Khwai, Botswana – December 2025:
African Bush Camps Foundation is nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders in Botswana’s remote Khwai region through its Junior Ranger Program, offering local learners hands-on experience in caring for the environment.
Connecting Classrooms with Conservation
Launched in July 2024, the program engages 50 students from Khwai Primary School in twice-weekly sessions with African Bush Camps (ABC) staff and teachers. Lessons on wildlife conservation, soil erosion, waste management, and biodiversity blend classroom learning with outdoor exploration.
Since its inception, more than 500 students have participated in the Foundation’s environmental projects—from tree planting and recycling art workshops to contributing to a youth environmental magazine. In June 2025, 69 Junior Rangers represented Khwai at the Maun Environmental Education Conference, proudly sharing their own sustainability ideas.
Junior Rangers in Action
On 31 October 2025, 25 students spent a day at Khwai Leadwood learning directly from ABC Founder Beks Ndlovu, Head Guide Dutch, and the safari team. After interactive talks, students received Junior Ranger kits—complete with hats, shirts, and wildlife booklets—before heading out on a guided game drive to practice tracking and wildlife spotting.
The day concluded with a certificate ceremony and prizes for the top five essays on “What Being a Ranger or Guide Means to My Community.” The overall winner received a pair of National Geographic binoculars, symbolizing a clear vision for the future of conservation.
Documentary photographer Kefilwe “Fifi” Monosi captured the event, highlighting the program’s positive influence on Khwai’s youth.
“The Junior Rangers are more confident, curious, and hopeful—exactly the kind of impact we want to create,” said Selly Kegakamang, Botswana Country Lead, African Bush Camps Foundation.
Looking Ahead
The Foundation plans to:
- Sustain and expand the Junior Ranger Program in Khwai.
- Introduce Coaching Conservation to five primary schools in the Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust in 2026.
- Partner with educators to strengthen environmental curricula.
- Build pathways for youth into careers in guiding, conservation, and environmental management.
“The children of Khwai are the future guardians of Botswana’s wildlife,” said Beks Ndlovu. “By equipping them today, we ensure that tomorrow’s conservation is led by the people who call this land home.”
About African Bush Camps Foundation
Since 2006, the African Bush Camps Foundation has partnered with communities across Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to strengthen education, health, livelihoods, and wildlife protection—creating healthier families, stronger communities, and thriving landscapes.
Learn more at www.africanbushcampsfoundation.org
Media Contact: Natasha Dixon, PR Manager, African Bush Camps