Pinky Khondlo spoke during the Thursday (12 November) WILD9 plenary session on Wilderness and People - Social Issues, Conservation Solutions.

1. The goal of Umzi Wethu is to fulfil the employability potential of resilient, motivated youth displaced by HIV/AIDS and poverty by using the power of the wilderness, promoting personal wellness in a nurturing home context, providing credible training, and securing sustainable job placements in hospitality and eco-tourism establishments – while extending the program’s social outreach to others.

2. Conservation based intervention program Highly adaptable blue print model PilotHospitality Academy launched in Port Elizabeth (2006) Game ranging Academy launched in Somerset East (2008) 5 intakes carried through / graduated 2 intakes in the program currently Background

3. Key Components RESIDENCE Nurturing home environment Meet basic needs of students Enhance personal wellness Positive role models

4. Key Components WILDERNESS TRAILS Personal growth and leadership Overcome fears and challenges Teach conservation principles Share conservation ethos

5. Key Components ACCREDITED TRAINING Integrated practical work Broad exposure to work field Shadow work experience Opportunity for advancement Job placement on graduation

7. Historical building renovated with aid from the Eastern Cape government – with capacity to accommodate about 60 students at once.

8. On site management team, oversight by Port Elizabeth office

9. Students selected from communities bordering game reserves

11. Model Replication In Association with Active steps taken towards replicating the model Highly adaptable model , Replicable in any sector but feasibility study a must Partners replicate “in association with Wilderness Foundation” Current feasibility studies towards replication and completed one in collaboration with Rio Tinto Alcan towards determining viability of the model in horticulture industry

12. Successes to date More than 85% job placements between the two Academies 10% of graduates accelerated to middle management positions Very low absconding rate Model currently being fine tuned for replication One graduate from each intake awarded a scholarship for further career development New Catering Unit to generate jobs and for further training of graduates