The Practical Test
Over the course of all of our lessons with the boys we have been giving them homework and we discussed a multitude of different subjects with them, from ecology to astronomy, and animal facts galore, all of this was in preparation for the practical application of the information in a clear, direct and entertaining manner, and it all came together beautifully for this most recent trip to Kuzuko.
This time around the management of Kuzuko was gracious enough to allow us to use one of the safari game viewing vehicles at our own leisure and discretion, and it was exactly what the boys needed to establish the theme for this excursion, which was to facilitate a game drive, all three of the boys did a fantastic job interpreting the natural world to us , and for the most part they gave interesting and accurate information.
Lets get the boring stuff out of the way quickly… the drive up to Kuzuko was uneventful, it went by quickly and we got there quite early this time due to it being school holiday in South Africa. Camping was out this time around due to Savannah being 7 months pregnant, but our good friend Freddie graciously offered up his little cottage on property for us to use for the duration of our stay (fun fact, this was the same cottage that Savannah lived in while she was working at Kuzuko, so it was super special to have the chance to stay there for old times sake).
Because we were so early in the afternoon, it was a little boring for the boys, so we got them doing a quick workout with all of the gym equipment that Freddie has in the house, I gave them some tips and hints about proper form and he also kept an eye on them so they did not hurt themselves. We then took a little walk and gave them a briefing on how their “practical test” would go the next day, and how it would look similar to the real practical test that all guides take when qualifying for the national level. Including Savannah and I, we both went through the guiding courses and know what is expected to pass. We had made some visual guides for the boys to use as a help if they struggled during the drive, a simple “cheat sheet” so they could remember the proper procedures when at an animal sighting. So we practiced with them, using the visual guide to get them used to the idea.
Evening set in and guess what came with? The famous katabatic winds (the boys were tested on the different types of winds and why they happen at this point, they all did well,) the area is so well known for also reared their ugly heads. This made us reconsider our braai venue and so we had to move it from the pit to the built in braai by the cottage, not what we wanted but it did the job perfectly. Dinner was on the boys that night and they did a marvellous job of grilling up the sausages for out hotdogs. Quickly after dinner we retired to bed due to the day ahead being a long one, though boys had other ideas, the whole night they were laughing and chatting. it was lovely to know they feel that comfortable in the area to do that, and it was 02h00 when they finally went to sleep.
The next morning Savannah got up super early and made some coffee and packed our little cooler box for our planned coffee stop somewhere on the reserve, and I went to go get the boys up and fresh for the day ahead. We set off from the cottage to the reception where the vehicle was ready and waiting for us. With some safety instructions and some pep talks done we were on our way. The nostalgia of having free roam on the reserve was really special for both Savannah and I. The cool air, the sweet karoo smell, the uncertainty and anticipation for what this drive will hold was palpable for the whole vehicle.
To go into detail of all the animals we saw and the information the boys gave us would take forever to write and remember, so we will do a highlight reel for everyone. Firstly, these were the subjects that we have gone over with them before and the topics we wanted them to touch on:
Geology
Guiding
Tracking
Animal I.D
Bird I.D
Ecology
Biomes
Taxonomy
Arthropods
Botany
Navigation
Weather and climate
Astronomy
Vehicle checks
Throughout our drive we tested the boys on each of these subjects, and with every animal or plant we saw that we had gone over with them in previous lessons throughout the year, we quizzed each of them on it.
Wow. We were impressed.
Because all of our mentoring sessions are based on the real Southern African Field Guide’s learning material, the boys are learning at an adult level. This is also in spite of some of them having learning disabilities. Yet, with our methods, they are retaining the information and are becoming more and more confident in sharing the information like a true guide at a national level.
We saw many animals, from antelopes to meerkats, and even a cheetah! This was very exciting for the boys to see. It is a favourite for them.
Some notable highlights from us:
Kambaku, the oldest, has always shown confidence, but he has changed in the way he comes across. He is gentle with those younger than him, a good teacher, and growing in leadership skills. He is very patient and all the younger kids respect him.
Nci-Nci Quagga is always first to jump in and help. He never has to be asked, he just does it upon his own initiative. He will always open doors for ladies, kindly carry things for those who need help, and he is very chivalrous.
Ichelesi is brimming with confidence. He believes in himself when it comes to tracking, and even if he is wrong about what the track is, he is always the first to speak up on what he thinks it might be. He has also become more talkative with each trip.
We stopped half way through our drive to do an important task, a “morning bush stop”. All guides must know how to find a nice place to stop with guests, and set up a pretty coffee stop in the bush. We stopped in a safe area, and gave instructions, but let the boys do all the work with table set up and making it look “pretty”. It was very funny watching them look for flowers to make the table look nice.
They did a great job, and took turns serving one another hot chocolate and cookies.
The whole day was spent exploring the reserve and quizzing the boys on every subject. We even got a little “stuck” in the wet, sandy river bed, which gave me the opportunity to teach the boys how to quickly get themselves out with no damage to the vehicle or the riverbed. This is very important to know how to do as a guide, as the game viewers are very large and preserving nature is of utmost importance.
We did navigation throughout the drive as well, asking each of the boys the direction we were going in constantly, and where the lodge was. A guide must always know where they are, especially on game reserves that are thousands of acres large.
Later on we had lunch at the lodge, and got to visit with Siphe, who was overjoyed to see us. He continues to do a fantastic job as a chef in training at Kuzuko and everyone loves him.
We took a break during the afternoon to prepare for the second drive, where the boys would once more be tested as “guides”.
For the afternoon drive, the boys gave the safety briefing, and we started off once more. It was a quiet drive, but we drove in a difficult and rocky area and that was a good opportunity for the boys to learn about how to handle tough terrain.
The weather began to change, and so we tested them on cloud formations and weather forecasting. We had a stunning sunset. And an exhilarating night drive. Not many animals were seen, but its not all about animals on a game drive.
That night, the boys were shown how to use a laser pointer for astronomy. They all had to show us a couple key constellations, and how to navigate using the Southern Cross. They did great!
We ate lamb chops and garlic bread over the fire, which they built, and it was a glorious night of stars followed by a thunder storm rolling in over mountains.
We had bacon and eggs the next day, and the boys did one more test on vehicle safety checks. And we graded them with a passing grade each. If these boys want to be guides in the future, they are already way ahead!
We once more cannot believe their ever growing confidence and strength in the skills they are learning. Impressive is not a good enough word for it. This project truly works. Not only is hope living in each of these great kids, but a real future awaits them, because they themselves are putting in the work towards it. THIS is the way.
