EcoTraining celebrates International Day of Education as it creates passionate guardians of nature

As the oldest guide training school in South Africa, with the largest and most bio-diverse footprint in Africa, EcoTraining believes education is the key to sustainable development and to safeguarding the planet.

This year the United Nations will celebrate the International Day of Education under the theme of “Changing Course, Transforming Education”.

In UNESCO’s recent global Futures of Education report, transforming the future requires an urgent

- rebalancing of our relationships with each other

- rebalancing of our relationship with nature
- rebalancing with technology that permeates our lives

- bearing breakthrough opportunities while raising serious concerns for equity, inclusion and democratic participation.

At EcoTraining, “Changing Course, Transforming Education” means restoring humanity’s relationship with wildlife and nature, by creating world-class guides and guardians of nature. Guides who promote, advance and protect nature.

Since 1993, more than 14,000 students and professional safari guides; many of whom are now leaders in the wildlife and conservation industries, have completed their studies at EcoTraining.

Photo credit: Scott Ramsay

“We are so proud of the incredible work our graduates do after they leave with the knowledge and skills they’ve obtained at our training school. Some return to the bush as field guides and work closely with international tourists. Others use their knowledge to empower their own communities on the importance of protecting our African wildlife and nature, so that future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the bush,” said Managing Director Anton Lategan.

Through the yearly Day of Education, the United Nations also wants to focus more on having inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, as it believes countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and break the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind if this is not addressed.

For many years EcoTraining has provided employment opportunities to people and specifically the women from its surrounding communities – due to its longstanding relationship with many of Africa’s top game reserves.

“We pride ourselves in empowering people form areas like Makuleke and Bushbuckridge. As for our graduates, they readily find jobs. The vast majority of our graduates have been employed immediately after qualifying with us, through the approximately 150 safari lodges and operators we partner with,” said managing director Anton Lategan.

With EcoTraining, education is found in the bush but is also available to anyone who would like to purchase a course online. There are more than six online courses to choose from. To see the full course calendar for 2022, follow https://www.ecotraining.co.za/full-course-calendar/