Ol Pejeta has partnered with Laikipia Wildlife Forum to bring documentary screenings to schools and local communities surrounding the Conservancy. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Rufford Small Grant Foundation. The films, narrated in Swahili, aim to engage students in environmental and wildlife conservation issues that they can relate to. The hope is that these screenings will encourage discussion and inspire action in the students, many of whom are beneficiaries of Ol Pejeta’s Community Education Programme.
In May, four secondary and four primary schools held screenings. There was a particular emphasis on addressing human/wildlife conflict – something that the majority of the students will have experienced in their communities. The films reinforced the importance and benefits of managing natural resources sustainably, and explored the behaviour and interactions of local wildlife.
After the films, the Ol Pejeta team invites the students to talk about what they have learnt, and discusses ways in which they can put this into practice on the ground. The team is also keen to make the link between conservation and improved livelihoods for the students and their families.
Thanks to this partnership, more schools and local communities will enjoy screenings in the coming months. These screenings will be accompanied by activities such as tree planting, painting murals on communal walls, and the establishment of environmental clubs.
We are confident that with the continued support of the Rufford Small Grant Foundation, we shall continue to create young ambassadors for conservation in Kenya.