MEC for the North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Rural Development, Mr Boitumelo Tshwene says his department is upbeat about the discernible participation of young people in environmental management activities. MEC Tshwene said this after three young people with keen interest in nature conservation became part of a group of 21 people who have successfully completed a course in Bushveld Interpretation.
The course which is rendered as a partnership initiative between the department and a private organisation called Bushveld Mosaic Environment is targeted at encouraging youth to ponder the field of environment as a career of choice. The objective of the course is to create a body of informed people with a balanced view of conservation issues, capable of transmitting such information to other individuals and groups, thereby promoting attitudes and behaviour that will benefit conservation as a whole.
The mosaic course comprises of a variety of modules and is offered over a year. It covers broad based practical and theoretical biodiversity information where students learn about all aspects of wildlife/flora and anthropological background of South Africa.
The training took place at various provincial game reserves which included Kgaswane, Borakalalo, Witkoppen and the Pretoria Zoo, where students learned practically the finer points of nature conservation.
The course syllabus and assessments criteria was developed in conjunction with the North West Parks and Tourism Board and the Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA), whereas the changing industry standards requirements was set by the Tourism, Hospitality, Sport, Education and Training Authority (THETA).
The department is optimistic that through this initiative out of school youths will be encouraged to consider environmental management activities courses as a springboard towards a career in nature conservation and environment, and commits itself to continue to expose young people to such nature-driven courses.
Expressing his excitement over this development, MEC Tshwene said these young people have made great strides in realising their dreams of becoming nature conservation professionals and this must serve as grounds for encouragement to other young people.
“What excites us further is the fact that these young people are products of the department’s environmental youth clubs programme which advocates for the participation of young people in matters concerning the environment,” illustrated MEC Tshwene.
Graduates from this course have the choice to further their studies in environment where they can study towards a Diploma in Nature Conservation, or become game farms managers, or work as field rangers as well as professional field guides.
Young people with interest in participating in nature-driven programmes can contact Mr Juda Kgaboesele who can be reached at 018 299 6657.
