Insights
Inspiring a New Generation of Wildlife Ambassadors
- Wild Shots Outreach is dedicated to inspiring renewed appreciation for nature among young people through education and engagement.
- Photography courses using donated cameras enabled young South Africans to connect with nature and explore their cultural heritage.
- Exhibiting the students’ work boosts their confidence and fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
When Mike Kendrick and his wife, Harriet, moved to Hoedspruit, near Kruger National Park, in 2015, they were shocked that so many young people living nearby had never visited the park or seen its wildlife. Together, they wanted to change this, explains Mike, when we caught up with him via video link from his home in South Africa.
“We began by taking young people on game drives and teaching photography with second-hand cameras. We discovered the power of photography to empower young South Africans to claim their stories and heritage, forming connections between the photographer and their subject. When the students' photographs were praised, printed, and exhibited, we saw how they developed a deep attachment to the wildlife they had captured and how acquiring new skills could boost their self-esteem.”
In founding Wild Shots Outreach, Mike and Harriet’s objectives broadened out from organising photography courses to empowering the youth, fostering role models within the communities and supporting people to fulfil their dreams and aspirations in wildlife tourism and conservation. “It quickly became a way for young people to express themselves, build confidence, and find purpose.”
Mike cites recent PhD research from the University of Johannesburg which highlights the profound impact of their workshops on the young people they work with. “Students describe them as life-changing, igniting pride, motivation, and a commitment to conservation. Wild Shots Outreach bridges the gap between exclusion and inclusion, providing access and representation. Programme graduates regularly return to share their success, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.”
Describing himself as an “outsider”, originally from the UK, Mike explains his view of Heritage Day as a celebration of the incredible diversity of cultures within South Africa. It is something that informs the philosophy of Wild Shots Outreach. “Our work is heavily influenced by the significance of heritage. For the communities we work with, there has been a concerning disconnection from their wildlife heritage. Many local families carry names like Ndlovu (elephant), Nyathi (buffalo), and Ngwenya (crocodile), yet have never seen these animals in the wild. We aim to foster a deep love and sense of stewardship for the wildlife, so that conservation efforts are driven by the local communities, not just outsiders.”
Wild Shots Outreach uses photography to engage young Africans from disadvantaged communities in accessing their wildlife heritage and to develop employment skills in conservation & tourism. Find out more: https://www.wildshotsoutreach.org/