When a child in underserved Africa learns about the wildlife in their backyard, something shifts. A spark ignites. But what happens after the lesson ends?

That's the question Lessons in Conservation is answering, and it's bigger than a single classroom visit.

Introducing the Student Journey Cycle

LiC's newest initiative is a cradle-to-career model that follows students from their first primary school ecology lesson all the way through to employment in the conservation sector. It addresses a real and persistent problem: the value-action gap. Kids care deeply about their environment, but without mentorship, opportunity, and continued support, that spark fades before it can become a flame.

The cycle works like this: lessons spark curiosity → school clubs deepen it → immersive bush experiences make it real → lesson involvement builds leadership → internships and training courses launch careers.

Your donation supports every step of that journey.

The 2026 Impact

LiC aims to reach 5,000 primary school learners with environmental education lessons across South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Eswatini, and Namibia. About 1,000 high school students will engage in project-based conservation challenges. Select students will attend multi-day immersive experiences with real-world exposure to conservation careers in science, community work, and hospitality. And 140+ university students are already gaining hands-on work experience as part of LiC's teaching teams.

Their theme? Every child matters. Even if their work helps just one child find a career in conservation, that's enough.

About Lessons in Conservation

LiC is a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to inspiring young leaders to become advocates for and guardians of their environment. Founded by Dean Carlisle, born and raised in South Africa, LiC incorporates indigenous knowledge into every lesson, working alongside communities rather than arriving as outside experts. Their programs are free, interactive, and built to last.

Join Us in Botswana

Your contribution directly funds this work on the ground. Whether you're joining us in the field April 17–23, 2026 or donating from home, you're investing in a generation of children who will protect these wild spaces long after we're gone.

Conservation can't be a 6-day safari. It has to become fundamentally who we are. And that starts with a child, a lesson, and someone who refuses to let that spark go out.

100% of funds go directly to Lessons in Conservation.

Thank you for being part of this.

Blake Moynes & The SOSA Team