WHAT ARE OUR THREE MAIN PROJECTS?
DAKTARI’s projects cover three main areas of focus. Firstly, the onsite Environmental Education program with children at our camp. Secondly, our Wildlife orphanage with rescued animals. Finally, we work with Community surrounding DAKTARI.
DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage provides environmental education to underprivileged children. The students are in Grade 8 (12 to 14 years old) and come from villages near DAKTARI. Every Monday morning DAKTARI welcomes 8 children for five days. International volunteers teach them about the environment and wildlife. The lessons include outdoor activities, educational games as well as social talks.
DAKTARI’s Wildlife Orphanage is home to many animals that have no chance of being released into the wild. For instance, some of them are injured and need constant care. Others were hand-raised; therefore, they could not survive in the wild. These animals live in enclosures within our reserve. However, we have released animals back into the wild whenever possible. The animals in our care play an essential role as they are a part of our Environmental Education Program. Most importantly, these animals serve as ambassadors for the children.
At DAKTARI, we created a community program to increase our impact to a larger number of people. Therefore, we are able to actively engage with the nearby local villages. We achieve this thanks to our two main programs: the Outreach Campaigns and the Eco Club. We also organise tours for volunteers in the villages. The goal is to empower local people and encourage eco-tourism.
As a result, through DAKTARI’s projects we have reached more than 4,000 children in 14 years! In addition, we have cared for hundreds of animals, from meerkats to wild dog. Last but not least, we have helped dozens of youth get employed. So, if you want to become involved with DAKTARI’s work, consider becoming a volunteer or donating!