It has been a while since I’ve updated you about our warriors from the Warrior Watch Programme. They are all doing well and were busy in August attending conflict cases and reporting back on wildlife sightings within the area. Lemeen, who comes from the northern area of Westgate was beginning to see eland almost daily. Eland have previously been heavily poached in the area and it was fantastic news for all that they appear to have returned.
Jeneria has now taken over the role of recording wildlife sightings from the warriors every Sunday and is enjoying working with the other warriors and getting to know the entire Westgate. Our Sunday education lessons are going really well too and both Lemeen and Lpuresi read their first words a few weeks ago! It was an exciting moment for everyone when Lemeen said “impala” and then realised he had just said impala! They also received special feathers a while ago and that created a great deal of excitement. The warriors are now proudly walking around with their fantastic long colourful feathers much to others envy! We also conducted further training with the warriors in August and measured the success to date by giving them all a wildlife test – I’m happy to report, they all passed with flying colours!
Jeneria working with Lemeen
Reria and Lentiyo choose their feathers!
More wildlife training with the warriors
Latest news that came in today – Jeneria was collecting GPS points with all the warriors over the past few weeks and he said both Reria and Lpuresi read the GPS coordinates for the first time today and were able to record them directly into the sheet! We are thrilled by this progress and excited that the programme is moving ahead in such a positive way.
Now that the warriors are able to read and write a little, I believe it will soon be time to equip them with GPSs so they can collect information on the wildlife sightings. We are seeking funds for this. Each Garmin GPS costs $100 and any donation that can be made towards acquiring 6 GPSs will be most appreciated!