Training Rangers. Saving Lives. Inspiring Hope.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the world right now, you’re not alone. We feel it too. But, amidst the challenges, there are powerful stories of resilience, courage, and hope. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing some of these stories with you. Stories of success. Of determination. Of collaboration. And above all – Stories of Hope.
Our first story comes from the heart of Africa, where the LEAD Ranger program is transforming lives – both human and wild. It’s the kind of change our supporters’ generosity makes possible.
LEAD Ranger is a groundbreaking train-the-trainer initiative that provides rangers with the skills and confidence to train their own peers in a long-term and sustainable way. It creates and nurtures leaders, and brings out the best in participants, including those with no formal education. LEAD goes beyond the standard ranger training of wildlife protection and patrolling techniques, teaching skills in critical first aid and community engagement. Importantly, it’s saving lives.
Here’s what some of our graduates have said:
“LEAD has met all our expectations! There has never been another organisation that does what LEAD is doing. This is a unique opportunity that has changed the lives of rangers and saved over 20 lives of community members.”
“We are extremely confident. We can train even those who do not have a formal education.”
“If I rank myself before LEAD Ranger – who I was and who I am now – I am a very different person. My confidence has increased 100%.”
“I am confident because I have skills, and I can teach someone to do first aid. I have enough skills and knowledge to save someone’s life.”
“Every ranger that engages in the LEAD training can save a life – this is a very powerful skill. Saving a life is powerful!”
“I am very proud that I’m a woman working in conservation. And I’m very proud that my sisters back at home can see me as a leader. I’m proud because if I can teach one person, and that person can teach others, we’re going to move forward and focus on the future.”
Building Trust. Strengthening Communities. Conserving Wildlife.
Rangers know that community support is essential to the success of conservation. Along with all the practical skills that a ranger needs to work safely and effectively, LEAD also teaches skills in community engagement. Ranger graduates have reported a considerable improvement in community relations. Where they were once mistrusted, they are now called upon as first-responders in medical emergencies. Rangers are now trusted and respected, creating a cooperative approach to conservation.
“Previously the community did not trust the rangers. But now, we are unified because they know and have seen that we are helping each other.”
“Rangers previously only protected wildlife – rangers are now life savers. My community no longer sees me as an enforcer but rather as a teacher and sometimes a doctor.”
“When something happens in the community – for example poaching – or even an accident, the first person to be called is a LEAD ranger.”
“Previously, before LEAD Ranger program training, when a wild animal killed one of our livestock or a community member, community members would go on a rampage, killing any animals on sight indiscriminately. Now, we have room to negotiate and discuss with the community because there is trust between the rangers and the community.”
“We now know the benefit of conserving our wildlife! The animals are the reason we are able to eat and educate our children. Look at how many of us are now employed because of the animals.”
“Previously as Maasai we used to kill lions for our initiation ceremony. We now focus on protecting the wildlife for conservation. If only we knew what we know about the benefits of our animals, we are working very hard to ensure that our children and grandchildren get to see and understand the benefits of the wildlife we are blessed with.”
With the generous support of the Thin Green Line community, it is our aim to rollout LEAD Ranger in other locations, reaching more of the ranger workforce worldwide. More rangers trained. More lives saved. More hope for our planet’s future.
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