THE END of a school year can mean an endless amount of stress as parents figure out what activities to plan for their children while they wrap up the year’s work.
Instead of letting them be fixed on their video games and the TV, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa in Pretoria has launched a fun and interactive programme that will keep them occupied for days.
The Junior Nature Conservator, a four-day course, will introduce pupils to a wider field of nature conservation, while at the same time allowing the children to enjoy their summer holidays.
There are three events lined up during the fourth term school holiday.
The programme will start on Monday until Thursday, thereafter on December 19 to 22 and the last one to be held from January 3 to 6 next year. Anyone from Grade 7 to 12 can participate. The cost is R150.
The zoo’s spokesman, Craig Allenby, said the children will have a chance to explore and research the adaptations, behaviour and conservation issues of animals in the zoo, reptile park and the aquarium.
“This programme has been going on during the holiday period, and each programme is designed to educate a child, as well as help them meet new friends and engage in fun activities.
“We want to provide youngsters a platform to understand conservation, the environment and we will expose them to the zoo animals, where they will assist and care for selected animals,” he said.
Allenby said the full day of activities will keep the children busy, and their minds occupied with meaningful engagement and education.
“This year we are making some of the courses more hands-on and will include many practicals. At the end of it all, the pupils will be awarded a certificate that will one day look good on their résumé ,” he said.
He added it was a perfect opportunity for the children to get fresh air.
“We need to promote more outdoor activities so that children are geared towards self-enrichment, while at the same time have fun with their peers. We have seen through other programmes how effective it has been for many families. It has helped many youngsters choose a career path.
“What is equally fascinating about this programme is that it gives parents the peace of mind that their children are doing something wholesome,” he said.
The course is also an introduction to the zoo club that provides conservation knowledge and a place for youngsters to follow a career in science. For further information on this programme, please contact 0123392773. Alternatively, e-mail or