Africa Matters is seeking sponsors to donate school fees for both primary and secondary students in the Hwange National Park area of western Zimbabwe, believing that there can be NO conservation without education, and that conservation, and all its ramifications, is the key to a prosperous and healthy future.

The current economic and political situation in Zimbabwe is making it impossible for many families to continue financing their children's education. Parents must often make a choice between feeding the family or paying school fees. With a small donation, you can keep a child in school, and 90% of your donation will be utilized for that purpose, with the remaining 10% used to cover administrative costs. Given the current hardships, it is even more important than ever that young minds understand the value of their natural resources to ensure a healthier and brighter future. The present fluid economics make it difficult to state an exact needed amount for one student, but we are now funding at least 60 students. A DONATION OF $110 will cover school fees for a Secondary student, and A DONATION OF $25 will cover fees for a Primary student.

When possible we are supplementing the school hot lunch program at the local government primary school and sourcing exercise-writing books for the students.

We fund students in the last two years of primary school, that being sixth and seventh graders, and then also Junior and Seniors so that those indigent students who have already invested in previous years, can complete that level.

CURRENT: Sixth grade students in 14 schools within the Hwange region, are provided a free three-day conservation education package by Painted Dog at their Children?s Bush Camp, where they receive a professionally designed curriculum by a trained and degreed staff.

Africa Matters Founder Wendy Blakeley, who is also currently the Community Arts Coordinator for Painted Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe, works hand in hand with PDC's Education Officers to identify students who are academically motivated and have verifiable financial need, with special consideration being given to any who have exhibited interest in environmental issues.

During the last term of the school year that is September through November, the secondary students are transported to the Painted Dog Conservation facilities, where they spend a day touring the various departments. This is to encourage them to understand that besides being a field biologist, there are many ways to work in the conservation field: educator, dog handler, mechanic, cook, house keeping, office staff, accountant, building construction and maintenance.

Currently there are over 2,200 clubs in the high schools and colleges comprised of approximately 200,000 members. 

The projects with AFRICA MATTERS:

1994-1995: At the request for specific needed goods for the Clubs,  slide presentations to schools, clubs, and private about Africa were given, with the entry price being donations of this items, in lie of cash donations.  Eventually 600 lbs. of goods was shipped which included:  books, binoculars, hiking boots and packs, tents, tarps, small office appliances, and goods for the hostels such as bedding, cooking equipment.

1998:  Wendy Blakeley visited the Clubs and traveled into remote village and small urban center schools with Mobile Education Office Eric Deche.  She joined in Mr. Deche�s presentations to the student club members informing them of the status of the Painted Dogs (Lycaon pictus) and the work that was going on in Zimbabwe to conserve these endangered animal and promote awareness that they were once an integral part of the wildlife in Kenya; what caused their disappearance and what hope there was for their return. 

2002: Sending computers which have been donated for WCK's regional centers. Technical assistance provided by Bay Office Computing.

Community Conservation Education Center

PAINTED DOGS CONSERVATION PROJECT: See web site at:

http://www.painteddog.org

ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTER: During Director Wendy Blakeley's trip to Zimbabwe in August of 2002 she was invited to return to the Dog Project in 2003 to assist in developing a program and  facility  for an Arts and Crafts Center to be part of the larger Community Conservation Center at the Dog Project Headquarters.

This Crafts Center will train local  people to make marketable crafts that are environmentally friendly, and in so doing, steer people away from unwise and illegal use of natural resources, provide economical benefit to all those employed both in the administration of the Center and in the manufacture of the crafts. AFRICA MATTERS will loan funds for the purchase of craft tools. Once the initial loan is repaid, the loan will roll over to fund a second craft.

The hope is that eventually performing arts will be added to this program.

It is under this project that AFRICA MATTERS hopes to facilitate the exchange of artists, enabling them to visit back and forth. 

DOG REHABILITATION FACILITY: At the end of July 2003, the Dog Rehabilitation Facility was completed, thanks the brilliant design and supervision of John Lemon, zookeeper from Australia who contributed his considerable knowledge and energy to create this unique world-class enclosure.

Built in pristine bush are four enclosures all double fenced to keep the dogs in.  They can be tenacious at digging and chewing their way out of fences, but this up to date design prevents that. It is also completely surrounded by electric fence to keep other animas such as elephants and especially lions out.  Three of the enclosures allow conservationists to keep separate dogs that cold be housed for different reasons:  orphans, injured, breeding.  However, these pens can be opened to allow intermixing when desired, provide a swimming pool, enrichment toys to keep dogs strong and alert.  Additionally there are four �Vet� pens where the dogs can be moved and isolated if they are in need of medical attention. Finally there is a huge empty enclosure over 2 kms around where a pack of dogs could be housed. 

            Currently the Facility is home to John and Angela, a brother and sister dog team named in honor of John Lemon and his wife Angela both of who made personal contribution of their skills, knowledge and time.  The dogs are now about 16 months old.   (SEE PHOTO)  Received when they were small pups, the dog keepers Xmas, Never and Roderick monitor and care for them 24 hours a day. 

CHILDREN'S BUSH CAMP: A bit farther back from the main road is the Children�s Bush Camp is nearing completion: interviews for the on-site Environmental Education Office will begin in December, Guide Training will take place the last week of the month; and the first meeting of local schools Head Masters will take place on February 4th and the first class to use the space will come on February 25th for a week-end. Education Director Bruce Lombardo has been at work all year designing the conservation curriculum for this unique Camp.  This beautiful camp built with as little disturbance to the habitat as possible, will provide 20 traditionally built thatched rondavels to house 2 students each.  The Camp also has housing for teachers, a large eating and classroom commons. 

International Art and Poetry Contest (Visit their new HQ and GALLERY!! Down at 2525 8th Street in Berkeley for fabulous art and related products for sale).

 Plans for international entries we are facilitating:

WILDLIFE CLUBS of KENYA: The Clubs hold an annual art contest that is highly competitive.  This year they will be submitting some of their top winners to compete in the River of Words Contest.

Nolwenn Drouett, visit her web page at: 

In the summer of 2000, Founder Wendy Blakeley  escorted a group of personally selected local artists on the first ART SAFARI for a month's travel in Zimbabwe. 

This project was funded through direct appeal by the artists, their friends, family, and work colleagues.

Mostly a camping safari, the group experienced a variety of ecosystems, visited with a rural farming community, artists and crafts people.  They received lectures by field researchers, conservationists and ecologists.  The trip took them to six national parks, museums, wild unspoiled rivers, close up exposure to herds of elephants, bothersome brushes with baboons, all to convince them that AFRICA MATTERS!

On return, the artists exhibited the works that were inspired by the Safari.   These were sold and auctioned and the proceeds were contributed back to people and projects in Zimbabwe involved in effective activities that promoted sustainable use of the resources and advanced wildlife research.

When conditions allow, AFRICA MATTERS will again organize an ART SAFARI to Zimbabwe.