Over the past few months, our conservation education teams have been actively engaged in a series of impactful field activities. From tree planting to wildlife sanctuary visits, the positive effects of these efforts have been felt, from the north of Kenya in Samburu to the south in Tsavo.
The journey began with a career workshop for high school graduates, held at STE’s Samburu research camp. Aimed at shaping the future of young conservationists, this workshop was a cornerstone event for 21 enthusiastic graduates.
Attendees of the career workshop in STE’s research centre in Samburu National Reserve © Grace Kibatha/Save the Elephants
With an aim of fostering positive attitudes and behaviors towards elephants and wildlife, our team has been screening the documentary ‘The Secret Life of Elephants’ – a BBC nature documentary series following the lives of elephants and the work of Save the Elephants – at various schools in Samburu. This initiative has reached nearly 1,000 students, deepening their understanding and appreciation for elephants.
Another highlight was an epic tree-planting initiative. In collaboration with Iderkesi and Girgir Primary Schools, students were encouraged to ‘adopt a tree’ and plant their very own ‘seedlings of hope.’ This effort led to the planting of over 100 trees on World Environment Day, marking a significant step toward environmental conservation.
The STE team at a tree planting session in Girgir Primary School
Meanwhile, in Tsavo, our education activities began in the classroom. The team has been working closely with students from Kileva, Mwambiti, Kajire, and Mchang’a primary schools, sparking their curiosity and passion for wildlife conservation. These efforts are helping students develop a deeper understanding of their environment and the incredible animals that inhabit it.
Enthusiastic students during a wildlife education session at Mchanga Primary School in Tsavo © Gliday Yuka/Save the Elephants
To balance education with experience, students from Mwambiti Primary School were taken on an ecological excursion to Tsavo East National Park. This provided an exciting opportunity for the kids to observe wildlife in their natural habitat – some for the very first time.
Through hands-on experiences and educational initiatives, we are not only nurturing a deeper understanding of wildlife and the environment but also empowering young minds to take active roles in protecting our environment. As these students grow, we can only hope that their commitment to conservation will grow in equal measures, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all.