WildlifeDirect’s Nature Positive Kids Outreach Program Marks Two Years of Success
Nairobi, Kenya – August 9, 2024– WildlifeDirect, a prominent Kenyan-based wildlife conservation organization, celebrated the second anniversary of the Team Sayari Nature Positive Kids Outreach Program with a special watch party at Nairobi National Park.
The event, held on August 9, marked the milestone of this pioneering initiative designed to nurture young conservationists across East Africa.
The celebration featured a screening of the National Geographic episode “Wild in the City,” which showcases wildlife in Nairobi National Park. Attendees included Team Sayari presenters, educators, and conservation leaders who have significantly contributed to the program’s success. Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect, expressed pride in the program’s achievements, highlighting its positive impact on young people. “This watch party is a celebration of empowerment and dedication to protecting our planet,” Kahumbu stated.
Paula Kahumbu, CEO WildlifeDirect with team Samia Nature during celebration of it’s second anniversary
The Nature Positive Kids Outreach Program, a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Department of State, USAID, The Walt Disney Company, WildlifeDirect, and White Rhino Films, aims to inspire children aged 7 to 12 to become conservation leaders.
The twenty-part television series, featuring 14 child presenters from across Africa, has reached over 12,000 children in 200 schools and four conservation hubs in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The series has driven participation in conservation activities such as tree planting and plastic recycling.
Feedback from schools reflects the program’s impact. Mwanaidi Mwasina from Kwale School for the Mentally Challenged noted, “We have noticed a behavioral change in learners. They have become more responsible, and we’ve identified emerging leaders among them.”
The initiative has also supported 232 teachers with conservation education training and resources, including Fact Sheets, a Teacher’s Guide, and access to the National Geographic Society Resource database. Additionally, 79 schools have received grants of USD 500 to implement conservation projects.
To expand its reach, Team Sayari content has been translated into Kiswahili and Kinyarwanda and is available on the National Geographic Africa YouTube Channel, enhancing its global visibility.
