After four years of development, we’re proud to announce that our Education Delivery Platform, Vumba, is launching. During the next five months, Vumba will be piloted with strategic partners across Africa in its beta testing phase. Designed to address critical challenges, Vumba provides tools that manage programmatic implementation, track individual student journeys, and measure impact in unprecedented ways. Built to empower educators and support youth in conservation, Vumba creates pathways for young conservationists who aspire to protect and restore our planet.

After reaching more than 15,000 students through our Future Rangers Program, we realized the critical need for a digital system to track the growth of these young leaders. Equipped with a digital portfolio of evidence through Vumba, emerging youth will have the equivalent of a “Conservation LinkedIn” profile which they can use to apply for scholarships, internships, and eventual employment into the greater wildlife economy.

“Vumba”—meaning “to shape” or “create” in Tsonga—reflects our mission to equip Africa’s youth with resources and connections for meaningful careers in conservation. This name was chosen to honor the local communities where Vumba was born. With its powerful combination of technology, conservation, and education, Vumba stands ready to shape a more sustainable, connected world.

Stay tuned as we continue to test and refine Vumba, bringing us closer to a future where education and employment are accessible to young people across Africa.

Are you a nonprofit or educator, and want to test Vumba in your program? Reach out to ash@vumba.io for more information.

The Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation Conference, held from October 9 – 11, gathered leading minds in conservation from around the globe to share research-driven solutions that balance human and environmental health.

Ash Baker represented the GCC team by partaking in the poster session, presenting our Future Rangers Program alongside Vumba.

She shared this about the experience:

“It was a privilege to gain insight into scientific research focused on climate change and its effects on the natural environment. I witnessed and partook in invaluable conversations that centered on strategies to mitigate climate change in ways that support local economies, communities, and wildlife. So many scientists in one space, what an inspiration!”

GCC is honored to have been part of this vital dialogue, and we’re committed to translating the insights gained into action on the ground. Ash’s experience underscores the importance of research-backed conservation and our dedication to a sustainable future for Africa’s landscapes.

The conference served as a powerful reminder of the transformative role conservationists play in safeguarding the continent’s future.

Our Future Rangers, Malebo Lara Mokgale and Tshiamo Mokone, were recently gifted special edition notebooks from Dingbats* Notebooks — a sustainable brand committed to eco-friendly products. This generous donation equips our young conservationists with an essential tool for their learning journey, encouraging them to document everything they encounter in the field.

These notebooks, like the one Owami Sithole from Sokisi High School is holding, are more than just a keepsake; they represent the values of sustainability and curiosity that lie at the heart of conservation. As our Future Rangers record their thoughts, observations, and dreams, they embrace their role as the next generation of environmental stewards.

We extend our gratitude to Dingbats* Notebooks for supporting our Future Rangers, giving them a place to jot down their inspirations and plans for a sustainable future.

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming longtime supporter, Robbie Hairfield, to South Africa for his first-ever visit — a meaningful journey made possible with GCC’s planning and support.

Through his impactful work with Wildlife & Co., Robbie has been a steadfast advocate for conservation, raising awareness about African wildlife with audiences worldwide. This visit brought him face-to-face with the landscapes and communities he has championed, as he toured local schools, engaged with Future Rangers, and even met the courageous rangers of Timbavati.

Robbie’s journey stands as a testament to the power of conservation partnerships and immersive experiences. Witnessing our programs firsthand, he gained deeper insight into the impactful work we’re doing together to inspire future conservationists. We’re grateful for his unwavering commitment and the opportunity to share South Africa’s natural beauty and conservation efforts with him.

Interested in a similar experience? If you’re passionate about wildlife and eager to connect with conservation efforts on the ground, GCC would love to plan a transformative trip tailored to you. Contact matt@globalconservationcorps.org for more info.