In April, Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Kenya hosted its annual Eco-mentor Training at Governors’ Camp, bringing together 17 teachers from our nine partner schools.
Our team of dedicated Eco-Mentors
The primary aim of this year’s training was to enhance teachers’ understanding of local flora and fauna through immersive experiences, thereby empowering them to teach Eco-club lessons effectively within the CITW curriculum.
Throughout the training, Eco-mentors explored the CITW curriculum, practical lesson-delivery techniques, and project-planning approaches to strengthen Eco-club activities in their schools.
Naivasha Eco-Mentors outline their proposed “Food Forest” project plan
Enkereri Primary School (Masai Mara) Eco-Mentors
A key focus of the training was flow learning, which helped Eco-mentors create lessons that were more interactive and participatory. Sessions encouraged teachers to think beyond traditional classroom teaching and explore more engaging ways for learners to connect with their environment.
CITW lessons are always hands-on and interactive
Teachers also participated in immersive outdoor experiences, including guided game drives and nature walks, which enabled them to engage directly with local biodiversity and deepen their understanding of conservation. The entire group was extremely fortunate to see a female leopard as they headed back into camp on their final evening- a truly special sighting for everyone, as this was the first time for most to see a leopard!
We loved this message we received following the training from George Rop, our Irbaan School’s Eco-club mentor; “A topic -birds- which we were hitherto less interested in was turned into a spectacle as we keenly scanned the trees, bushes, marshes, and bare land just to catch a glimpse of birds, I believe we were all converted into avid birders.”
By the end of the training, Eco-mentors had strengthened their understanding of flora and fauna, gained essential skills, and useful tools to deliver stronger lessons and more meaningful school-based environmental projects.
We were very grateful to have Sue Goatley and Courtney Pritchard join us all the way from Zimbabwe for the training, together they provided invaluable advise and mentorship as well as boundless energy.
Courtney Pritchard, Sharon Muthoni and Sue Goatley led the training
As one of our mentors, Simon Sapuki, from Mugie Conservancy, said, “Thank you to your entire team for organising such meaningful training. We are truly grateful for the opportunity and had a great time learning, sharing, and enjoying the experience in the Mara. It was a lifetime opportunity for us as Eco-Mentors.
We sincerely thank Sharon, Courtney, and Sue for their support, guidance, and encouraging feedback. Special thanks to Sharon for ensuring everything was well coordinated, from logistics to the overall experience, making everything smooth and well organised. Many thanks as well to the guides for their excellent support and deep knowledge, which greatly enriched our learning.
We do not take this opportunity for granted, and we truly appreciate the trust and investment in us. We are motivated by the positive feedback and remain committed to giving our best as we continue this important conservation journey together.”
As Eco-club lessons resume in May, the training has laid a stronger foundation for program delivery in schools.
We remain committed to making a positive impact on communities, educating future generations, and conserving Kenya’s diverse wildlife. Your stay with us directly contributes to these efforts.
If you would like to learn more about any of our Impact efforts, you can reach out to us via email at [email protected]. If you’d like to support the Children in the Wilderness Programme, you can do so via Empowers Africa:
EMPOWERS AFRICA
Words by Sharon Muthoni, CITW Community Coordinator, Photographs by Felix Rome.
