Celebrating 10 Years of GCC

Celebrating 10 Years of GCC

As I sat down to write this much anticipated newsletter, I wondered what a 10 year anniversary for an organization actually meant. On a personal level, I found the average career span is around 40 years, meaning 25% of my “working” life has been spent building and working in the world of GCC. I also uncovered that only around 30% of businesses survive their first 10 years. I don’t know how CV19 impacted this statistic, but I can imagine not for the better. In the nonprofit world, especially in conservation education, you continuously feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle, never quite ahead, and always addressing the next challenge. You very rarely reflect on what has been done, because in this work, we measure success over generations, rather than in months or years. But on this rare occasion, where a significant milestone catches your attention before plunging back into the work, I realize how grateful, humbled, and honored I feel to be where we are.

10 years ago, the start of what would become the Global Conservation Corps catalyzed when 5 friends came together and incorporated a Connecticut nonstock corporation on the 31st May, 2015. This legally formed GCC, and soon after that the nonprofit status was granted, equipping us with the tools we needed to initiate the journey. The rest, as they say, was history. I recently wrote an article for the IUCN, which details part of our journey from a leadership perspective, paying respect to the front-line heroes from old and today who have inspired our journey.

Read here:

Celebrating 10 Years of GCC

Beyond the select names in the above article, I would like to thank every single person and organization who has stood by us in the last decade. From once-off acts of kindness to years of dedicated wealth, wisdom, or work, GCC is only in existence because of the global community who has backed this mission. From volunteers to venture investors, from monthly donors to on-the-ground partners, our foundation has been formed through the blood, sweat, tears, commitment, generosity, and belief of every single person reading this message, and far beyond that.

To celebrate our milestone anniversary, we’re launching GCC’s Voices of Nature coffee table book; a tribute to over 30 individuals GCC Board Advisor Bob Ludke interviewed over 4 years, highlighting everyday heroes working around the world to fight for nature. This book is paired with breathtaking photography from internationally acclaimed photographers and conservationists, culminating in a stunning tribute aimed to inspire awe and positive action for the natural world. Every copy sold supports one month of tuition, field trips, and mentorship for a Future Rangers student.

Books go on sale mid-June!

As we look to the next decade, GCC remains steadfast in our mission; investing in the next generation, expanding opportunities, and empowering future conservation leaders to create a positive impact for both people and wildlife.

Here’s to you.

GCC’s Voices of Nature coffee table book
GCC’s Voices of Nature coffee table book

Expanding Our Pride: Welcoming New Talent to GCC

We are proud to partner with Wild Impact in rolling out the Youth Employment Service (YES) – a private sector-led initiative aimed at empowering unemployed youth through 12-month quality work experiences. This impactful programme is designed to cultivate the next generation of managers, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs who will help shape South Africa’s economic future.

Expanding Our Pride: Welcoming New Talent to GCC

As part of this initiative, we welcome three dynamic interns who will be working with us for the next year:

Ntshuxeko Mathebula

Holding qualifications in botany and biochemistry, Ntshuxeko will be implementing the vegetable garden project – now officially named Sprout Scouts – at Salani and Manyeleti Primary Schools. Her bubbly personality and sense of initiative have already made her an invaluable addition to the team.

Respect Ndlovu

With a qualification in translation, Respect will be implementing the Future Rangers Program at Mahlale High School. He is already known for his kindness and generosity with his time, showing tremendous promise in his role.

Wisani Ngwenya

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture, Wisani joins the team as a content creator. His creative flair and enthusiasm have seen him dive into additional roles, including supporting our social media efforts.

Please join us in giving Ntshuxeko, Respect, and Wisani a warm welcome to the GCC family. We look forward to the energy, innovation, and passion they bring to our mission.

Planting Seeds for the Future: Primary School Engagement

Planting Seeds for the Future: Primary School Engagement

Our work with feeder primary schools continues to grow, with a particular focus on engaging Grade 7 learners through hands-on, meaningful experiences.

One of our key initiatives is the Sprout Scouts project – a vegetable gardening and sustainable living program that gets students actively involved in maintaining school gardens while learning about the value of growing their own food. It’s an opportunity for learners to connect with nature, build practical skills, and embody environmental stewardship.

In addition to their work in the gardens, each Grade 7 learner also takes part in a game drive in a neighbouring Big 5 reserve – an experience that helps address the staggering reality that four out of five children living in the Greater Kruger Region have never seen wildlife. Bit by bit, we’re changing that.

Shout-Out to Lefa: Leading by Example

We’re proud to recognise Lefa Malapane, a longstanding member of our team, who is now taking on a key leadership role. Lefa is not only mentoring our intern Ntshuxeko but is also spearheading the Sprout Scouts initiative and stepping confidently into management within our primary school program. Her dedication and steady guidance continue to shape the future of environmental education in our communities.

Koru Camps: A Second Round of Magic for Our Ambassadors

Koru Camps: A Second Round of Magic for Our Ambassadors

Thanks to the generosity of Connected Planet Foundation, who raised funds at the Rhino Man movie premiere in London last year, every Ambassador cohort from our three partner high schools has had the opportunity to experience the magic of Koru Camp.

While the thrilling game drives remain a highlight, we’d also like to give a special nod to the Koru Camp team for curating engaging, educational, and fun-filled activities between meals and outings. With learning, laughter, and wildlife all rolled into one, there’s truly never a dull moment at camp. One of the standout evening activities is stargazing – made all the more breathtaking by the crisp, clear skies of the southern hemisphere’s winter season.

Professional Development: Lifelong Learning Within Our Teaching Team

Professional Development: Lifelong Learning Within Our Teaching Team

Aritah and Qoli recently had the privilege of attending an overnight geology training session hosted by John Roff at Koru Camp. It was a fascinating deep dive into the vital – and often overlooked – role that rocks play in shaping the ecosystems around us. For a change, the teachers became the learners, eagerly absorbing knowledge in preparation for the FGASA NQF2 exam.

The exam has since been written, and we now await the results as Aritah, Qoli, and Lefa move one step closer to becoming fully qualified field guides, equipped to lead both our students and paying guests through the wonders of the wilderness.

Connections All Round: Future Rangers and GVSU

We loved hosting students from Grand Valley State University as they joined our Future Rangers Program for a day. The day included working in the vegetable gardens at Mahlekisana Primary, competing against the (very fit) Grade 7 students in a soccer match, sharing a traditional African meal with the Future Rangers, and visiting a traditional healer. We shared many laughs and stories, celebrating our world and our place within it, together.

Connections All Round: Future Rangers and GVSU

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