During our first couple of days at Daktari, Marie and I had already discussed the various lessons and earmarking which ones we thought we might like to lead. Marie kicking off by putting her dibs in for The Environment and Plastics with me being her wing woman. Now it was time for me to step …
Friday has arrived again. How does it get to happen so quickly each week? It seems no time at all since we heard the first sounds of these young people arriving before they are leaving again. I have found it increasingly hard to call them children. Over the two weeks we have seen 16 youngsters, …
6:00 am!! The alarm wakes us. Although the sun is up and the daylight is a more gentle reminder that the day is about to begin. The air is already warm - no debate about what to wear this morning. Shorts every time. And Daktari supply the volunteers with standard issue T shirts, so that …
Yay! It's Thursday and we are heading into the bush to walk. It's great to be outside. And this is a chance for the children to get closer to nature. A walk in South Africa's garden. We have a number of trackers - some are in training. Ruben Island heads up the walk and keeps …
Wed 13th Feb WOW what an awesome day!! Today, I was taken back to my childhood of being on horseback but in a very different beautiful setting. For Sam and I, it was a day away from Daktari to go on a Horse Safari, a truly emotional experience for me. Picked up by Greg at …
Tues 12th Feb I was taken back to my school days today. Watching the kids find bugs in the water hole. Just like we did at school on our ecology field trips. Its a 30 minute practical session (AKA fun interlude) between two Environmental lessons. The children head off with their nets and wellies - …
Mon 12th Feb So today Marie and I got the opportunity to join Sara, Daktari's Outreach Manager at an Eco Club in a local school. After about a 40 minute drive, we approach Rakgolokwana school just a little early but in time to see the other children depart for the day. The noise was incredible …
Continue reading Schooling in real South Africa (Rosie’s Story)
Mon 12th Feb Well that was truly an eye opener. I think I had already built a picture of what todays trip out to conduct our Eco club class at Rakgolokwana would be like. I expected a big class. I expected disruption, perhaps. Though kids who choose to stay after school to learn would surely …
Continue reading Schooling in real South Africa (Marie’s Story)
Tues 6th Feb So this is it. Our chance to take a full lesson. And not just one lesson - but two! An entire morning about the environment followed by the impact of plastic on the environment. Apart from a brief 30 minute wading in the waterhole looking for beasties, these poor kids were stuck …
Mon 5th Feb Each evening, after dinner, we are called to the volunteer board meeting. And it is quite literally that. A board meeting. A meeting, gathered in front of a board. A great big white board! I had to laugh at myself. Too many years in big companies where a board meeting means men …
Bush Hearts and Minds 