Promoting Coexistence Between Humans and Wildlife in Tanzania
At Wild Spirit Fund, we believe that education and health are fundamental pillars for achieving harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife.
During January and February 2025, our team in Tanzania has continued implementing key initiatives in the village of Orkisima and other local communities, consolidating the progress made in previous months.
Progress in Environmental Education Activities
Our environmental educator has intensified school and community visits to promote conservation and coexistence with local wildlife. The following actions stand out:
- Tree planting in Esilalei: In January, the rainy season was leveraged to promote reforestation and prevent soil erosion. In February, follow-up sessions were conducted to ensure proper tree care.
- Coexistence with wildlife at Rift Valley Secondary: Students received training on the importance of animals in the ecosystem and how to coexist safely with them.
- Wildlife protection at Manyara Secondary: Activities were expanded to include simulations on how to act when encountering wild animals.
- Environmental education at Losirwa Primary: In February, interactive activities were implemented using educational materials created by the students themselves.
Progress in Health and Well-being Activities
Our community nurse has reinforced her work in the communities by expanding educational sessions and providing hands-on care:
- Puberty education at Losirwa Juu: In January, awareness sessions were held on physical and emotional changes. In February, student support groups were implemented.
- First aid at Esilalei Primary: Children learned how to respond to emergencies. In February, simulations were conducted to reinforce learning.
- Visits to bomas in Losirwa: Children and pregnant women in need of medical assistance were identified. In February, referrals to local health centers were facilitated.
- Teen pregnancy prevention at Manyara Secondary: Sessions were strengthened with educational materials and testimonies from young people who have overcome similar challenges.
Strengthening the Educational Project in Orkisima
The joint work with Orkisima Juu Pre and Primary School has led to significant improvements in educational quality and school management:
- Strengthening teaching: Curriculum plans have been improved, ensuring that teachers follow a structured schedule.
- Educational materials: Teaching materials adapted to students’ needs have been developed and distributed.
- Improvements in English: Two teachers specialized in English language instruction have been incorporated.
- Meeting with parents and community leaders: The lack of a teacher for third grade was addressed, and parents committed to donating food for school lunches.
- Environmental sanitation: In February, activities were carried out to raise awareness about cleanliness and proper waste management.
- Optimization of firewood use in the kitchen: Methods were implemented to reduce firewood consumption and improve cooking efficiency.
- Scholarships for vulnerable students: Funding has been secured to cover tuition and transportation for students from economically disadvantaged families.
Next Steps and Needs
To ensure the sustainability of the project, the following priority needs have been identified:
- Construction of a new sanitary block for the school (estimated at 4,000,000 TSH, approximately 1,472 EUR).
- Hiring an additional teacher to accommodate the growing number of students (350,000 TSH per month, approximately 129 EUR per month).
- Expanding the food budget to include a balanced diet (2,000,000 TSH per year, approximately 736 EUR per year).
- Funds for printing materials and exams (1,400,000 TSH per year, approximately 514 EUR per year).
Thanks to the ongoing support of Wild Spirit Fund and its collaborators, we continue making progress towards creating a more sustainable future for the communities and biodiversity of Tanzania.
