As we consider the future of ecosystem health in northern Kenya, empowering the next generation to carry on the torch of conservation is crucial. By encouraging the sense of responsibility and stewardship that these children already possess, we can help ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for the world they inhabit. At GZT, we want to empower the next generation in order to build their capacity and reinforce their intrinsic love for their environment and for the Grevy’s zebra.
As a result, our team regularly visits schools and takes the time to engage with students to empower them with information and resources to help them participate in the conservation of their land. The training includes three primary overarching topics: conservation awareness, rangeland restoration, and women’s health. Our team recently visited a few schools and really enjoyed the experience, receiving positive feedback and active participation from the children.
“It was amazing as we found all the pupils already assembled in a hall as they waited for the Grevy’s Zebra Trust team.”
Conservation Awareness
The foundation of our training is sharing the importance of conservation. The students learn about the threats facing the ecosystem in which they live and how it impacts every facet of life, including health, livelihoods, and safety.
“Some want even to be heroes of conservation in future.”
Students are also always curious to hear more about the Grevy’s zebra. We teach them how to identify the differences between Grevy’s and the common zebra, where Grevy’s zebra are found, and their population changes over time. We also share why we are concerned specifically for this species of zebra and discuss the threats they face. We then equip the students to become participants in our work, empowering them with the tools to collect Grevy’s zebra data on their own.
“Some of the students have never seen Grevy’s zebra and they really wanted to have that chance if possible.”
“We really enjoyed the session as pupils can really differentiate between common zebra and Grevy’s zebra.”
Rangeland Restoration
The well-being of the Grevy’s zebra is inextricably linked to the well-being of local communities, so we speak to students about ways to co-exist with the wildlife around them. We take them through rangeland restoration and its importance for both Grevy’s and pastoralists. We provide conservation books to schools, such as Africa Our Home, for them to continue learning beyond the training.
“They really appreciate the Grevy’s zebra for the support and are even wishing for more.”
Women’s Health
Our Nkirreten Project supports women and girls with reusable sanitary pads and we integrate this with our other areas of education. Without access to these reusable sanitary pads, female students are often absent from school during their periods, which slows or even halts their educational progress. Along with providing the pads, we take the girls through how to use and clean the pads.
“The ladies were so happy due to challenges they have been going through due to lack of pads, some even drop out of school and missing classes is a usual routine.”
Educating the next generation on the conservation of the Grevy’s zebra and the northern Kenya ecosystem is a critical task that we cannot afford to neglect. By taking the time to teach students about the importance of protecting their land, we can help ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
