Children in the Wilderness, BIHL and Mokolodi Nature Reserve collaborated with the aim of enhancing educational and environmental awareness among Eco-Club members of Tshwaragano Primary School in Gaborone. The initiative leverages the unique strengths and resources of each partner to foster a comprehensive environmental awareness programme that not only educates, but also instils a deep respect and understanding of the environment among the children.
The three collaborators signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the 9th April 2025 in Gaborone (Tshwaragano Primary School) with the goal of developing informed, responsible, and empowered young environmental stewards through structured environmental education, life skills and leadership development at Tshwaragano Primary School. The main objective of the partnership was to provide a comprehensive environmental education programme, equipping children at Tshwaragano Primary School with knowledge and skills to make environmentally responsible decisions.
Children in the Wilderness and the two partners hosted a two-night annual camp at Mokolodi Nature Reserve on the 1st -3rd December 2025. The CITW Botswana team, joined by Cynthia Ndiweni from CITW Zambezi, travelled to Gaborone on the 30th November to run this camp. A total of 30 Eco-Club members and two teachers were hosted from Tshwaragano Primary School.
The children and teachers were driven from Gaborone to Mokolodi Nature Reserve (10km) and they were welcomed by the CITW team and staff members from Mokolodi Nature Reserve. The camp was a success and the programme of the activities were scheduled depending on the weather, given the high rains experienced.
The main objective of the camp was to emphasise the theme of “Biodiversity”. Children learnt about a variety of plants, animals and micro-organisms living in an ecosystem, the importance of the eco-system and team-building.
Eco-tourism and careers: Children visited different departments at Mokolodi Nature Reserve to help them navigate their paths and make informed decisions about their futures.
a) Housekeeping: Children were taught practical skills like how to be independent, make their own beds, and clean their rooms, and they were encouraged to have pride in their work.
b) Guides: The children also met a female guide, Ms Mpho Manthe, who shared her experience in the industry with them.
c) Front of House: The Eco-Club members also learnt hospitality skills, such as how to set the table by laying tablecloths, set plates and utensils.
d) Sanctuary: The children had a privileged of visiting a place where animals are protected and cared for.
Game drives: Eco-Club members and teachers were also offered a game drive within the nature reserve with the help of educators (guides), who taught them about and showed them different animals, birds and trees species in the reserve and their importance.
Nature walks: Children had a chance to do a walk in the reserve to spot and learn about different wildlife, birds, and plants, in addition to hiking and connecting with nature on foot.
Team building and games: Children had time to play traditional games during energisers and team-building games, as many of the children at home and school may not have had the opportunity. These can help them avoid getting involved in bad behaviour, as instead they become occupied by playing life-skills games that teach them about the importance of teamwork and supporting each other.
Biodiversity Lesson: Eco-Club members also learnt about the different plants, animals and micro-organisms living in an ecosystem. They also learnt about the threats to biodiversity, and children were encouraged to recycle and help reduce waste. Children identified items in their designated patch and did their presentations about this.
Children and teachers were happy to be hosted at Mokolodi Nature Reserve and in conclusion, Children in the Wilderness Botswana would like to extend its gratitude to all who took part in making this annual camp a success. Special gratitude to BIHL Trust and Mokolodi Nature Reserve for the support, amazing Mokolodi staff for the exceptional service, CITW Zambezi representative, Cynthia Ndiweni for joining CITW Botswana and doing an excellent job during this camp, Tshwaragano Primary School management for liaising between the parents and the CITW team during the camp preparations, the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education (South East) for allowing, and transporting children and teachers to attend, the camp. Lastly, we are grateful to the parents of the campers for trusting us by allowing us to take their children to Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
