Our Community Sustainability Initiative (CSI) Programme with Children in The Wildlife:

Children in The Wildlife (CITW) is proud to introduce the Community Sustainability Initiative (CSI) Programme, a visionary effort that places a special emphasis on nurturing the commitment and potential of young individuals, particularly children, who express a dedication to fostering sustainable practices within their communities.

Identification and Commitment:

The CSI Program, in collaboration with Children in The Wildlife, targets children within communities who exhibit a genuine commitment to creating positive change. These young individuals are identified based on their interest in sustainable living and their eagerness to contribute to community well-being.

Curriculum and Extension of Concepts:

Aligned with the mission of Children in The Wildlife, the CSI curriculum builds upon foundational concepts introduced in eco-clubs and annual CITW camps. The program places a strong emphasis on instilling sustainable living practices, resource conservation, and community resilience. The curriculum extends beyond environmental education to include practical skills for implementing sustainable projects, tailored to the unique needs and interests of children.

Focused Work Groups and Mentorship:

Recognizing the importance of individualized attention for young participants, the CSI Program, in collaboration with Children in The Wildlife, adopts a strategy of smaller groups during workshops and projects. This approach allows for focused work groups, increased participation, and more personalized mentorship from experienced mentors, fostering a supportive environment for children to learn and grow.

Program Expansion and Reach:

Originally implemented in Rwanda in 2018 with the support of Children in The Wildlife, the CSI Program has successfully engaged 50 of children to date. Building on this success, the program has been introduced in other regions, ensuring the growth of the program alongside the participating children. This expansion mirrors the vision of Children in The Wildlife and the CSI Program to reach a wider audience and provide sustainable education and support tailored for children.

Three-Year CSI Club Curriculum:

In line with our commitment to sustained education, we, in partnership with Children in The Wildlife, are actively developing a three-year CSI Club curriculum. This curriculum is designed for weekly use in schools, seamlessly following the three-year eco-club curriculum established by Children in The Wildlife. The goal is to provide a continuous and comprehensive educational experience that instills a deep understanding of sustainable practices, making it accessible and engaging for children.

Key Focus Areas on CSI Camps with Children in The Wildlife;

During CSI camps, conducted with the support of Children in The Wildlife, our primary focus revolves around:

Teamwork: Fostering collaboration among children.
Advanced Sustainability Education: Delving into practical aspects of sustainable living with a child-friendly approach.
Leadership: Developing leadership skills suitable for young changemakers.
Careers: Exploring opportunities in sustainable industries, environmental conservation, and related fields, tailored for children’s understanding.
Community Impact: Encouraging children to initiate projects that create positive changes within their communities.

Main Objectives of the CSI Programme with Children in The Wildlife:

Growing and developing young leaders with a profound understanding of sustainable practices.
Enabling children to work productively and positively in teams and as individuals.
Developing and enhancing communication skills essential for effective advocacy among children.
Empowering children to make informed choices regarding sustainable careers, aligning with the mission of Children in The Wildlife.
Increasing environmental awareness within communities through engaging children as ambassadors of change.
Identifying potential young candidates for scholarships and internships in sustainability-related fields, supported by Children in The Wildlife.

Program Vision with Children in The Wildlife:
In collaboration with Children in The Wildlife, the CSI Program envisions elevating children to the next level by preparing them as leaders and inspiring careers in environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, hospitality, and other exciting fields. Through this program, we, together with Children in The Wildlife, aim to create a generation of young individuals committed to fostering lasting positive change and ensuring the sustainability of our communities and environmentment.