The initiative brings together the BIHL Trust, Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Botswana, and Mokolodi Nature Reserve in a three-year agreement that enhances existing efforts to connect children with nature through hands-on learning.
The collaboration is anchored by a P220,000 investment from the BIHL Trust and will see the expansion of CITW’s Eco Club programme at the school, with a greater emphasis on outdoor experiences and conservation leadership.
Though CITW has supported Tshwaragano since 2018, the urban setting of the school has historically limited students’ access to nature-based learning. This new partnership addresses that challenge by utilising Mokolodi’s natural environment as a living classroom.
“We are empowering future conservation leaders every day, and this becomes even more possible by virtue of this collaboration,” said CITW Botswana Board Chairperson and Caretaker Managing Director of Okavango Wilderness Safaris, Joe Matome.
“Our work is rooted in the belief that conservation is most powerful when communities – especially young people – are engaged and equipped to lead the way.”
CITW, a programme of Okavango Wilderness Safaris, will continue to lead implementation of the initiative, which includes 23 Eco Club sessions annually, teacher training workshops, excursions to Mokolodi, and student-led projects with entrepreneurial potential.
The initiative also retains the popular CITW Annual Camps, where selected students experience immersive education at partner camps, blending learning with fun and leadership development.
The programme aligns with Pillar 3 of Botswana’s Vision 2036, which promotes a sustainable environment, and advances multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15).
BIHL Trust board chairperson, Ngwatshi Enyatseng, said the initiative reinforces the trust’s focus on youth empowerment as a pathway to long-term conservation success.
“We are proud to stand beside such powerful partners and to stand for the children of Botswana. At the BIHL Trust, we believe that investing in youth education and empowerment is the most sustainable way to ensure long-term conservation.”
Mokolodi Nature Reserve’s Education Centre plays a key role by hosting field excursions, supporting Eco Club sessions, and contributing to monitoring and evaluation.
The reserve reaches over 9,000 children annually through its education programmes, and now brings that expertise into this focused initiative.
“Through this partnership, we are able to provide impactful, hands-on learning experiences that connect children directly with the environment they are being taught to protect,” said Education and Stakeholder Manager at Mokolodi, Dennis Ramokgau.
“Mokolodi is committed to nurturing future custodians of Botswana’s natural heritage.”
Tshwaragano school head, Spankie Kelopang welcomed the programme, noting its positive potential for the 60 learners participating.
“This is a unique opportunity for our students to step out of the classroom and engage with the real-world implications of conservation. We’re grateful to be part of it.”
As the programme moves forward, it aims not only to educate but to inspire, helping shape a generation of informed, environmentally conscious citizens equipped to meet Botswana’s sustainability goals.
