As a lover of Zambia, science, and female empowerment I find it not only my passion but my duty to become a positive scientific presence in Zambia; especially in the villages surrounding Kasanka National Park. As part of my research and work in Zambia as a Fulbright Scholar, my work extends beyond following Kinda baboons and recording their behavior.
During my past months here, for the next year, and hopefully for many years into the future I will be raising funds for the local schools surrounding Kasanka National Park and actively participating in and growing their science programs.
This past November while visiting my family and colleagues in the United States, I had the rare opportunity to raise money to help supply the two schools nearest to the Kasanka gate, Kafinda and Chalilo Basic Schools, with scientific equipment, text books, and conservation education materials. From the generous help of my colleagues, friends, and family I raised over $3500!!!
The Fulbright Program, under the U.S. Department of State, allows me to send four boxes of materials for free form the United States. Before leaving the U.S., I filled these boxes with books and equipment and they are now on their way to Zambia. With the remainder of the money I raised, I will buy more books, I will travel to the schools frequently to meet with the science teachers and students, and begin a dialogue abut wildlife conservation. In addition, for female students interested in furthering exploring science in the field, I will begin a science club and science camp for young women.
An amazing result of my fundraising has been to elicit interest in a U.S. elementary school. I will be partnering with the J.E. Cosgriff Catholic Memorial School in Salt Lake City, Utah to create ongoing correspondence through letters, video, pictures and other media which will allow the students from both schools to learn about one another. In addition, Cosgriff is actively raising money, and collecting science books and equipment for both schools.
Visit our website to find out more about this work and to keep up to date with our progress.
Anna Weyher
Fulbright Scholar
Kasanka Baboon Project
www.kasankababoonproject.com
Thank you for the work you are doing. We are grateful. Only thing is that those things are supposed to come from our government, but they are useless and have mismanaged our resources for a long time now.
A keen follower of your research. Hope some young people of Kasanka are learning from you and will continue to care for nature.
Cannot thank you enough for your generosity and foresight. Lack of Science equipment is a major hinderance in schools, especially in rural areas. Being a teacher I know how desperate the situation is not to mention the lack of text books. On spot training of equipment mantainance will be a great help to the teachers too. May our little scientists be motivated by your effort. God bless you and all your supporters.