News

South African National Parks (SANParks) marks 20 years of the Kids in Parks programme, which has introduced over 80,000 young learners to conservation and heritage since its launch in 2004. A collaboration between SANParks, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), and the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the initiative provides three-day excursions to national parks, focusing on biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.

The Kids in Parks programme is currently hosted at Bontebok, Garden Route (Knysna & Tsitsikamma), Mapungubwe, Marakele, Mokala, and Golden Gate Highlands National Parks, with over 3,450 learners from neighbouring schools expected to participate.

Kids in Parks continues to create opportunities for disadvantaged learners, fostering environmental awareness and inspiring future conservation leaders.

In a historic milestone, SANParks has committed funding to support the programme in the next financial year. This is the first time in 20 years that SANParks is directly funding this initiative. Previously sustained through sponsorships, this investment marks a new chapter in the programme’s growth and sustainability, reinforcing SANParks’ dedication to environmental education and youth development. This level of funding commitment will ensure that the programme is expanded to all national parks.

Aligned with SANParks Vision 2040, the future of Kids in Parks is all about growth and innovation. As national parks transform into dynamic hubs for learning and creativity, the programme will introduce cutting-edge educational tools, inspiring young minds to connect with nature and become future conservation leaders.

As SANParks marks two decades of success with this initiative, we remain committed to shaping the next generation of conservation leaders. By collaborating with government, private sector partners, and communities, Kids in Parks will continue to empower young minds to become active guardians of South Africa’s environmental and cultural heritage.