Good Work Foundation (GWF) began delivering Coaching Conservation’s Rapid Awareness Programs in 2017, with the aim of educating Grade 5 school children in rural Mpumalanga on rhino conservation and increasing their awareness of the poaching crisis. This project reached 5322 children over each of the first three years pre covid and is now reaching a further 2500+ each year post covid.

Coaching Conservation was added to GWF’s existing digital learning curriculum, called the “Open Learning Academy”, where Grade 4 learners use digital tools to improve their maths, English (and now) empathy literacy. The program continues to have significant reach, and impact in communities situated in conservation rich areas, particularly those bordering the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sands and Wildtuin areas. CC has trained 16 committed GWF staff as CC facilitators who bring fun, energy, and passion for conservation to 29 schools and 55 classrooms annually.

IMPACT REPORTING FOR COACHING CONSERVATION at GOOD WORK FOUNDATION

Comments from school teachers after the program:

“The CC programs help foster a love for, and a connection with the environment, alongside a healthy respect for self and others”.

“I would like to now integrate CC into my Life Science and Social Science lessons.”

The programme encourages learners to be more observant of the world around them and provides opportunities to learn about and appreciate nature.

Learners gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the planet's well-being.

Comments from children:

“We need to keep rhinos alive so that other children can see them.”

“I have learnt today that we are all connected to animals.”

Comments from coaches:

“If we are able to reach our communities, the message about rhinos will spread to all rural communities by word of mouth, as many do not have access to media.”

Delivering the programme is one of the best experiences of my life. The staff and the learners I met were awesome. I love this program and I have learned so much and working in the different places made me really feel like I was making a difference.ponsible citizens that think about both society and the environment.