In the towns surrounding Kruger National Park in South Africa, many Black residents have never had the opportunity to witness the country’s iconic wildlife up close. Responding to this disparity, Wild Shots Outreach (WSO), a Black-run program, has been working tirelessly for the past eight years to introduce young Black South Africans to the world of photography and conservation.
Founder Mike Kendrick was inspired to start WSO after realizing the underrepresentation of Black photographers from South Africa at a symposium celebrating wildlife photography. He also noticed that the local community’s youth had never experienced the wonders of Kruger National Park and other reserves nearby. This led Kendrick to establish WSO, reaching out to local schools and engaging with the next generation of Black photographers and conservationists.
The impact of WSO is evident in the success stories of its participants. Vusi Mathe, one of over 1,300 residents who have taken part in the program, discovered his passion for photography through WSO’s visit to his high school. Mathe emphasizes the importance of exposing local communities to wildlife, stating that it enables them to better contribute to conservation efforts.
Another success story from WSO is Melody Mnisi, who now works as a nature guide in the greater Kruger Park area. Mnisi’s career in wildlife was made possible through her introduction to the field by WSO. She now passes on her knowledge and skills to fellow young South Africans as a guide for Koru Camp, an educational organization focused on environmental education.
WSO has not only empowered individuals but also provided a platform for Black voices in the conservation sector. Rifumo Mathebula, one of WSO’s first students, now serves as its program director. His work as an environmental educator, photojournalist, and filmmaker has been recognized with the Young Environmentalist of the Year Award.
Through its workshops and game drives, WSO has helped bridge the gap between Black communities and wildlife, in turn fostering a newfound appreciation for conservation efforts. By empowering local communities and breaking stereotypes about careers in photography and conservation, WSO is creating a more inclusive and diverse conservation landscape in South Africa.
FAQ Section:
Q: What is Wild Shots Outreach (WSO)?
A: Wild Shots Outreach (WSO) is a Black-run program in South Africa that aims to introduce young Black South Africans to the world of photography and conservation.
Q: What inspired the founder of WSO to start the program?
A: Founder Mike Kendrick was inspired to start WSO after realizing the underrepresentation of Black photographers from South Africa at a wildlife photography symposium. He also noticed the lack of exposure to wildlife among the local community’s youth.
Q: How does WSO engage with young Black photographers and conservationists?
A: WSO reaches out to local schools and conducts workshops and game drives to engage with the next generation of Black photographers and conservationists.
Q: Can you give an example of the impact of WSO?
A: One example is Vusi Mathe, who discovered his passion for photography through WSO’s visit to his high school. He emphasizes the importance of exposing local communities to wildlife, as it enables them to contribute to conservation efforts.
Q: What is another success story from WSO?
A: Melody Mnisi, a participant in WSO, now works as a nature guide in the greater Kruger Park area. Her career in wildlife was made possible through her introduction to the field by WSO.
Q: Has WSO empowered individuals in the conservation sector?
A: Yes, WSO has provided a platform for Black voices in the conservation sector. Rifumo Mathebula, one of WSO’s first students, now serves as its program director and has been recognized with the Young Environmentalist of the Year Award.
Q: How has WSO helped bridge the gap between Black communities and wildlife?
A: Through workshops and game drives, WSO has helped expose Black communities to wildlife, fostering a newfound appreciation for conservation efforts.
Definitions:
– Wildlife photography: The genre of photography focused on capturing images of animals and their natural habitats.
– Conservation: The act of protecting and preserving the environment, particularly wildlife and natural resources.
Suggested Related Links:
– Wild Photographers Foundation
– South Africa Tourism