Inspiring Wildlife Conservation by teaching others about Nature

Inspiring Wildlife Conservation by teaching others about Nature

So here goes…First, let me introduce myself. My name is Lizelle, I am the girl with the hat in the photo, hugging the Elephant. I live in South Africa and like every person in this world I have a dream too. Let me explain; I’m privileged enough to stay in the most beautiful part of South Africa called the Lowveld, which is only a few minutes’ drive to the World renowned Kruger National Park -“Home of the Big 5”. It is here in the Kruger Park where my dream to become a Field Guide and teach people about the wonders of Nature and Wildlife was born.

I am a Medic by profession and this is only one of my many passions. On my off days I like to drive to the Kruger National Park to clear my head from all the crazy stuff we see on road accidents and medical house calls we deal with. I would like to think that I have made a difference at some stage in someone’s life through my medical career. But to be honest, I am not getting any younger and life for a woman as a medic on an ambulance is not always as safe and as glamorous as some people make it out to be. We drive at high speed, go unprotected & without backup, into rural areas where people can’t even speak English. I don’t think it’s fair towards my family that I constantly put my life in danger.

In order to regain my passion and making a difference, my dream is to have my very own OSV - Open Safari Vehicle and take people out on day trips to the Kruger National Park and teach them about wildlife in the hope to inspire them to conserve Nature - at the end we only have one Earth and we need to start looking after it.

I have already obtained my Field Guide Certificate through The Field Guide Association of South Africa. I have my Basic Life Support Certificate, Health and Safety Certificate, First Aid Level 5, my Public Drivers Permit and all I need now is my OSV.

In order for me to have my own OSV, I need the money to buy a single cab pickup truck (bakkie). Then I need to convert it into a Safari Vehicle that meets the regulations in order to safely transport people on an OSV in the Kruger National Park and lastly I need to register my OSV.

It will take me a total of 5 years - 60 months’ worth of pay checks – not touching it!! in order to save enough money to be able to pursue my dream of having my own OSV.

If you deem my cause worthy to donate, I thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart and I will promise you that I will strive to become one of the best Field Guides and be an Ambassador for Mother Nature in all her glory.