Education on the Edge of Wilderness

Rural African villages that border national parks are impacted hugely by human-animal conflict. Predators, such as lions and leopards are prone to hunting domestic livestock, while elephants trample on crops and raid farmers’ fields. To ensure the continued survival of Africa’s animals, it is essential that these communities maintain their commitment to living with wildlife. How? Through educating and supporting the children of these communities, the next generation of budding conservationists.

EDUCATION

Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy is committed to ensuring the tourism industry contributes to and improves both the lives and livelihoods of people living on the edge of wilderness.

In Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, we work in partnership with communities close to Sanctuary Swala Camp to improve the educational environment for children attending Gijedabung and Mwikantsi Primary Schools. Not only have we built new classrooms and teachers’ housing, but we have provided textbooks and educational materials, as well as implemented solar power.

We are also proud to support school lunch programmes, so that no child goes hungry and they are able to improve the ability to learn and the overall quality of their education.

LITERACY PROGRAMME

In 2016, we began an innovative school literacy programme, in partnership with Worldreader. This gave children access to a large library of digital textbooks and literature, in both English and their native language, helping to improve reading comprehension and inspire a passion for learning.

Guests at Sanctuary Swala are invited to take a tour of the schools, guided by one of the students – they are always delighted to share insights into their education and will be eager to practise their English.