What inspired you to found African Insight?
The desire to use the valuable opportunity that travel offers to make a positive difference for the destination and people of the host country, whilst enriching the lives of both the participants and the hosts.
Making a difference focuses on three areas: first, economic benefits to support conservation and the rural communities that surround protected areas; second, social benefits to the clients and staff involved in conservation and the communities surrounding protected areas; and third, environmental benefits for the destination, as well as a better overall understanding and appreciation by the clients of local environmental and social challenges.
Meaningful partnerships
Why should prospective clients choose African Insight over other providers?
We provide work experience opportunities for young aspiring conservation, environmental, and wildlife managers that is practical and applicable to the current demands of employment opportunities in the field. Our clients leave as qualified conservation ambassadors.
What do you love most about your job?
The positive impact we make on the lives of the people that participate in our programs - the clients, local staff, and communities surrounding “our” park. We have the opportunity to have a life changing impact on people's lives and ensure the sustainability of a valuable conservation area.
What does a typical day of work look like for you?
In addition to keeping my finger on the pulse of the day to day running of the business, I invest time in communicating with and encouraging team members to raise the bar and grow personally. I am constantly networking to identify new opportunities for marketing our programs as well as to develop new and better opportunities.
Sharing traditions
I try to set time aside daily to reflect on our long-term vision, as well as the current goals and achievements. I strongly believe that success does not happen without careful planning and execution by a team that is inspired, educated, and empowered.
How would you say travel and conservation have impacted your life?
It is not only my life, it is my ministry.
How do you support students before, throughout, and prior to their time with you?
It is important that students arrive mentally and physically prepared so they have the correct kit and there are no false or unrealistic expectations in terms of the experience they have signed up for.
To ensure this, we have prepared comprehensive information in terms of our work expectations, clear information regarding kit, medical, and climate issues, and arrival and departure logistics. They will have contact numbers of all key African Insight staff and they will be met on arrival. We provide a list of recommended background reading and research they can do before arrival.
The best travel companion
During their time with us, their program and responsibilities are organized, clearly explained during orientation, and they have a dedicated coordinator that they can call on at any time. We provide limited (due to logistical constraints) free WiFi access to keep in touch with family.
When students return home, what do you hope they have learned and gained?
During their stay with us we really want them to have a well rounded life experience where they have learned a range of life skills that will enable them to become not only more employable, but also more socially equipped to stand on their own two feet.
Where do you hope to see African Insight Academy in five years?
I would like to see us expanding the service we offer to support other protected areas, building on our terrestrial conservation focus, and expanding through the development of a marine/ coastal conservation program.
Coming together
What do you find the most amazing about Africa?
The incredible diversity of landscape, wildlife, and people.
How do you practice nature conservation during your projects with African Insight?
Like it matters! Our future depends on it. It is not a choice but an imperative. Students will learn that conservation is more than protecting charismatic species and a physically defined conservation area but it is about protecting ALL life and life sustaining systems - not only for today but ad infinitum.
Therefore, we need to be equally concerned about the economic and social well being of the communities that surround our conservation areas as well.
