Working for the Youth
Credit: Game Rangers Association of Africa and Reginah Smith
Reginah Smith is a Ranger Corporal at North West Parks and Tourism Board, and serves on the GRAA-South African Chapter’s Committee. Reginah has proudly been a Field Ranger for 16 years. Two things drive Reginah. Conserving wildlife for future generations and working with the youth.
Concerned about the lack of discipline, increased bullying and the use of illegal substances in schools made Reginah and other rangers from the Pilansberg Rhino Protect Unit want to get involved with children and make a positive impact. This led to the Be Bold project which aims to bring back discipline and respect among the youth. Reginah heads up the Be Bold team. Anti Poaching Officer Hendrick Ncheche, and Field Rangers Lucky Chauke and Ishmael Nkosana are also involved.
Reginah and her team work with a local primary school, near Pilansberg National Park, and the project aims to instill discipline and pride. Along with environmental education, “we are conducting drill exercises as a form of discipline. Drills also teach children the importance of teamwork by always having each other’s back. Drills teach confidence, good manners, self-discipline and physical fitness as well,” says Reginah.
Students practicing drills, under the guidance of rangers © Reginah Smith
This team recognises that challenges are likely to only get tougher as children enter high school. It is the hope that the Be Bold project encourages them to stay on the right path – and even become advocators for a healthy environment. “We want children to be bold and speak out against abuse and other illegal activities.”
In addition, having rangers on site creates awareness about the importance of a ranger’s work and advocates it as a career choice. It also highlights a ranger’s diverse role in conservation and how they contribute to a thriving society.
This project has the support of the local teachers, as well as other key rangers from the Pilansberg. Reginah hopes this project will grow into other schools, and that it will encourage other rangers to also work with the youth living near protected areas.
The GRAA will follow the project closely – especially during World Ranger Day when Reginah and the Be Bold team hopes to showcase the school children’s drills on this important day that celebrates rangers.