Listen to the soundscape of Western Tanzania
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Outreach and Capacity Building
Although our primary focus is the scientific research and conservation of Issa’s primates and sympatric wildlife, we have made concerted attempts to get involved in community outreach and also to expand capacity of both our team and others around us. Below we describe some of our work. Please contact us if you would like to support any of these specific activities.
DePaul School Sponsorship, Uvinza
Since 2013, GMERC and friends have initiated and sponsored students in DePaul school in Uvinza. As of January 2021, we facilitate the sponsorship of nine primary-school students, with another four having been graduated to secondary school, who we continue to sponsor. We are enormously proud of these GMERC family members and equally excited to support them fulfil their intellectual potential!
A. Piel with students Deus and Vincent from DePaul School - two recipients of GMERC sponsorship
Environmental Education
We have regularly hosted "Environmental Education" days when GMERC team members hosted stations that illustrated everything from important plants for both humans and wildlife, to example camera trap footage from the Issa Valley. Students made sculptures and write stories about their favourite animals, from which teachers selected winners and handed out new shoes donated by Adidas and New Balance
Shedrack Lukas of GMERC tests students on their knowledge of local wildlife names
Kingereza (English)!
Whilst some GMERC staff are comfortable communicating in English, others identify it as an important skill that has wide ranging applications in their life, but that they seek to improve As a result, we have regularly asked John Mayengo - a teacher from Kigoma - to the forest to host language training days with the team. These sessions build solidarity, but also inspire the team to practice what they learn from John, even after he has left.
John Mayengo - a teacher from Kigoma - teaches English to GMERC staff
Issa Internships
Tanzania's higher education institutions produce well-trained, inspired graduates each year that seek field experience, especially in research and conservation organisations. At GMERC, interns lead independent studies, help develop new data-collection protocols, and gain valuable skills in behavioural biology. Our ability to offer these internships and support these aspiring Tanzanian scientists depends on generosity from 3rd party donations. If you are interested in learning more, either to support this cause, or as a candidate to be considered, please reach out to us at sokwemtu@gmerc.org.