Getting lost in the Forest

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Another volunteer, Helen and I set up a great “explore the forest” lesson with students from one of the villages in Pawaga region who can’t afford to go to school. I came up with the idea because Helen and I went to a section of the forested area on our own that had not been totally cleared (it’s disappearing fast) to find some tree seeds for the nursery that may be set up here. Our trip, and us discovering this forest, inspired me to take these students/peers (they are between 18-20) out to this forest to have an active environmental education lesson on forest ecology. We wanted to teach and demonstrate the importance of forests and the problems that result from deforestation (locally and globally). This particular forest was really good to demonstrate with because it is being cut at an alarming rate. L. We asked them if they happened to have experienced less rainfall in their last rainy season or two (which is a side affect of deforestation) and it so happens that they have experienced much less rain than normal, so it was easy for them to see the immediate affects.



This lesson had multiple parts to it. First, we had the kids sit in a cleared area. (This was in the middle of a rice field) and feel, smell and listen to the world around them. Then we did the same in the forested are and had them compare between the two. We then discussed the differences between the two and why that was. We then discussed how forests function, the importance of leaf litter, problems resulting from deforestation and how they can limit that etc. Unfortunately, the details are a little foggy now since it’s been so long since we went and I don’t ever write anything down anymore L.



After this, we had the students go search for as many trees and shrub species as they can find (this is what Helen and I originally did in our first walk) by looking at the seed pods, bark color, leaf shape, etc. I learned so much by doing this! The plan was then to have us talk about the characteristics and names etc of the species they found, but instead it turned into the students telling us the names of the species and what the locals use it for. (medicines, etc). I ended up learning even more from this! Their uses are really neat!



After this, we thought it would be fun to play a quick game of hide and seek. Shockingly, these kids have never played it before or even heard of it! Dang! they missed out in childhood. :p. Anyway, sine they had not heard of it, they were eager to play. We thought we would keep the forest theme going-the seeker was a leopard and the hiders were baboons. These kids were good at hiding, and I was too! The leopard walked by my hiding spot several times without discovering me. And at one point, an actual baboon joined the game and the seeker actually chased it! It was pretty funny.



At the end of this day, the students gushed about how much they learned, and how much they wanted to go back to their village and teach the others in their village, particularly those who are doing most of the forest cutting.



This day/lesson will always remain one of my most favorite days I have spent in TZ. It was refreshing to run around the cool air of the forest, teaching incredible young adults about the importance of forests. This is what I want to do in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado-if I can ever tear myself away from Tanzania that is!

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Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

What a great adventure.
What a great lesson! What a wonderful idea! I do hope you are able to do the same thing in the US. Colorado needs your help. Great work and carry on.