The future stewardship of Africa’s wildlife and open spaces depends upon the local people.
Yet did you know most Africans have never been to their national parks (lack of transport and entrance fees), and have only encountered wild animals during situations of conflict, like crop or livestock raids?
People do not protect (or tolerate) something
- they have no positive direct experience with
- no emotional attachment to, and
- no knowledge of
Masai child learns about animals through her puppy
People develop compassion for, and are inspired to protect animals,
if given the opportunity to experience them in a positive way.
seeing elephants for the first time during Bush Camp Program, Photo: Molly Feltner
Nelson Mandela says tolerance and compassion are learned behaviors.
Who, or what experience inspired your love for animals?
Mine was my naturalist father who took my sister and I into the woods on weekends, and my mother who housed any stray animal (and foster kids) she could.
On the bus at bush camp, Photo: Molly Feltner
Spreading Compassion:
Africa Inside’s Bush School Program gives African students the experience of connecting to and learning about, the natural world. We know that after seeing the local wildlife, experiencing the excitement and beauty of the wild African savannah, and gaining an experiential understanding of its complex ecology through our Bush School programs, graduates have more of an emotional investment in the natural world. There are numerous stories about bush school graduates who have identified poachers to the police, taken apart traps, and let animals free from snares in forest near their villages. Graduates also grow up to be Park Rangers, Conservation Advocates, and Wildlife Guides. You can read stories and more about our Bush School program HERE.
We Need Your Help sending children to Bush School
A donation of just $100 sends one student to bush camp for 3 days.
A donation of $35 sends a child on the Bush Bus field trip.
bush bus - $35 per child
Africa Inside continues to send children through bush school experiences in Tanzania, Kenya and Zimbabwe, and will be starting to support Bush School projects in Zambia and Mozambique.
During the holiday season, I want to give one of these exquisite bottles to each of you who donate $250 or more to Africa Inside during the month of November. These were hand beaded by Kenyan Masai women exclusively for Africa Inside.
Use them for water, or flowers or decoration
Spread Compassion
Your donation to Africa Inside is tax deductible through our fiscal umbrella organization: Creative Visions Foundation
Any size donation will be a huge contribution to the lives of these children who without your help can not afford to visit their parks to have this nature based learning experience.
GIVE THE GIFT OF COMPASSION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
Painting what they saw, Photo: Molly Feltner
Remember, donations of any amount will help. Happy Holidays.
From the time of my first trip to Africa on assignment as a fashion model in 1984, to my recent role as Africa Adventures Specialist for the Jane Goodall Institute, I've traveled to or lived in eleven African countries. Deepening my life long passion to nature and animals happens easily in Africa, but Africa remains 
2 comments
shara says:
Nov 17, 2012
So true. A point I just made in an interview about Uganda. How many Ugandans can afford a $500 gorilla permit??? Like one percent, and they’re probably corrupt individuals. Such a shame. Maybe 10 percent could view a national park. It’s a point that probably doesn’t occur to a lot of people (Westerners). Good to make it.
Diane says:
Nov 17, 2012
Wonderful effort, Lori