Short Story
Within the last 2 weeks of January 2025, weather and sea permitting, we will swim the Robben Island Swim for Project Rhino and their Rhino Art Project to raise awareness and funds for the protection of rhinos and their habitats.
As a family that loves animals, we believe it is crucial to take action to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures, which face significant threats from poaching and habitat loss.
By swimming together, we aim to highlight the importance of conservation and inspire others to join the fight for wildlife protection. Our commitment to this cause reflects our deep appreciation for animals and our hope for a future where rhinos can thrive in the wild. We have always been a family who loves movement and exercise as well as animals and wildlife.
Nadia owns her own business in software technology, Robyn just started her own business in teenage mental health, Robyn Henderson Occupational Therapy, and Bradley just got back from playing rugby in Italy and is starting his career in business.
As part of our support to mental health, we will also be wearing blue flags and blue costumes during the swim to symbolize our support for the Blue Flag initiative, which encourages support, open conversations about mental health and breaking the stigma around mental health.
Please join our family in getting behind this cause to raise awareness and funds for the protection of rhinos and mental health awareness.
You can make a once off donation or pledge per km , 1km = 1 lap, the swim will be 7.4kms.
Swim for Lives – Robben Island Swim for Project Rhino’s Rhino Art Project
Supported so far by 5 people.
Story
Project Rhino‘s ‘Let our children’s voices be heard’ initiated in partnership with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation in 2013, the Rhino Art – ‘Let our children’s voices be heard’ platform uses the universal medium of art to increase conservation awareness amongst the youth and cultivate a next generation of wildlife ‘ambassadors’ who have a vested interest in the protection of rhino and other endangered species. The campaign has now reached over 700,000 young people and spread the message to 24 countries and five continents.
A typical Rhino Art intervention is an interactive, vibrant teaching platform at a school, targeting on average 500 learners and their teachers. In addition to an expert-led session, youth are engaged through role playing theatre showcasing the value of the Wild Economy and the perils of poaching. The activation is repeated at schools either annually or every two years, with a focus being on schools within poaching hotspots.
Highlights from this year’s Rhino Art include:
- Rhino Art interventions at schools across northern KwaZulu-Natal, from Nambiti to Mkhuze, Hlabisa and Kosi Bay.
- Grade seven learners from Ntshele & Emabekhazi Schools (40 in total) were taken on a field trip into conservation areas adjacent to Nambiti Game reserve to conduct a Mini-Sass / Water quality survey as part of the Sustainable Schools & Project Rhino Wildlife Education outreach.
- 350 International students were exposed to Rhino Art Wildlife Education lessons in the Nambiti Community during the period.
- Two community kids’ camps from 27 September to 15 October, including 75 learners and 15 teachers.
5 Key Success Factors of the project
- Access to schools and direct engagement – the project is a passport to talk with youth in relevant communities;
- Promotes goodwill – community relationship building between the conservation sector, game reserves & communities;
- Rhino education – the exciting visual and experiential learning process makes it memorable;
- Collects messages from youth in grass roots communities – used as a call to action with decision makers (Project Rhino’s #LetOurVoicesBeHeard initiative);
- Initiates a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation in a cost effective way – positive return on investment for donors and project partners.
