Johnsons educate pupils on endangered wildlife
Don and Hazel Johnson capitalised on their 'Walk with Rangers' by enlightening South African schools on the seriousness of the major depletion of the country's wildlife.
WESTVILLE residents, Don and Hazel Johnson, embarked on a 350km walk through Tanzania and Kenya last year with 12 different nationalities to experience the life of a ranger and to expose the plight of the African elephants, which are suffering one life lost every 15 minutes.
On their return they felt they needed to capitalise on their walk by enlightening South African schools on the seriousness of the major depletion of the country’s wildlife.
According to Don, if the depletion of the rhino continues as it is, there will be no rhino in 10 years or less.
“I do not want to guess what will happen to the elephants at the rate they are being slaughtered. However, many other species are just as threatened and they are already on the endangered list or live in fear of man,” he added.
Hazel said: “One of the highlights during our presentation at schools is when our ‘co-ranger’, a Bouvier des Flanders dog, Bob, is introduced, causing huge excitement from the pupils.”
The response they received from the few schools they have visited and how much some of them care was encouraging. Their perception is that the children seem to care more about the earth than most adults. Some parents believe it is not their responsibility to enlighten their children on the plight of this earth, and leave it for the teachers. However, Don and Hazel hope to assist by bringing their story to the children.
“One principal said there is little space in their current curriculum to make space for exposing and enlightening the children on the challenges this earth faces,” said Don.
However, the Johnsons said that many schools have taken on projects, for example Save the Rhino, International Eco Schools awards, volunteer work in New Germany Nature Reserve, local clean-ups where industry has polluted areas, et cetera. These children also assist with alien invasive projects and the Kloof Conservancy Fun Run.
“Many pupils have been to game reserves, but there are multitudes that haven’t even seen the sea, let alone understand what an elephant tusk or rhino horn looks like. If we don’t enlighten them, then who will?” questioned Don.
Their intention is to reach as many schools as possible with this ongoing project. They rely on their own personal resources and do not request sponsorship or any fees from the schools, but work under the banner of SANParks Honorary Rangers as volunteers. Besides schools they intend to visit churches and other interested organisations in time as they believe this to be a platform to enlighten adults on their responsibility towards this earth God has entrusted to mankind.
The only challenge they face is reaching the decision-maker at schools to set up presentations. Those interested in allowing the Johnsons to do a presentation at their school or church can contact Don on 082 873 1638.
