C4C launces pilot project at schools

It involves the children in creating conservation solutions through its unique education model. The eight week pilot programme kicked off on Monday, 7 October and will run daily as an afterschool programme until the end of November 2013.

Investec Rhino Lifeline's Dr William Fowlds has worked closely with Lesley McNutt of C4C to create a bespoke rhino edition of the Coaching for Conservation curriculum. Dr Fowlds' experiences have helped design field excursions for the programme to meaningfully engage learners in wildlife conservation through the vehicle of sport.

Core value is respect

"Investec Rhino Lifeline seeks to raise awareness of the rhino crisis and to respond through education, rescue and prevention initiatives. Its aim is to preserve South Africa's natural resources by using this educational programme to engender self-respect and inspire a generation of children who have a love for nature and the world around us," commented Dr Fowlds.

Lesley McNutt, the brainchild behind C4C, said: "Coaching for Conservation started as a means to address the need for an essential shift in fundamental core values: respect for self and the environment, and maintain a positive outlook for the future. We've recognised the need for our conservation messaging to have a greater impact and use sport, which inherently creates a fun and receptive environment for learning, as a teaching means."

The Learning from Wildlife Model builds respect for, and a relationship with, animals by linking professional coaches, environmental educators and animal mentors in every lesson to deliver the key messages: respect yourself, respect each other and respect your environment.