Education Program Update - End of Term One at Kanzi Academy

Term One has ended at Kanzi Academy, and with it a successful season of learning and discovery.  As the welcome rains of November transformed the savannah from dusty yellow to lush green, the students enjoyed trekking in the Chyulu Hills and exploring the great outdoors.  The Kanzi teachers recognize the exceptional opportunities afforded to a school in the bush and incorporate nature into their lesson plans, building a learning environment that utilizes both the classroom and the world outside.  Experiential learning is key at the Academy, where students strive to understand their role in the community as well as their relationship with the environment.

Class One lines up for a hike in the Chyulu Hills.

 
In the second half of the term, Class 3 explored the theme of "leadership" in spiritual education class, addressing such probing questions as "What makes a good leader?"  Responsibility, trust, connection, tolerance, and empathy were all discussed in detail through debates and moments of reflection.  The facets of leadership were also demonstrated in fun, practical activities such as the "banana operation."

The students continued to benefit from advanced technology in the classroom, utilizing both laptops and a state-of-the-art SMART Board.  These tools enhance the learning experience and prepare students to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
 

Class Three hard at work on their laptops

Kanzi Academy students use interactive technology to complement their lessons.

  
The students enjoyed a musical treat when violinist Barbara Stoddard performed a private concert at the Academy.  The children learned about the parts of a violin, the bow, and the tuning process and also listened to different styles of music.  Meanwhile, in art class, the students had a great time making bracelets and "Kanzi Bears."
 

Students made "Kanzi Bears" as a craft project.

   
At the end of the term, the students got into the Christmas spirit by decorating the Christmas tree at Campi ya Kanzi's Tembo House.  The savannah-themed tree is decked with lions, zebras, giraffes, gourds, and small African dolls.  As the students and teachers head home for the holidays, they wish a joyous season of celebration to all!
 

Merry Christmas from Kanzi Academy!

Conservation Program Update - Rangeland Monitoring Workshop

In MWCT's efforts to preserve the grassland ecosystem of Kuku Group Ranch, it is just as important to protect the vegetation as it is to protect the wildlife.  Plant life forms the foundation of the food chain, feeding insects and birds as well as the larger grazers and browsers that are hunted by predators.  The grasses are also vital to the goats and cattle herded by the Maasai.  MWCT is working with the community to develop a rangeland management plan that includes vegetation monitoring and rotational grazing.

MWCT Conservation Managers Lana Müller and Dirk van der Goes recently conducted an in-house training for ten staff members to teach them about vegetation monitoring.  Participants received basic information about the ecology and functioning of grassland systems.  They also learned to recognize indicators of rangeland deterioration and rangeland improvement.  Finally, they learned why rangeland monitoring is important and what it entails.  In the afternoon, a practical vegetation monitoring exercise was conducted in the field.  The workshop was educational and enjoyable for all participants.

Conservation Manager Lana Müller taught workshop participants
about rangeland monitoring and its importance.

After Lana's presentation, participants took a written test
to demonstrate their understanding of the material.

Conservation Manager Dirk van der Goes trained participants
in the field by demonstrating rangeland monitoring methods.

The participants put their new knowledge to use by completing
a practical rangeland monitoring exercise in an overgrazed area.