CCF Vehicle Workshop: Driving Conservation Forward!

When you are out in the field, a vehicle problem is never just a vehicle problem. A flat tyre, overheating engine, or missing tool kit can leave a team stranded, delay important conservation work, and create unnecessary safety risks. At the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), we recognise that successful conservation does not just depend on tracking cheetahs (and their scat), vaccinating community dogs, or monitoring ecosystems, it also depends on getting our teams safely and effectively into the field. That is why, on March 27th and April 1st 2026, we rolled out our two-part Vehicle Workshop, hosted by our fantastic CCF mechanics, Frans Kambanda and Esela Shipiki.

The Ecology, Clinic, and Scat Dog teams joined together to gain practical, hands-on skills. From fluid checks to air filters, we dove into the inner workings of our trusty field vehicles. Each attendee learned how to confidently handle a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere and even got behind the wheel for a 4×4 practice session.
As Utarera Katjavivi, our Ecologist, shared: “It was really informative, everyone really appreciated the training.”

Ecology intern, Saara Nghede, reflected: “I learned about the different parts of the vehicle and how they function, and also gained practical skills on how to change a flat tyre. It was a very useful and hands-on session, and I really appreciate the opportunity to learn.”

Panduleni Andrias, our veterinary technician, echoed: “The training went well and was really helpful.”

And Dr. Anne Shiimi, our veterinarian, found it highly informative: “It was really helpful and eye-opening. I learned a lot, I didn’t know most of the things but now I can confidently say and tell how a car works beyond pressing pedals. And I can confidently change a tyre now.”

The workshop was more than just mechanical, it was about empowerment, teamwork, and ensuring that no breakdown will stop our critical conservation work. With more sessions planned, we are driving towards a future where every staff member is confident both in the field and behind the wheel.As Utarera Katjavivi, our Ecologist, shared: “It was really informative, everyone really appreciated the training.”

Ecology intern, Saara Nghede, reflected: “I learned about the different parts of the vehicle and how they function, and also gained practical skills on how to change a flat tyre. It was a very useful and hands-on session, and I really appreciate the opportunity to learn.”

Panduleni Andrias, our veterinary technician, echoed: “The training went well and was really helpful.”

And Dr. Anne Shiimi, our veterinarian, found it highly informative: “It was really helpful and eye-opening. I learned a lot, I didn’t know most of the things but now I can confidently say and tell how a car works beyond pressing pedals. And I can confidently change a tyre now.”

The workshop was more than just mechanical, it was about empowerment, teamwork, and ensuring that no breakdown will stop our critical conservation work. With more sessions planned, we are driving towards a future where every staff member is confident both in the field and behind the wheel.