In the impoverished outskirts of the Save Valley Conservancy in southeastern Zimbabwe, 14-year-old Esther Bote begins her day with a routine that involves navigating through potential dangers. Living with her elderly grandparents, Esther’s daily journey to school involves a 5-kilometer walk through bush paths and forests where dangerous animals lurk. Despite the risks, Esther and other children as young as 5 brave the journey daily, with some walking in groups for safety.
The region faces challenges exacerbated by repeated droughts caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon and human-induced climate change. These environmental factors have led to food and water shortages, forcing wildlife and humans to compete for resources. As a result, wildlife is encroaching on human settlements, posing a threat to the local population. To address this issue, the Save Valley Conservancy and the country’s parks agency have implemented a program to educate school-age children on recognizing danger signs and coexisting with wildlife.
Esther and her peers are now equipped with knowledge on identifying wildlife footprints, animal sounds, and understanding animal behavior. They are taught to take precautions and seek help from wildlife rangers when encountering potential threats. The program aims to instill a sense of ownership and respect for wildlife in the children, emphasizing the benefits that wildlife can bring to the community, such as tourism and employment opportunities.
At Chiyambiro Secondary School, children receive lessons on animal behavior and self-protection from young women rangers from the community. They are advised not to approach wild animals and to be cautious when traveling to school, especially in the early hours when predators like hyenas are active. The school authorities have adjusted schedules to accommodate the safety concerns of students, ensuring that they can travel during daylight hours when the risk of encountering wildlife is lower.
While the effectiveness of the initiative is yet to be fully assessed, there are positive signs of changing attitudes among parents and students. Some parents who were initially hesitant to send their children to school due to safety concerns have been reassured by the training provided. The hope is that by educating children on wildlife behavior, they can also educate their families and communities, fostering a culture of coexistence and respect for wildlife.
As climate change continues to impact the region, the conflict between humans and wildlife is expected to escalate. The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is advocating for similar programs to be implemented nationwide to address the growing challenges of human-wildlife conflicts. By empowering schoolchildren with knowledge and awareness, they can play a crucial role in promoting harmony between humans and wildlife in their communities.
For Esther and her peers, the training they receive may not eliminate all risks, but it equips them with valuable skills to navigate the challenges they face. As long as wildlife remains a part of their environment, they understand the importance of being vigilant and informed to ensure their safety and well-being.
