Okavango Wilderness Safaris under its foundation; Children in the Wilderness – Botswana, begun a week-long camp for 30 girls at James Sausage Tree Camp in Eretsha last Monday.
Held under the theme, ‘Conservation Science Camp for Girls in Rural Areas’, the training will equip girls from Ngambao Junior Secondary School in Seronga with skills in environmental conservation.
According to the programme coordinator, Moalosi Lebekwe, the camp will explore scientific methods to conduct mini-researches and investigations while discussing nature and conservation of the Okavango Delta biodiversity.
Further Moalosi noted the project is geared towards luring girls in rural areas to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related subjects and or career trails.
“It aims to motivate girls to continue into environmental and STEM-based tertiary degrees and career trajectories. The five-day camp will give the girls exposure to various training in the fields of environment, science and STEM facilitated by an all-women experienced team of ecologists and educators,” Moalosi explained.
The camp is part of a one-year project by American Embassy in Botswana and intended to encourage and empower school-going girls in rural areas to develop interest in environmental subjects, community based natural resources benefits as well as discuss future career prospects and leadership talks.
“During the camp, the girls will participate in interactive talks, discussions and practical activities focusing on nature, biodiversity and conservation of the immediate environment,” Moalosi added.
The facilitators will therefore this week mentor and empower the girls to address challenges they face in their path to recognise their potential through career, life skills and leadership talks, team projects and nature walks.
That’s great things