Educational Programs
Helping the Next Generation of Namibians to Care for Their Land
School Outreach
Every year, thousands of school children throughout Namibia, in grades 5-7, participate in CCF’s outreach program. The educational program includes topics such as:
- Namibian predator identification
- Ecological and physiological characteristics of the cheetah
- Problems associated with human/wildlife conflict.
This educational program endeavours to change the traditional attitudes of Namibians towards their environment from one of dominance over nature to a more eco-centric view. The goal is to strengthen national pride in conserving the Namibian ecosystem — and the cheetah — while recognizing the value of Namibia’s natural resources to communities.
This is achieved by dispelling common misunderstandings and building knowledge through environmental education for everyone, no matter how young.
Since 1994, CCF’s Education Team has presented to more than 550,000 students through outreach programs at schools and community events throughout Namibia.
Working with Teachers
In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, CCF has developed a 100-page, cross-curricular teacher’s resource guide entitled Cheetah: A Predator’s Role in the Ecosystem. This guide has been distributed to schools throughout Namibia, with CCF conducting teacher-training workshops to introduce the guide to teachers, teacher trainers, and volunteer teachers.
As environmental education is taught as an integrated theme in each school’s curriculum, CCF includes packets with resources for various subjects including life sciences, biology, English, social studies, mathematics, physical education, and art.
Lightfoot Wilderness Camp
CCF also hosts school groups, environmental and conservation clubs designed mainly for groups accommodated at CCF’s Lightfoot Camp. Groups usually spend three days and two nights at CCF’s Center. All participants are exposed to CCF’s research and conservation efforts, making the link with the Namibian farmland ecosystem. Children also participate in nature trails and game drives through CCF’s Little Serengeti. Team-building activities highlight the importance of team efforts in conservation. Role-play and drama include scenarios of livestock and predator management. They also visit CCF’s museum which serves as an educational resource, raising awareness and inspiring action for the preservation of cheetahs and their habitats.
CCF Internship Program
Since 1997, CCF internship program has helped 500+ students, in Namibia, Africa and around the world. CCF is now recognized as an official 4th-year placement for both of Namibia’s higher learning institutions, University of Namibia and Namibia University of Science and Technology. CCF’s goal is to educate and train enough Africans to make our work on the continent sustainable over the long term.
CCF provides extraordinary opportunities for students to deepen their learning in various disciplines including biology, animal science, zoology, genetics, conservation biology, ecology, veterinary studies, and forestry and natural resources and gain invaluable experience in the field. Many students working on their Masters or PhD degrees are able to complete their research projects at the Centre while benefiting from CCF staff expertise. Furthermore, CCF has a veterinary clinic and a fully equipped genetics lab.
