The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) Education project aims to use environmental learning and knowledge as a catalyst for social change, by inspiring the youth to be conservation ambassadors. An important avenue for achieving this is our flagship Girls in Conservation programme – a multi-faceted project where female learners are introduced to career possibilities within the Green Skills sector.

The programme started with an application process for learners from 4 schools in Grabouw and Villiersdorp, from which 16 learners were identified and successfully admitted into the programme. The second phase consisted of a 5-day camp in January 2022, held at Karmel campsite near Franschhoek, where each day was dedicated to a different field in the green career landscape – including wildlife monitoring, husbandry and rehabilitation, entomology, taxonomy and marine biology, and sustainable food production. Each learner relished the opportunity to be spending time in nature and learning about the value of ecosystem services, why they need to be protected holistically, and how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.

The third phase of the programme will consist of 3 service assignments, where the learners share their knowledge with their peers and give back to their communities through various means.

Our sincerest appreciation goes to the Allan & Gill Gray Foundation and Papoose Conservation Wildlife Foundation for generously supporting this programme in 2022. A massive thank you also to all the partners who are making this outreach possible – Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Iimbovane Outreach Project, Shannon Elizabeth Foundation and WildID.

Enjoy some highlight photos in the reel below!