Lusaka, Zambia – Proflight Zambia flew 26 very excited school children from Lower Zambezi to Lusaka recently in support of wildlife conservation efforts by Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ).
The airline’s gesture was in line with its belief in the close synergy between wildlife, conservation, education, and tourism, as well as the importance of imparting that passion to the younger generation.
“Proflight is an avid supporter of both local and international tourism in the country, which is why we are very passionate about conservation efforts because they are aimed at ensuring as much of our natural environment as possible remains intact for future generations; and since children are this generation it is important that the right ecological values are imparted in them so they too can make a different for their future generations,” said Proflight Zambia's Director of Government and Industry Affairs Capt. Philip Lemba.
Proflight released its Jetstream 32 and Caravan 208 aircraft in order to fly the group of the 26 children, two teachers – all first-time flyers - and a CLZ representative from Luangwa Boma to Lower Zambezi for their annual conservation education trip.
In 2015 and 2016, Proflight released its Jetstream 32 and Caravan 208 aircraft in order to fly a group of 24 children and four teachers – all first-time flyers - and a CLZ representative from Luangwa Boma to Lower Zambezi for their annual conservation education trip.
Proflight has been supporting the school trips since 2015, during which time it has seen an increase in participation from nine to 16 schools, which some 2,000 children attending such camps during that time.
“Environmental awareness and attitudes toward wildlife among the participating children have improved significantly each year and ten schools were invited for this year’s school camp visit, explained Conservation Lower Zambezi Environmental Education Manager Besa Kaoma.
Just as in previous years, Proflight has continued to support the programme which allows pupils from Luangwa to gain practical knowledge on conservation.
Lower Zambezi is rich in wildlife, several bird species as well as flora which drawn together alongside the river that runs through the wildlife sanctuary, allowing for visitors to view all three in a relatively small area.
Capt. Lemba added: “It’s always a wonderful experience for the children who are usually also first-time flyers; their happy and excited reactions tell it all. This alone has helped motivate and encourage more parents and schools in Luangwa to allow their children to participate in the conservation education initiative.”
“It was an amazing and awesome experience,” some of the children narrated as they disembarked from the plane.