Video: Kariega Conservation Volunteers

26Jun

Videos, Volunteer Updates

conservation

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This video compilation showcases the multi-faceted Kariega Conservation Volunteer programme. The video was created to by past volunteer Lindsay Bainbridge with the help of Ali Hopper. Thank you for your lovely video and great contribution.

The video shows various songs from the volunteers visits to the local community school. This under-funded farm school near the reserve is attended by children aged 4 to 15 years. Kariega volunteers visit the school one day each week (not during school holidays or rainy days - most of the children walk about 10 km to attend school so if it rains, no one goes to school!), and make valuable contributions to the children’s education. Volunteers assist with subjects like English, Maths and Science and may also help with the maintenance of the school’s facilities.

You will also see a number of close-up elephant, lion, rhino, zebra and giraffe experiences as well as a game release. 

The Kariega Conservation Volunteer programme provides opportunities for small groups of participants to get their hands dirty and learn about conservation management on a Big 5 game reserve as well as get involved in various community upliftment projects. The volunteers live in a separate house in a remote part of the reserve with a large fenced garden. All meals are provided.

The programme also includes research projects such as elephant impact, lion prey selection and rhino monitoring as well as tracking the leopard population status. Those interested in birds can also assist in preparing a catalogue of the birds, bird numbers and their breeding status as part of a project headed by the University of Cape Town’s Avian Demography Unit. Conservation management activities include game counts, alien vegetation and soil erosion control, road maintenance, fire management, game capture and game introductions.

A dedicated coordinator is involved each day to ensure that volunteers have a wonderful learning experience, leave with a stronger understanding of conservation issues and make an important contribution to wildlife conservation and local community.

For more information visit the Conservation Volunteer page or email our Volunteer Programme Manager, Helena Warren, at volunteer@kariega.co.za or call directly on +27 76 100 6809.