At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, every child who walks through our gates carries a story waiting to unfold. For Katlego, that story began at 14 — and it has since grown into a journey of purpose, resilience, and development.

A Place That Felt Like Home

When Katlego first arrived as a student, he immediately felt a deep connection to the environment, the people, and DAKTARI’s mission. What started as a learning experience quickly became something more meaningful. Drawn by his passion, he returned during school holidays — this time as a volunteer.

Those early days planted the seeds of something powerful: a desire not only to learn, but to give back.

Growing Through Responsibility

Katlego’s commitment and enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed. Between December 2020 and 2022, he served as Project Manager for over a year. It was a period that tested and shaped him in ways he could not have imagined.

During this time, the world was facing the challenges of COVID-19 — and DAKTARI was no exception. With international volunteers unable to travel or forced to extend their stays, operations became a lot more challenging. Katlego played a key role in keeping the organisation running, helping manage daily activities at DAKTARI and even supporting quarantine arrangements for staff and volunteers.

It was not easy, yet it was transformative.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

For Katlego, DAKTARI was more than a bush school or an animal orphanage — it was a platform for growth. Through his journey, he developed essential life skills: leadership, problem-solving, financial management, and marketing. He discovered a passion for teaching children and sharing knowledge, while also gaining hands-on experience in fundraising and communication.

One of the most impactful aspects of his time at DAKTARI was the exposure to international volunteers and wildlife conservation. These experiences broadened his perspective and inspired him to dream bigger about his future.

Still Part of the DAKTARI Family

Although Katlego has moved forward in his professional journey, his connection with DAKTARI remains strong. Last week, he returned to visit DAKTARI and stayed for two nights. During his stay, he happily rejoined the team, helping with animal care duties and spending time with staff and volunteers.

He also shared valuable insights and ideas for DAKTARI’s future development, showing how deeply he still cares about the organisation and its mission. His passion, dedication, and willingness to contribute continue to inspire those around him.

His visit reminded us that DAKTARI is more than a place where people come and go — it is a family. Even after years, Katlego still carries the same passion for DAKTARI’s mission and the wildlife we protect.

Carrying the Mission Forward

Today, Katlego has taken his next step — working in the aviation industry of ground operations. While his career path has evolved, the values he built at DAKTARI remain at the core of who he is.

He continues to carry a strong sense of responsibility toward his community, driven by the belief that growth is most meaningful when it is shared.

Katlego’s story is a powerful reminder of what DAKTARI stands for: creating opportunities, nurturing potential, and inspiring young people to believe in themselves.

From a curious 14-year-old student to a confident professional shaping his future, Katlego’s journey shows that with the right support and environment, anything is possible.

And for us at DAKTARI, stories like his are the reason we do what we do — every single day.