Recently the Skukuza Stadium in the Kruger National Park was packed with school-going children, their teachers, parents, and friends, for a day of entertainment, interspersed with speeches and presentations of various reports and activities from the ‘My Acre of Africa Trust’. These reports gave an overview of the activities, experiences and successes to-date of the Trust, including the Kids in Kruger Programme.

Nothing could dampen the children’s enthusiasm as they patiently waited for their turn to perform their various activities. The teachers and proud parents looked on as each representing school from outlying areas of the Kruger National Park, performed to the guests’ delight.

In pride of place next to the stage, were two Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 bakkies with colourful ‘Kids in Kruger’ decals, making them easily identifiable. The event provided an ideal opportunity for the official hand-over of the vehicles to the Kids in Kruger Programme.

“These vehicles will provide courtesy transportation to the Kids in Kruger Programme for an initial one year period,” said Annette Erasmus, Sales Manager, Mitsubishi Motors.

“We are pleased that the programme has proven to be such a success in the communities they serve, and that this courtesy transportation will further assist in the sustainability of the project,” added Erasmus.

Amongst the VIP guests of community and traditional leaders, was Honourable Member of Parliament Sheila Sithole, who is also Member of Portfolio Committee in Parliament on the Environment. Honourable Sithole was escorted to take the stage by a procession of drum majorettes with all the pomp and splendour of royalty. Pleased with the day’s activities, Honourable Sithole told the children to keep up the good work she witnessed first hand.

The keynote address was given by the Chairperson of the My Acre of Africa Trust, Mr. M Ramano. Emphasising the importance of each individual’s role in saving the environment and acting responsibly, Mr Ramano warned of the consequences of not taking global warming seriously.

The schools and communities adjacent to the Kruger National park are the beneficiaries of the Kids in Kruger Project, which has seen more than 25 800 children and teachers participate in its successful programmes. The project has been carefully structured to ensure that the maximum number of economic opportunities is provided to entrepreneurs from these local communities.

This was evident at the event, as one could see that the beautiful dance costumes were all locally made and worn with pride. The Kids in Kruger Project Steering Committee members were all present, witnessing the fruits of their hard work. Members of the committee include municipal councillors, teachers, businessmen, farmers, traditional and youth leaders, and members of the public from the respective communities, give of their time to ensure that the projects are implemented.

The Kids in Kruger Programme’s core activities focus on environmental education. They are aimed at primarily giving children living in disadvantaged communities adjacent to Kruger National Park an opportunity to enjoy, appreciate and help preserve their natural heritage.

Road shows are held annually with a purpose to update community stakeholders about the various programmes implemented and this ’Open Day’ formed part of these road shows.

Continuous participation with the local communities is crucial to the success of the programmes, not just from a broader social development perspective, but also to ensure that the projects are accepted by the local community, who also take ownership.

Project staff who work for the Kids in Kruger Programme are sourced from the local communities living adjacent to the Kruger National Park. A number of students who have completed their tertiary education, are trained as Shadow Guides – trained on the environmental interpretation and education – and are employed to educate the students from these schools on how to live in harmony with one’s natural surroundings. This is of critical importance to the ongoing survival of the Kruger National Park and the preservation of South Africa’s heritage.

“The two Mitsubishi Triton vehicles are robust and reliable and will go a long way to assist the teachers in implementing a large number of activities, including greening and environmental activities, which all form part of this successful programme,” added Erasmus.

“The designated drivers of the Mitsubishi Triton bakkies will shortly undergo off-road training through the local Mitsubishi dealership in Nelspruit. This specialised training will ensure that the drivers are able to go off-road in a safe and responsible manner,” concluded Erasmus.

Local entrepreneurs are engaged to cater for the students’ catering needs, and most importantly, transportation requirements to attend the various field trips and camps organised by the Kids in Kruger Programme. All guests, including the children benefited from the day in true community spirit.