Junior Ranger Program takes kids from the classroom to the bush
Deep in the North-West, a new generation of environmental leaders is emerging from the remote Khwai region, thanks to a hands-on initiative by the African Bush Camps (ABC) Foundation.
The Junior Ranger Program is moving conservation education from the classroom to the bush, giving primary school children practical experience in protecting their local ecosystem.
Launched in July 2024, the program currently engages 50 learners from Khwai Primary School, who meet twice-a-week with ABC staff and local teachers.
The curriculum blends academic learning on topics like biodiversity and waste management with real-world activities.
“The Junior Rangers Program is already changing how young people in Khwai see their environment,” notes Selly Kegakamang, the foundation’s Botswana Country Lead.
“They’re more confident, more curious, and more hopeful – and that’s exactly the kind of impact we want to create!”
In a press statement shared this week, the travel and hospitality organisation revealed the students put their training into action on 31 October, with a full-day conservation immersion at the Khwai Leadwood camp.
The day kicked-off with a welcome from ABC Founder, Beks Ndlovu, followed by guidance from the safari team on the essential role rangers and guides play in protecting both wildlife and community well-being.
After receiving official Junior Ranger kits, including hats, shirts, and field guides, the students were taken on a guided game drive.
Under the supervision of ABC’s professional team, the young explorers practiced crucial field skills, including wildlife spotting and basic tracking.
“The day culminated in an awards ceremony where participants received certificates. The top five essays, submitted beforehand on the theme of being a guide or ranger for the community, were celebrated, with the overall winner receiving a pair of National Geographic binoculars, a symbolic gesture toward a clear vision for the future of conservation.”
As an added highlight, renowned BW-based documentary photographer, Kefilwe Monosi was brought in to capture the experience, focusing on amplifying the children’s voices.
Since the program’s inception, more than 500 students have participated in various ABC Foundation environmental projects, including tree planting and recycling workshops.
A major milestone came in June when 69 Junior Rangers represented Khwai at the Maun Environmental Education Conference, where they successfully presented their own sustainability ideas.
The Foundation views the program as a critical step toward ensuring local ownership of conservation efforts.
Emphasising the long-term vision, Ndlovu said, “The children of Khwai are the future guardians of Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes. By giving them the tools, knowledge, and inspiration today, we are ensuring that tomorrow’s conservation efforts are led by the people who call this land home.”
Looking ahead, the ABC Foundation plans to expand the environmental education initiative across its partner schools, including introducing the Coaching Conservation program to five primary schools in the Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust (CECT) in 2026. The goal is to build clear pathways for young people to pursue careers in guiding, conservation and environmental management.
