The “Zoo to You” living classroom concept is a partnership between the Johannesburg Zoo and Thuluvu Technologies and Projects, a holdings company founded and in the directorship of Mathutwana Mokoena and Vusimuzi Metane.
“Our business model is deeply rooted in bringing the presentation to historically-disadvantaged youth and children, predominantly living in underprivileged communities in the Gauteng area.
“We work in poorly-resourced communities with the intent to improve the quality of education, accessibility to information and resources that African children attending schools in the township historically don’t have access to,” says Mokoena.
The Zoo to You programme is Life Sciences based and consists of a fun-filled 60-minute educational show-and-tell presentation.
The presentation is targeted at foundation phase level, and is endorsed by the Department of Education, and is aligned to the Caps (Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements) curriculae.
Participating students from the school had the opportunity to touch and interact with the small animals, which are hand-reared to be touched by many excited children.
Animals that were brought to the school are birds, reptiles, insects and small mammals.
In addition to the animals, the Zoo to You staff also brought some animal specimens, like animal skins, skulls, nests, and eggs.
The Zoo to You programme recognises the value of providing students with an educational experience that cannot be gained in the classroom.
The programme has a two-pronged approach, which emphasises wildlife education and engagement, as well as addressing legacy issues by providing African children with access to information and inspiring educational excellence.
The two combined create a sustainable system that allows for collective development, and an interactive and progressive learning experience.
“Our presentation is centred on wildlife, conservation and biodiversity in an eco-system. The activities are purposefully designed to expand the scholar’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of animals, nature and their place within,” said Mokoena.
The Zoo to You programme is also closely affiliated with the South African Early Childhood Development Council and, with each visit, the programme contributes donations towards the council for fundraising purposes.
