Who is Lesley?
Lesley is a participant in the Youth Development Program at DAKTARI in Hoedspruit, South Africa. He grew up with limited opportunities and an uncertain sense of his future.
Through DAKTARI, he entered a completely new environment where education, wildlife, and volunteers are combined. Today, Lesley represents growth, resilience, and transformation through hands-on learning and exposure to wildlife care. Below is the personal memoir about his journey.
“I was only 14 years old when I joined DAKTARI, but that moment changed my life forever. For me, the Youth Development Program is much more than just training—it represents a second chance. Before coming here, I didn’t have many opportunities or a clear direction. At DAKTARI, I discovered new skills, new passions, and most importantly, I started to believe that I could build a future in wildlife. I’ve learned how to care for animals and understand the environment around me. It has taught me responsibility and shown me how important it is to protect nature.“
Overcoming Doubts
“When I first arrived, I was nervous and unsure of myself. I didn’t know how to fix problems, and speaking with volunteers from different countries felt intimidating. I doubted my abilities. But the DAKTARI team supported me with patience and kindness. Step by step, they helped me gain confidence and develop my skills.“
Learning by Doing
“During my internship, I had the opportunity to work closely with my colleague Lucky, the Head of Maintenance, who was an excellent mentor to me. He taught me how to complete tasks safely and efficiently. For example, he showed me proper welding techniques to ensure that fences are strong and secure. More importantly, he taught me that quality matters and that I should always double-check my work.
Every day at DAKTARI is an opportunity to learn. Over the past six months, I have developed many practical skills such as plumbing, welding, repairing fences, and feeding animals. I have also grown personally—I have learned teamwork, gained confidence, and improved my English by communicating with volunteers from around the world.”
Special Connection: Lesley’s Passion for Horses
“One of the most important things I’ve discovered about myself is my passion for horses. There is something special about them—they are calm, intelligent, and I feel a strong connection when I’m around them. In the future, I would love to work with horses, either as a horse handler or in a horse safari environment. My dream is not only to work with them but also to teach others how to care for these incredible animals.“
An Unforgettable Moment. “One of my most memorable experiences was the day we released a rehabilitated antelope back into the wild. Watching it run free filled me with pride. In that moment, I realized that my work truly makes a difference—I am helping animals return to their natural habitat.“
Preparing for the Future
“The Job Hunting Program at DAKTARI has also played a key role in my development. I received support from the office team and colleagues who taught me how to write a CV, present myself during interviews, and behave professionally in a work environment. These are skills that I still use every day, whether I’m speaking with supervisors like Michelle or Camilla, or solving problems at work.”
“After completing my six months at DAKTARI, I hope to find a permanent job related to wildlife or working with horses. My dream is to become the head of maintenance at a game lodge. I have come to understand how essential maintenance is in protecting animals and ensuring everything runs smoothly. This has been my goal since I truly realized its impact.”
“To other young people, my advice is simple: say yes to opportunities and work hard, even when no one is watching. Every experience can teach you something valuable. As for me, my goal is clear—to become a professional horse handler at a bush lodge or horse safari, and continue building a life connected to nature.”
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