How the Junior Ranger Programme has impacted young lives

Six years ago, in December 2018, twenty-two boys arrived at the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve to attend the inaugural Junior Ranger Programme (JRP).

Wide-eyed, nervous, and filled with anticipation, they had no idea how this course would change their lives. At this stage, neither did we. It was a test phase for all of us. The instructors had visions and hopes for the course – plans for implementation, roles for mentorship, fitness and discipline, and some of the ancient bushcraft secrets that we would impart. We did not yet know about the traditions we would make with these boys, the stories we would share and the pride that would fill our hearts.

These specially selected boys, ages 16 to 18 years old, were about to embark on their ‘O’ level examination year at Dhumisani Secondary School. This school was chosen because of its well-established relationship with Malilangwe and for its close proximity to the reserve. Places on the course were limited and our instructors chose these particular twenty-two from a larger group of boys because they showed the most potential, and we believed that through mentorship, discipline and some additional life skills, they would become well-rounded young men with bright futures.

Over the course of the year, the boys became fit, healthy, increasingly confident and self-assured as Junior Rangers. They cultivated incredible team chemistry, whilst maturing as individuals. As instructors, we were astounded, and proud, to witness the changes in the boys’ behaviour, energy and commitment.

Conservation Education and Bush Skills 

One of the main aims of the JRP is to nurture a better understanding and respect for our ecosystem. We encourage the belief that every person has a role in protecting the environment and we believe that conservation education classes, wildlife encounters and bush skills contribute to growing conservation ambassadors. As the year progressed, we were encouraged to watch the Junior Rangers acquire an appreciation for the environment and see them get excited about the invaluable bush skills they had learned, which they couldn’t wait to take home and share with their communities.

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Through a structured daily fitness regime led by the Malilangwe Scouts, the Junior Rangers were pushed beyond anything they believed themselves capable of! They learned discipline, motivation and self-belief on this journey. We witnessed them physically transform from wiry boys into strong, young men.

Impacting Education

Most young people drop out of school before their ‘O’ level year, but since their enrolment in the programme, there was 100% attendance rate from the Junior Rangers, which is an impressive comparison to their previous once or twice a week attendance. Their willingness to learn improved with each session and it was rewarding to watch them progress and realise the potential for their futures.

Five of the Junior Rangers excelled in their ‘O’ level examinations, each getting six or more passes. Some of these Junior Rangers have been given scholarships to further their studies. It is our hope that more graduates from the JRP, who have done well at school, can be given the opportunity to further their studies.

Employment Opportunities

Through our instructors and the Malilangwe scouts, we try to stay in contact with the Junior Rangers to offer continued support and mentorship when needed. It makes us very proud to see some of these boys now employed in maintenance, wildlife and anti-poaching at Malilangwe and neighbouring Gonarezhou National Park.

They [Junior Rangers] are very responsible, they lead by example at school. I’ve watched them being transformed into responsible young men.”

Mr Tinei Zhonje (Teacher, Dhumisani Secondary School)

“My character has changed, my behaviour is better and I am happy because I can now teach other young boys in the community to have this same character. You need to have respect and discipline.”

Eliot Matirongo (Junior Ranger)

This programme taught me to put effort into everything I do. I am holding my future in my hands.”

Godknows Takavingei (Junior Ranger)

Since the inaugral class of December 2108, we have had a further 60 boys graduate from the JRP, some of whom have furthered their studies and others who are gainfully employed. Some of the graduates of the JRP are now instructors on the course. Every year we are immensely proud of all the boys who commit to this programme and whose hopes for a brighter future become a reality.

Read more about the Junior Rangers and how this life-changing programme transforms young lives.