- Lapalala Wilderness School is a leader in environmental education and conservation in South Africa, offering a tertiary education in Nature Conservation
- Lapalala Wilderness School supports 60 schools through the Sustainable Schools Programme, tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and waste
- In the first six months of 2024, its Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF) sponsored Ford Ranger transported supplies and groups of people across all types of terrain
In the heart of South Africa’s Limpopo province, where rich biodiversity thrives and conservation challenges persist, Lapalala Wilderness School (LWS) is shaping a future where people and nature co-exist in harmony.
What makes LWS unique is that it’s not only educating minds but also inspiring a deep and lasting respect for the natural world. Through its far-reaching programmes, LWS instils the belief that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife – it is about creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
The Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF) has been a steadfast supporter of LWS for over six years, ensuring that education and conservation go hand in hand. “At Ford South Africa, we are committed to supporting organisations like the Lapalala Wilderness School that are making a difference in conservation as well as environmental awareness and education,” said Lynda du Plessis, manager of the Ford Wildlife Foundation.
Lapalala Wilderness School
Founded in 1981, the 50 000-hectare Lapalala Wilderness Reserve is a ‘Big Five’ nature reserve in Limpopo and offers experiential learning opportunities that connect children, youth, and educators with the natural world.
The school is a leader in environmental education and conservation in South Africa, offering a tertiary education in Nature Conservation along with social responsibility programmes that focus on youth development and community outreach.
Supported by the FWF, LWS has expanded its reach beyond its award-winning eco-friendly facilities by taking environmental education to rural communities. In the first six months of 2024 alone, its FWF-sponsored Ford Ranger covered over 13 000km transporting supplies, personnel, and conducting outreach activities, thereby making meaningful connections and inspiring action in remote areas.
Ford Wildlife Foundation’s Support for Lapalala Wilderness School
“Providing locally built Ford Ranger Double Cab 4x4s to environmental education, conservation and research organisations empowers them to expand their reach, and give young people the knowledge and passion needed to safeguard our natural heritage” said du Plessis.
FWF provides the Ford Rangers to partner organisations for two years, backed by Ford’s extensive dealer network. These capable vehicles enable conservation teams to access remote locations, ensuring that vital environmental education efforts continue without interruption. LWS received its newest Ford Ranger in December 2024, further strengthening its ability to deliver impactful programmes.
Community Outreach Programme: Bridging Education and Conservation
LWS’s community outreach programme is a cornerstone of its mission. The school delivers interactive lessons on biodiversity, sustainable resource use, and human-wildlife coexistence through workshops and field excursions. It identifies promising individuals from rural communities, providing mentorship, leadership training, and conservation education.
“We are deeply grateful to the Ford Wildlife Foundation for its generous support of Ford Rangers to Lapalala Wilderness School over the years. Having a capable and dependable Ford Ranger significantly aids in transportation and the dependable organisation of daily activities such as environmental education, sustainable school programs, and outreach initiatives,” said Mashudu Makhokha, MD of Lapalala Wilderness School.
“This contribution plays a vital role in supporting our conservation efforts, community outreach, and environmental education programs. Additionally, the Ford Ranger ensures the safety of our staff while assisting with essential conservation work,” Makhokha said.
LWS has launched creative projects that engage communities in preserving the environment while addressing socio-economic challenges. Birding clubs at the school inspire eco-tourism and conservation careers, while a reading club promotes literacy by distributing donated books. The Good Green Deeds Project fosters sustainable practices through community clean-ups and environmental advocacy in partnership with local government. Soccer tournaments serve to foster teamwork and play an important role in crime prevention and health awareness.
Following the official opening of new school facilities in late 2022, LWS has operated entirely from the new site since 2023. The school has had more than 4 000 participants through its doors, offering hands-on encounters with the natural world. The new facilities were highly commended at the World Architecture Festival and won the Limpopo Architecture Award.
In 2023, 23 fee-paying schools participated in programmes at LWS, encouraging children to think about a greener future, while 2 200 children from 34 community schools engaged in over 2 150 hours of educational activities and interactive wilderness walks.
LWS supports 60 schools through the Sustainable Schools Programme, tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and waste. Six groups of university students completed the practical component of their conservation curricula at Lapalala, while 125 learners from 62 Waterberg schools participated in a public speaking competition for World Rhino Day.
Sustaining the Vision
By fostering environmental awareness, leadership, and action, LWS is not limited to teaching conservation – it is cultivating a culture of care and responsibility for our planet. With continued partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainability, LWS looks forward to expanding its reach and inspiring future generations to protect and cherish the world around them.
For over 30 years, Ford South Africa has actively participated in wildlife and ecosystem conservation efforts in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Ford Wildlife Foundation was established in 2014, and currently supports 28 projects across South Africa and one project in Mozambique. This comprises 17 conservation projects, seven research projects and five environmental education projects.
