Conservation Education forms one of our key thematic areas in championing sustainability. Our commitment to nurturing and creating resilience in the students has been at the heart of our work across the Greater Laikipia Landscape.
During the August holiday, LWF participated in the annual conservation educators’ workshop organized by our partners, the Northern Kenya Conservation Clubs (NKCC). The workshop brought together representatives from Laikipia North Sub-County, Ministry of Education, Conservation Educators from Loisaba Conservancy and The Peregrine Fund and teachers from 21 schools (both primary and secondary) from Laikipia East and North Constituencies. The three-day training aimed at equipping teachers with skills and practical models of integrating conservation education into the curriculum.
Despite the County being an arid and semi-arid region, schools, with the guidance of environmental club teachers, had made milestones in conserving their environment. In their respective schools, teachers briefly explained their successful models and challenges experienced in their schools. However, amidst the challenges, the teachers had built a lasting connection between the students and the environment. Through the establishment of kitchen gardens to beekeeping, the teachers, with the help of conservation educators and well-wishers, had moulded environmentally resilient students. It was time to refresh and assess the progress of their initiatives at schools and evaluate the importance of conservation education at schools.
Ayub from Northern Kenya Conservation Clubs engages a teacher in the “Which Animal Am I?” game
Through the interactions, teachers and conservation educators were informed about the gaps from different perspectives. From the shared experiences, teachers could borrow ideas from each other to improve their environmental clubs. Key outcomes from the training included the integration of experiential learning as an ideal practical model for conservation education. The teachers highlighted that experiential learning keeps the students motivated and enhances active participation, unlike confined classroom lecturing. The founder of NKCC, Professor Dan Rubenstein, applauded the teachers’ initiatives, emphasizing the connection between the environment and people and wildlife through conservation games such as The Web of Life.
Teachers participate in a group discussion to identify key topics using the NKCC curriculum
To put experiential learning into practice, teachers visited Ol Pejeta Conservancy. During the trip, various aspects were used to create a deeper understanding such as safari bingo, bird watching and wildlife species identification. From this perspective, teachers identified the importance of wildlife conservation and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. To most of the teachers, these was a great experience and created a sense of ownership towards their continued efforts in spreading the conservation message.
In addition, the teachers were introduced to basic tools that are readily available to support and keep the environmental clubs vibrant at school. James from the Laikipia Wildlife Forum explained about Merlin App, a free bird identification app built for experiential learning such as a bird watching session with students. Faith Achieng’ from The Peregrine Fund highlighted the role of birds of prey in the ecosystem, emphasizing the role of citizen science in Conservation Education.
Further, Loisaba Conservancy presented how art and videography can create a deeper understanding of environmental conservation in schools while building courage in the students through showcasing their talents. Mr. Noordin from the Ministry of Education, Laikipia North Sub-County, commended the role of the Conservation Education outreach program through games and competitions, urging stakeholders to collaborate.
Teachers, conservation educators, and partners pose for a photo after a successful training session
We are proud to have had an additional five schools: Dol Dol Boys Secondary School, St. Francis Girls Secondary School, Il Polei Secondary School, Kurum Secondary School, and Daraja Academy, onboarded for the training through our partnership with Northern Kenya Conservation Clubs.
We are committed to ensuring that Conservation Education continues to inspire students to not only conserve the environment but also influence and prepare them for their future careers. To our enabling partners and stakeholders, thank you for your steadfast support.
