Help children in rural South Africa see wildlife

Thanks to you, 2025 was a year of growth, wonder, and new opportunities for the Big 5 Collective Experience. Your support helped children take their first steps into the world of wildlife and conservation.

New Horizons for Young Conservation Champions

This year, 500 children across 25 Early Childhood Development centres explored wildlife through classroom lessons, handmade lion teddies, and immersive field trips to Mongena Game Lodge. Seeing conservation in action gave lessons a whole new dimension and sparked curiosity in young learners.

Celebrating Together in the Community

For the first time, our year-end concert was hosted in the local community, highlighting the children’s achievements, bringing families together, and boosting local businesses.

Growing Partnerships and Growing Impact

We welcomed Shoprite Checkers - a local supermarket - whose partnership included providing breakfast for learners, making participation more enjoyable and supporting wellbeing during activities.

A Longer Journey in Learning

2025 also marked the start of a new phase in our education strategy. The wildlife career pathway previously for high school learners now includes senior Primary students, creating a longer, more immersive conservation journey. Each ECD centre completing its five-year rotation will receive a teaching kit and brief training so lessons continue independently.

Looking Ahead

This shift means fewer ECD centres per year but deeper, longer-term impact for children and communities. With your continued support, the Big 5 Collective Experience is inspiring the next generation of conservation champions and leaving a legacy that will last far beyond the classroom.