Near Hwange National Park lies a rural school that caters for a number of children from surrounding villages. The general area suffers from poverty and lack of amenities and Ngamo School is no exception. Our camps in neighbouring Hwange National Park have begun to help by providing some basic equipment as well as taking guests to visit - to get a glimpse of another world and to emphasise the interconnectedness between ecotourism and rural communities.
The project has developed in leaps and bounds. In 2003, the school's old, tattered textbooks were replaced with 380 brand-new ones and other basics supplied, such as sports equipment, art materials, teacher and pupil stationery, first aid kits with basic renewable supplies such as cough medicine, plasters, antiseptic creams and bandages. All the roofs of the teachers' houses were rethatched and the blackboards and floors in two classrooms were replaced.
Other projects include fencing the school to keep goats and cattle out, so that an orchard can be planted. We are hoping to grow mangoes, oranges, lemons, guavas, pawpaws and bananas - all of which would benefit the children's health immensely. Accordingly steel borehole casing, an electric submersible pump, piping, a 5 000-litre water tank, taps and valves and necessary electrical switches have been purchased and are on site for the drilling of a borehole and installation of a water reticulation project. Running water will be provided for the children and staff at the school as well as to develop the vegetable garden and orchard.
Another aim is to acquire a First Aid kit for the school, with basic supplies such as cough medicine, plasters, antiseptic creams, tablets for fevers / headaches, bandages etc.
At the end of the year Linkwasha hosts the school leavers (Grade 7) at the camp for a day. The children are treated to cold drinks and cakes (the first taste for many), and are taken on game drives. Surprisingly, although they live near the largest National Park in Zimbabwe, many have never seen animals such as hippo, roan antelope or sable. In this way, as well as more conventional teaching, they are shown the importance of protecting their natural heritage - not only because of the possibilities of job creation, but also as a valuable legacy to pass on to the next generation.
Another project in which we are currently involved is the AIDS orphanage on the northern boundary of the Park; Wilderness is looking for donors to assist in this venture.Pack for a Purpose is an innovative way that guests of Wilderness Safaris can help this project. See their website.
Projects in Zimbabwe
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