Nsefu Wildlife holds the first ever Conservation Expo!
Reported by Nsefu Team Member and Ranger Team Operations Mgr. Steven Zulu.
The first Conservation Expo held in the Nsefu Sector of Zambia was a great hit. The event took place on Saturday, November 9th and was sponsored by Nsefu Wildlife Conservation Foundation (Nsefu.org). It was a unique and special event that was attended by more than 400 school children and 300 community members all taking a stand against poaching.
The team wanted to figure out a way to not only educate the children but get them “involved” in conservation. So it was determined that Nsefu Wildlife would put on the first Conservation Expo where children would be given an opportunity to showcase their knowledge in conservation to the community.
The event was attended by the following:
His Royal Highness Senior Chief Nsefu’s representative.
Victoria and all team Zambian Nsefu members.
Other organizations like Chipembele.
Our 9 scouts directly involved in the anti-poaching.
60 teachers from all schools.
The primary objective of the Nsefu.org Team is to support conservation through our main objectives of Rangers on the Ground, Educational Support, Beekeeping, Sewing Program and Snare Removal. We feel that for us to achieve these goals, we must get the community on board.
We therefore feel that it's prudent to work with local schools, with the aim of imparting conservation knowledge while the children are still young and hope that when they grow up, they can pass on what they've learned to future generations.
The Nsefu Sector has 10 schools:
5 are community schools.
4 are primary schools and,
1 is secondary school (in Kakumbi).
We have so far formed conservation clubs in all the 10 schools and every Wednesday, these clubs meet in the afternoon for conservation lessons with their teachers.
The pupils showcased in the following activities:
Conservation poems.
Paper presentations on conservation.
Drama on conservation.
Traditional dance and songs about conservation.
Quizzed on conservation.
Scouts talk about Conservation
The scouts also had a chance to educate the gathering on the importance of conservation. They explained what they experience in their conservation work and also gave motivational talks. Our rangers gave impassioned speeches to the attendees which were very well-received.
After all activities were done, there was an awards presentation and each school walked away with a k500 ($40) which has never happened in the history of Nsefu, because no organization has ever done anything like this. The Conservation Expo was a first and it was a smashing success. This made pupils even more motivated, teachers and inclusive of all community members.
We had 3 schools which did extremely well and as sign of appreciation, were awarded them slightly higher than the others.
The Conservation Expo wouldn't be possible without support from all of our supporters and donors. Every dollar that is raised goes directly into our conservation efforts.
All Nsefu Team members promise to continue represent our supporter’s passion for wildlife.
