Reflecting on the first quarter of this year fills me with a sense of pride and gratitude as I recall the journey we’ve embarked on to promote raptor conservation in schools and communities across Naivasha. As we began laying the groundwork for our education sessions in January, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. Would the students be receptive to our message? Would the teachers share our enthusiasm for raptor conservation? These questions lingered in my mind as I navigated the process of securing permission and scheduling sessions. However, any doubts were swiftly dispelled by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm I received from school administrators and teachers, who welcomed our initiative with open arms. The feedback from one headteacher in particular was memorable for me as he recounted how many students had previously believed that environmental conservation was limited to activities like collecting trash and planting trees. Our sessions opened their eyes to the broader scope of conservation, inspiring them to explore new avenues of environmental stewardship. Each school visit presented an opportunity not just to impart knowledge about raptors, but to ignite a spark of curiosity and passion for conservation in the hearts of young learners.
February marked the official launch of our education sessions, and it was heartening to witness the genuine interest of students to learn more about raptors. From animated debates about the hunting strategy of raptors to the awe-inspiring tales of owl sightings, the classroom buzzed with energy and every interaction became a moment of discovery and wonder. What struck me most was the genuine curiosity displayed by the students, asking insightful questions and sharing their own experiences with birds of prey.
As I engaged with students it became apparent that many harboured misconceptions about raptors. From the belief that owls were harbingers of bad luck and death to the misconception that vultures were dirty and evil creatures. However, through our interactive sessions, we had the opportunity to challenge these misconceptions head-on, offering students a glimpse into the fascinating world of raptors. The storybooks about owls and posters about the vultures of Kenya elicited an overwhelmingly positive response from students, who eagerly flipped through the pages and examined the intricate details of the posters.
March saw a deepening of our engagement with students and teachers as we delved into topics such as raptor behaviour and threats. Watching a documentary about vultures captivated students’ attention, as they leaned forward in their seats, absorbing every detail with rapt attention. The documentary provided a powerful visual narrative, offering insights into the challenges facing these magnificent creatures and importance of conservation efforts. One particularly poignant moment came during a class discussion on the threats facing raptors, where a student shared their realisation that human activities were the primary drivers of raptor decline. “I never realised how much harm we were causing to these magnificent birds,” they confessed, their voices tinged with regret.
To further reinforce learning, students enthusiastically participated in educational fun games, their competitive spirits ignited as they vied for the title of raptor conservation champion. Laughter filled the room as students engaged in friendly banter, their enthusiasm for learning shining through in every activity. One of the greatest highlights of our sessions was witnessing the passion and creativity of the students. Their drawings of vultures were not only impressive but also reflective of their newfound understanding and appreciation for these birds.
Through pre- and post-evaluation tests, I observed a tangible shift in knowledge and attitude towards raptors, with many expressing newfound appreciation and commitment to conservation efforts, citing sessions as eye-opening experiences that challenged their preconceived notions.
Our work is not just about delivering sessions; it’s about making a lasting impact in the hearts and minds of students, fostering connections, nurturing curiosity and instilling a sense of responsibility towards our planet.
Looking ahead I am filled with optimism and excitement for the journey ahead. Together, with the support of our partner schools and community groups and our kind donors, we will continue to make a tangible difference in conservation of raptors and the preservation of natural heritage.
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Thanks for great conservation work!
Commendable work Kenya bird of prey trust, and willis for a beautiful written highlights and milestone. Its just a beginning, looking forward for great impact stories.