Ntobeko Ngcala (Umzi 6 conservation graduate) joined the Pride trail at Groendaal as a guest guide on Saturday, May 12. He was one of the volunteer guides for the Wilderness Foundation’s Pride of Groendaal project in the Eastern Cape, and was introduced to Umzi Wethu by experiential education manager, Lihle Mbokazi.
After graduating from the conservation academy in 2010, Ntobs joined Shamwari Game Reserve as a ranger. He regularly volunteers as a Pride guide on his days off.
The Pride project, managed by the Wilderness Foundation, helps to instil pride and responsibility among South Africa’s previously disadvantaged youth with regards to their natural heritage. Groups of school learners are taken on a day-long trail in a local wilderness area where they are taught about the importance of water, protecting wild areas and various traditional and current uses for local natural resources.
Current Umzi Wethu student, Khayalethu Xakwe, from the conservation academy, also volunteered his time for the Pride trail on May 12 as well as on May 19. He enjoys interacting with the learners and sharing his passion for the environment with them. He will be graduating from the academy later this year, but hopes to be able to dedicate some of his weekends to Pride even after he is employed.
“The learners as well as the other volunteer Pride guides loved having Ntobs and Khyalethu (or JJ as he is known to his friends) on trail with us this weekend,” says Lihle Mbokazi, Wilderness Foundation’s Environmental Education Manager. “They bring some fresh energy and knowledge to the trail and encourage the volunteer guides.”
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