Environmental education is a process that allows individualsโespecially and importantly young peopleโto explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the environment.
As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and attain the skills to make better-informed and more responsible decisions.
Spreading the love
PAMS Foundation has developed an environmental education syllabus called โLiving in Harmony with Natureโ which we teach at schools surrounding conservation areas. We believe community education and support is key to conserving Africaโs magnificent wildlife and landscapes.
PAMS partners with other groups to develop environmental education books about iconic animal species with a strong conservation message. Like the story about โJuma the Giraffeโ, โLucky the Wildebeestโ, โOur elephant neighborsโ and โHelping Brother Rhinoโ. By showing children we care about them and the natural heritage that is critical for their future, we develop friendships, trust and nurture future wildlife protectors.
Making conservation fun
Sports are a great way to talk about conservation and wildlife. PAMS Foundation coordinates โsports daysโ as well as a football league called โTembo Cupโ (โElephant Cupโ in Kiswahili) as a way to communicate important conservation messages to communities. These fun, yet highly competitive sports days and soccer tournaments reach an average of 400 individuals per match. We take the opportunity to give an educational talk and lead a discussion on various conservation matters before each match.
Planting a seed
Doing things and seeing oneโs commitment grow is a very effective way of understanding the value of protecting nature. As part of the โLiving in Harmony with Natureโ education syllabus, each school establishes an indigenous tree nursery which needs to be looked after until the trees are large enough to plant in the surrounding areas. Each member of the schoolโs wildlife club is also expected to grow his or her own tree from seed, which they will plant in the school grounds and care for during the course of their schooling. These trees are the โattendance registersโ for wildlife club members, and should the member fully participate in wildlife club lessons and practicals, a plaque will be erected by their tree as their certificate of achievement upon graduating and leaving the school.
A night out under the African skies
As part of our program, we also take schools kids to spend time camping out in the bush under the African skies, or visit a National Park. They experience and learn about various aspects of ecology first-hand and also get to understand the role of nature-based tourism, which is one of the key income streams for many communities in Tanzania.