In a heartening illustration of how big things from little things grow, an active global collaboration between Zoos SA and Monarto Education, Belair Schools and Painted Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe has managed to raise nearly $14,000 to support conservation education.  

The story began in early 2007, when 130 Yr 6/7 students from Belair Schools participated in an  active conservation education program at Monarto Zoo called Planetkeeper. This program provides an opportunity for students to really make a difference, learning all about the plight of an endangered species, in their case the African Painted Dog, in a behind the scenes overnight experience at Monarto Zoo. Back at school, for the remainder of 2007, these students raised awareness and over $1000 to send to conservation in the wild.

Growing from this partnership, the Creating for Conservation art exhibition took fundraising to a whole new level. With a dedicated committee and support from the Belair School Planetkeepers, Creating for Conservation, was held from 30 November to 2 December 2007. The school hall was transformed into a gallery of 47 exhibiting artists who shared their talent and passion for conservation. Nearly 300 people attended the opening night, with fine wine, canapés and the sounds of drums bringing alive the African spirit, and another 200 people coming through the doors over the weekend.

The profit alone from Creating for Conservation raised $10,500 and when joined with the funds raised by five Planetkeeper schools, nearly $14,000 will help to create a secure future for the wildlife and habitat of Africa by educating 460 Zimbabwe children to a Conservation Education Camp Program. That is what making a difference is all about.

I cant even express the delight in my face as I write, I’m so excited Emma I don’t know what to do. On behalf of all the children, I wish to say thank you very much for the hard work you are doing for us. My wish is to do even more for these poor communities, but with your support I’m sure we shall succeed.

Wilton Nsimango (Environmental Education Officer for PDC in Zimbabwe)

In 2008, both the Planetkeeper program and Creating for Conservation art exhibition will aim to continue to support Painted Dog Conservation and their mission to educate the local people of Zimbabwe about protecting the amazing African Wildlife and how to co-exist in harmony.

After all, together is the only way to succeed!!!!!!