Environmental Education Field Trip

Description

This project supports hands-on environmental and conservation learning for primary school students by providing an educational trip to Ruaha National Park for 20 students and three teacher chaperones. The trip will strengthen their understanding of biological sciences and Tanzania’s ecosystems, reinforcing lessons from a school club. During the visit, teachers and a safari guide highlight key concepts and observed wildlife examples. Students stay overnight in park dorms before returning the next day.

After the trip, students apply what they learned by creating a wildlife‑friendly nutrition garden and tree nursery at the school. They will use principles of ecology, such as conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, and symbiosis, to improve agricultural practices. Their work includes encouraging pollinators, supporting insect‑eating birds and amphibians, and developing butterfly puddlers and roosts. Students will work with elder community members to select native tree species, gather seeds, and understand the ecological benefits of each species.

The project strengthens community knowledge through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, preparing students for secondary school and giving them practical sustainable agriculture skills. Students will share their learning during a "teach‑back" day for families and community members.

The grant supports the safari guide, park fees, lodging, and transportation, while community members contribute materials, labor, and food. The garden and tree nursery will serve as lasting models of environmental stewardship and reforestation efforts.