safaris, the children had the opportunity to experience numerous animals up close, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birds of prey. For more than half of the children, it was their first time going on safari and seeing the animals, which live just a few kilometres from their community, in the wild.
Rhino Revolution advocates for connecting children early with their natural heritage. Due to educational deficiencies, mobility restrictions, and poverty, these children would not be able to learn about their environment and its inhabitants and experience them up close without proper educational intervention.
In addition to the safaris, our educators taught about the Big 5 (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, leopard). The curriculum aims not only to impart knowledge but especially to teach important life skills. In the small group of only 12 children, each child has the opportunity to improve their personal English skills in reading, writing, and speaking, and to work on their teamwork skills.
We also integrate meaningful team games between the lessons, aiming to help the children better understand the importance of good communication, attentive listening, and perseverance. These games not only promote the social skills of the children but also help them apply the concepts learned in practical situations.
Rhino Revolution is committed to promoting education for sustainable development. We believe that imparting knowledge about environmental issues and fostering environmental awareness and responsibility are crucial to creating a sustainable future. Through our programs, we aim to empower children to become active citizens who advocate for the protection of their environment and bring about positive changes in their communities.
We are grateful that the Koru Camp was made possible through the financial support of Rewe Ettner. Only through such crucial donations can we address a transformative educational initiative.