LEARNERS from Hillcrest High School, Waterfall College and Kloof High School attended the Jonny Lowe Memorial Trust Ifa Lethu Camp on Eco-Conservation at Weenen Nature Reserve earlier this year, where they spent four days experiencing many of the wonders of nature, learning about eco-conservation and the future career possibilities in this field.

Accompanied by educators Telise Tonkin of Hillcrest High School and Brett Webber of Kloof High, the Hillcrest High School learners, Anele Sibiya, Jordan Howes, Cooper Marsh and Yolanda Zondi, found the trip engaging and enriching, returning home with open minds and a new perspective on the need for the conservation and rehabilitation of our natural environments. 

The group received high praise from the organisers. Assistant convenor Makaira Kerkhof said: “This could easily have been the best all round group of Grade 11 learners I have ever had. The quality of learners on the trip was top notch, which makes it more rewarding. Thank you to Hillcrest High School for providing the transport for the learners, to Mrs Tonkin and Mr Webber for your valuable input and support.”

The trip included a Track & Signs walk, game drives, veld walks, equipment demonstrations and inspirational talks on the ‘Environmental Dilemma’ and the ‘Role of Hunting in Conservation’ by convenors Dee Dickens and Kerkhof, engaging sessions with the officer in charge, Frik Lemmer, and a talk on bats by Wendy White, as well as a visit to the Karkloof Conservancy.

“The activities were diverse and kept us engaged throughout,” Howes said. “I learned a lot about conservation of the environment from this trip. The experience has sparked a newfound interest in me, and I am excited to explore more about sustainable practices and wildlife conservation.”

Highlights shared by the learners included sleeping under the stairs, seeing rhino for the first time, seeing ant highways, “dongas” caused by soil erosion, identifying birds, and learning about indigenous plants, herbal medicine and regenerative farming.

Also read: Bambisandla-Sam continues to uplift KwaNgcolosi community

Zondi raved about all aspects of the trip, and said: “A big part was learning practical skills like animal tracking and getting hands-on experience reading tracks, identifying scat, and understanding animal behaviour.

“I learnt the importance of proper farming and how it can improve the quality of the food you eat,” said Marsh. “I enjoyed seeing the vultures’ feeding grounds and despite the foul smell, I found it interesting to learn how the different animals contribute to the clean-up process in nature.”

“The last night was one to remember,” said Sibiya. “Never had I slept underneath the stars. I was sad to leave the next day, I made great friends, learnt a lot and I am very proud of myself for braving this experience. Thank you JLMT!”

The school thanked The Jonny Lowe Memorial Trust (JLMT), Dickens (convenor), Kerkhof, Lemmer, Phineas Ngobese (game ranger) and their team for this incredible opportunity.

About JLMT: The JLMT was established in 2014 in memory of Jonathan Lowe who was a keen conservationist, attorney, talented all-round sportsman and Springbok hockey player. After his passing, in his memory, the Jonny Lowe Memorial Trust’s trustees, who included his widow, Jenny Lowe, and son Peter, dedicate the Trust’s resources to “engaging youth in eco-conservation”. Several excursions to Weenen Nature Reserve for high school pupils have been funded by the Trust. The JLMT, together with the Head Ranger and Honorary Officers, has been instrumental in rehabilitating the Nyandu Camp as an educational centre to facilitate school and private groups visiting an area that is a land rehabilitation success story.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here