The Fisher Foundation has successfully hosted its first education camp of 2026 at its newly established camp in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The camp borders the Munyawana Conservancy and is located in close proximity to the Mdletshe Community, adjacent to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.
In collaboration with African Insight Academy, the Fisher Foundation welcomed twenty Grade 7 learners from Izintambane Primary School for an immersive three-day conservation education experience. The curriculum was designed to introduce learners to key environmental and ecological concepts, including:
A highlight of the camp was a game drive experience generously hosted by Phinda Private Game Reserve. The reserve provided three game-viewing vehicles, accompanied by experienced field guides and rangers who volunteered their time to deliver an engaging and educational afternoon in one of South Africa’s premier conservation areas.
For many of the learners, this marked their first opportunity to see rhino, buffalo, and lion up close, as well as to identify a variety of other wildlife species found within the reserve. The experience left a lasting impression, offering these young participants — the future custodians of South Africa’s natural heritage — a meaningful and unforgettable introduction to the bush.
The Fisher Foundation is deeply committed to its conservation education model, which emphasises immersive learning.
“Our education camps are three-day, hands-on experiences rather than once-off day visits,” said Grant Leversha, who heads up the Fisher Foundation’s initiatives. “The youth we select are entering a formative stage of their lives, where worldviews are shaped. If we can ignite a shift in mindset at this age, we believe we can make a lasting difference.”
At the conclusion of the camp, each learner received a framed certificate of attendance to proudly display at home.
Looking ahead, the Fisher Foundation plans to scale these education camps across the subcontinent. The second camp for 2026 is already in planning and will take place in July in a community bordering the Kruger National Park.
“Our long-term goal is to roll out this model widely and then reconnect with these learners in their final year of school through a more advanced curriculum,” Leversha added. “As the programme grows, a select group of top-performing students will be supported with bursaries to pursue tertiary studies in conservation.”
