Sponsor a Community Field Guide, and transform latent talent into viable employment
South Africa stands at a crucial juncture. Here, within its vast landscapes and diverse cultures, lies a well of untapped human potential that will never be realised unless it is recognised, nurtured and directed.
It’s seems to be an insurmountable task, but here’s the thing. We CAN do something about it right now, and have the power to catalyse profound change – one Community Field Guide at a time.
Why Your Support is Vital
For countless passionate youngsters in South Africa, the path to quality tertiary education and skill development remains out of reach due to limited resources. Their dreams are more often than not stifled – not for a lack of ambition, but rather the absence of opportunity.
Many rural school leavers struggle to secure jobs. Why? A distinct mismatch between the skills they possess and those demanded by employers.
By providing access to specialised learning AND practical experience in key economic sectors – such as conservation and hospitality – we can help. These industries represent the spirit of South Africa, its ecological richness, and its potential for socio-economic growth. Investing here is investing in a sustainable, prosperous future.
Enter the Community Field Guide Programme
More Community Foundation, in collaboration with the MORE Field Guide College and The Good Work Foundation, launched the Community Field Guide Training & Development Programme in 2021. Our aim is to develop local community members into top-tier field guides who have the potential to become eco-tourism, hospitality, and environmental conservation champions in South Africa.
Our Progress So Far
Since our journey began in 2021:
- 35 dedicated Community Field Guides have successfully graduated and been placed as interns and employees across prominent lodges and environmental bodies in South Africa.
- 33 promising students are currently completing their 6 month theoretical training with MORE Field Guide College, and will graduate before the close of 2023.
And this is just the beginning…
Qualifying Criteria
First and foremost, candidates must display a passion for and keen interest in the natural sciences. They must also:
- Be older than 20, and previously disadvantaged
- Have a valid South African Identification number
- Have a valid driver’s licence
- Have a matric certificate (with a good command of the English language)
- Have no criminal record
After an intensive interview process, an intake of committed and talented individuals is aligned with THE opportunity that is sure to change the trajectory of their lives, with a ripple effect into communities and generations to come.
MORE Field Guide College: Where Theory Meets Practice
Located at the heart of the rich biodiversity of the Marataba Game Reserve and the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, the MORE Field Guide College provides a comprehensive, immersive training experience. The course duration is one year, including:
Six months training on one of the bush campuses
The curriculum for the NQF2 FGASA Apprentice Field Guide qualification includes:
- NQF2 Nature Site Guide
- FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide Mentorship Program
- FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling
- Tracks & Signs
- Wilderness First Aid Level 2
- Advanced Birding
- Wildlife Photography
- Night Sky Safari Skills
- Navigation and Orientation
- 4 x 4 Driving
- Basic Mechanics
- Nature Conservation (principals and practical application)
- Hospitality Skills (hosting guests on a five-star safari)
- Emotional Intelligence
Six months practical internship
Qualifying students are placed at one of the MORE Family Collection’s five-star lodges, and allocated a mentor to support their development and practical training. This ensures that they are well-equipped to enter the workforce in a meaningful way.
Where you come in
We are preparing for our next intake of Community Field Guides in 2024. The investment per student for a qualification of this calibre is R215,000.00.
This covers the full year’s programme, including tuition fees, course materials, activities, uniform, equipment, accommodation, all meals and related expenses for the sponsored students during the training period.
It excludes a monthly stipend of R2,800 per student, as well as travel costs from and to the College for semester breaks.
We need you, the Changemaker
Your support today has the potential to transform the trajectory of a student’s life, their community, and, in the ripple effect that ensues, the entire nation of South Africa.
In addition, as an Approved Public Benefit Organisation, according to Section 18A, your contribution is tax exempt.