Children Navigate Wildlife Dangers on Their Way to School in Zimbabwe

In rural Zimbabwe, children face the daunting task of walking up to 15 kilometers to school, often traversing bush paths and forests where dangerous wildlife, including elephants and hyenas, may be present. Esther, a local student, recently reported spotting elephant footprints to a wildlife ranger, highlighting the risks involved in their daily commute. To address these dangers, the Save Valley Conservancy and the national parks agency have launched an educational program aimed at teaching school-age children about wildlife behavior and safety. The initiative seeks to foster a sense of respect and coexistence with wildlife among the youth. An 18-year-old former student, now a community ranger, is actively involved in educating children on how to protect themselves and understand animal behavior. This program is particularly crucial as many children must walk to school before dawn, when predators are still active. Officials from the national parks agency emphasize the importance of wildlife to the community, particularly in terms of tourism, and encourage children to share this knowledge with their parents. Despite the lack of concrete data on the program's effectiveness, local leaders like Alphonce Chimangaisu, chairperson of the School Development Committee at Chiyambiro Secondary School, report a shift in parental attitudes towards wildlife. Some parents have previously kept their children home due to safety concerns, but the initiative is helping to alleviate these fears. School authorities are also adjusting class schedules to ensure students travel during daylight hours, reflecting the ongoing challenges of coexisting with wildlife exacerbated by climate change.