Children in the Wilderness (CITW), in partnership with Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Trust and Mokolodi Nature Reserve, successfully hosted its 2025 Annual Camp, bringing environmental learning to life for Eco-Club members from Tshwaragano Primary School in Gaborone.
The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 9 April 2025, is focused on nurturing informed, confident and environmentally responsible young citizens through hands-on environmental education, life skills and leadership development.
From 1 – 3 December 2025, 30 Eco-Club learners and two teachers took part in a two-night camp at Mokolodi Nature Reserve. The children were welcomed by the CITW Botswana team, joined by Cynthia Ndiweni from CITW Zambezi, and Mokolodi staff, who worked together to deliver an exciting and educational programme despite heavy summer rains.
Centred on the theme “Biodiversity”, the camp introduced children to the rich variety of plants, animals and micro-organisms that make up healthy ecosystems. Through fun, interactive activities, learners explored why biodiversity matters and how they can help protect nature in their everyday lives.
A highlight of the camp was exposure to eco-tourism and future career pathways. Children visited different departments at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, where they learnt practical life skills such as housekeeping, hospitality and teamwork. They also met a female wildlife guide, Ms Mpho Manthe, whose story inspired many learners, and visited the animal sanctuary to understand wildlife care and conservation.
Game drives and guided nature walks allowed the children to see animals, birds and plant species up close, while learning their importance to the ecosystem. Team-building sessions and traditional games helped build confidence, cooperation and friendship, showing that learning can be both fun and meaningful.
During biodiversity lessons, children identified plants and waste in designated areas, discussed threats to nature, and shared ideas on recycling and reducing pollution — proudly presenting what they had learnt to their peers.
The camp left both learners and teachers inspired and eager to protect the environment. Children in the Wilderness Botswana extends heartfelt thanks to BIHL Trust and Mokolodi Nature Reserve for their invaluable support, the dedicated Mokolodi staff for their warm hospitality, Tshwaragano Primary School management, the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education (South East), and the parents who entrusted their children to this memorable experience.
For these young eco-champions, the camp was more than a trip – it was a step towards becoming future guardians of Botswana’s natural heritage.