(Posted 18th October 2024)
At African Parks, our mission goes beyond conservation. With over 5,000 full-time African staff and many more people benefitting from our work, we’re committed to empowering local people. Thanks to your support, thousands of lives across Africa are positively impacted by the work you help us do. Here are just three snapshots of extraordinary people who are creating lasting change.
Mahamat Ara: Championing environmental education in Zakouma National Park, Chad
Since 2023, African Parks has funded 32 teachers across 26 schools near Zakouma through two Teachers’ Associations. Mahamat, from Goz-Djarat, with over 11 years of teaching experience, is the Deputy Director of Goz-Djarat’s primary school and President of its Teachers Association. A strong advocate for conservation, he plays a key role in integrating environmental stewardship into education, fostering a culture of conservation in Zakouma.
“With African Parks’ support, our Teachers Association has revolutionized education in our communities. We’ve trained educators and integrated environmental awareness into classrooms, nurturing a generation of students who care deeply about the environment. We’re seeing more children, especially girls, stay in school, and even parents are embracing the importance of conservation.”
Lorena Matos: Protecting critically endangered marine mammals in Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, Mozambique
Lorena is the Assistant Research and Monitoring Coordinator in Bazaruto. She recently participated in Africa’s first-ever dugong satellite tagging project, which serves as the next step in informing future marine conservation strategies.
“Bazaruto is a rich ecosystem with beautiful diversity, especially the dugongs. It’s the first time that we do this here in Africa. To be able to see where the dugongs are, will help us with effective management.”
Francis Patrick: Working to become a community leader in Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Francis, from Makote village, received a scholarship from Liwonde National Park and now wants to give back to his community:
“African Parks’ generosity lifted the financial burden during my studies, allowing me to focus and excel. Now, with a degree in aquaculture and fisheries, I am equipped to give back to my community and help conserve our natural resources. This support has opened doors to a brighter future.”
