We just returned from spending almost 6 weeks in Africa, working to teach children the importance of African wildlife to their heritage, and to their future. It was an inspiring, memorable trip and we wanted to send you a short note to thank you for helping to make this trip possible. How? The support and friendship of all our friends, has always been a source of strength and inspiration for us. Our moments of shared laughter, kinship, and adventure help us get through the challenges we face in Africa and, over the years, have enriched our lives beyond measure. So although you may not realize it, your friendship and the energy and the support it generates in our lives, has been integral to our success! We want you to know that in a significant way, you also share these accomplishments. Although Anne and I arranged the main tickets to Africa ourselves, your friendship and energy helped us reach our partners in Zimbabwe and South Africa with Art supplies, teaching aids, artwork, Wildlife Protector Program elements, and Wildlife Protector wristbands.
We were able to train staff members and even develop some new inspirational conservation programs at Global Conservation Corps, Seeds of Light Foundation, Bush Babies Foundation, Timbavati Foundation and Painted Dog Conservation. These programs reach thousands of children with environmental education each year.
Working with Children in the Wilderness, we developed a new program which recognizes local children at Eco-clubs across Zimbabwe. South Africa, and Zambia as "Conservation Heroes". Together with our partners in Africa, these new programs will help about 2000 more kids each year learn more about the importance of wildlife conservation ,while offering them opportunities to develop their own personal wildlife conservation future.
As Arts for Animals grows, we and you indirectly, are touching the lives of almost 5000 children each year.
Thanks to your help, all those children are developing their own conservation stewardship skills and becoming more aware of the importance of their wildlife. These children are the adults that will shape Conservation policies all over Africa in the future.
One of the side benefits of connecting creativity with Conservation is being able to identify and mentor young artists, as well as expanding the creativity and creative thinking of all the children we reach. A good example of this process was a young naturally talented artist, named Thembelani ,whom we met at Mosi oa Tunya ("Smoke that Thunders") high school, one of the largest schools in Zimbabwe. He was 16 when we met him, and had designed and drawn his own anti-poaching poster.(Below) With Anne's mentoring and our continuing support of the schools art programs, he is now a 20-year-old professional artist.
Here's a photograph of a leopard he is working on with another of our young artists, "Descent". Thembelani has even worked images of other endangered animals into the spots on the leopard's head! Amazing work!
In South Africa, one of the high points for Anne was working with a special group of young artists from the Seeds of Light foundation. This organization focuses on helping young women reach their greatest potential in whatever field they choose. Some are choosing to become Park Rangers, veterinarians, or artists. She said, helping those young girls with their artwork was one of the most enriching moments she experienced on the trip.
Here's one more photograph of some of the students we are working with at Mosi Oa Tunya high school in Victoria Falls- taken in front of the new "Arts and Conservation" building you helped us renovate. In South Africa, we printed 3000 new posters which enable the children to create their own wildlife drawings and bring them home to spread the Wildlife Conservation message to their families and neighbors. Most of these children also make the pledge to become a "Wildlife Protector" and proudly wear the blue wristband we give them for making that commitment.
We have been quite busy getting "our feet back on the ground" since we returned, and over the next few weeks, we will record more about our trip on our Face book and our Arts for Animals web site Journals. Hopefully, by next month, you can learn lots more about these programs and our adventures in Africa .
We appreciate your trust and support so much! It invigorates us and gives our team the energy and heart to accomplish more each year. Please keep us in mind and rest assured that you are leaving a legacy that is changing the future of Earth's wildlife! Never underestimate the role friendship plays in the happiness and success of the folks you touch!
We will write lots more when we have a moment, stay tuned!
