What inspired you to work for DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage?
I had long dreamt about living in Africa and working towards a meaningful project, surrounded by wildlife. The commitment and passion from Michele and Ian, the co-founders of DAKTARI, is so inspiring that I immediately knew I wanted to be part of the family. They have dedicated their lives to this project and it is an honour to be able to do my bit.
Playing with children
Describe a typical day at work.
Not a single day is the same! I usually start my day trying to stop the squirrel and marmoset from stealing food on the breakfast table. Then I head to the office to research sponsors and donors according to our needs. Between two meetings I like to watch the kids having a swimming lesson or helping teaching a lesson about anti-poaching. I love to end my day by a sundowner walk in the bush and pet the Nyala that are walking around camp.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I am passionate and I truly believe in DAKTARI's purpose to educate and inspire children to value their environment and stimulate community projects. I am fulfilled by finding meaning and purpose from my work, and makes me feel highly committed to the organisation, doing my best to achieve a sustainable future and development.
How do you use your education and international background in your role as Fundraising Manager?
My previous international experiences are helping me working with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and be open-minded about other people's ideas and opinions. Having a business and HR degree, I use my sales skills very often when talking to potential donors, as well as my teamwork and collaboration skills to make sure I work closely with every individual in the organisation.
Feeding an elephant
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Although we always try to fill the best proposals when applying for grants, we do not always receive positive answers, and it can be very frustrating. I tend to ask for the specific reasons why we were not selected, so we can improve our future proposals and be more impactful. It may also be difficult sometimes to find the calls for proposals that have a focus we fall into, so a lot of online research, patience and organisation are key elements to succeed!
What makes DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage special?
DAKTARI is a unique concept, and one of the few to be of its kind not only in South Africa, but also the world. The concept of wildlife education itself is not unique, however what is truly special is that we have children from marginalised communities and villages visit and stay for five days at our wildlife orphanage where a fun yet detailed environmental education programme is held.
DAKTARI has been approved by the South African Government’s Department of Education and the Department of Environmental Affairs. These are the two highest governing departments responsible for education and conservation in South Africa.
DAKTARI has a permit to home orphaned wild animals , some that were injured and unable to be released back into the wild. Our wonderful animals serve as ambassadors in the education programme. Currently we have about 20 different indigenous species and over 80 animals on site. Most of these children have never heard of, seen nor had the opportunity to interact and learn about these animals and other species. It’s thus a real eye opening experience for our children.
Why should someone choose DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage over competitors?
When joining DAKTARI you find a home away from home. You will have a life-changing experience, living in the middle of the South Africa bush with passionate people, and you will have a perfect balance between teaching wonderful children and caring for our beloved animals.
Petting a cheetah
What is DAKTARI’'s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
The Mission of DAKTARI is to educate and inspire local children to value their environment and stimulate community development.
DAKTARI has three main areas of focus: the teaching program with children at the camp, our wildlife orphanage, and our work in the community surrounding DAKTARI.
Through the combination of the bush school and the wildlife orphanage, DAKTARI has developed an immersive educational experience for local children to learn about the wildlife around them, the environment, anti-poaching, and a wide variety of other issues, right in the middle of the bush. Our work extends into their communities through Eco Clubs at the secondary schools, job hunting for the youth, and community development projects. DAKTARI aims to further the sustainable development agenda through a number of different initiatives.
Through DAKTARI's programs, we have reached more than 4,000 children in 13 years, cared for hundreds of animals, and helped dozens of youth get employed.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
I often get asked "What made you decide to come here?" And my answer is always strictly the same: I wanted to work for a meaningful project that I truly believe in, and feeling that what I do serves a greater purpose that I want to support. So I followed my heart and stopped finding excuses, and left for South Africa.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Travelling abroad is leaving your comfort zone and experiencing challenges along the way. And eventually this is what makes you grow and learn so much about others, situations, and yourself. Experiencing new cultures also help us seeing things from another angle and different perspectives, and be more understanding and tolerant.
Working in the community
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language indicates open-mindedness, willingness to communicate with others. Amy Chua said, "Do you know what a foreign accent is? It's a sign of bravery.”
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
You will never regret an international experience, whether it's for holidays, internship, or volunteering. The best advice I can give is to be yourself, open your eyes and follow your gut feeling!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is a way of travel that somehow enhance the participant by doing things for a purpose, or enhance people in the destination where the participant is traveling. It is traveling with a reason and the will to make an impact on the communities along the way, by having hands-on experience.
