Welcome to GVI's SANParks blog where you can keep up to date with all the happenings and information from our work in South Africa.
GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with over 150 project partners in over 30 countries, provides opportunities for volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development.
Facts and Figures
The GVI SANParks Interns have been assisting SA's National Parks since 2003
Over 60 interns from all over the world have been placed in national parks since the programme's inception in 2003.
At least 22 weeks of training completed in the world famous Kruger National Park, to prepare interns for their year
Training subjects include SANParks History; People and Conservation overview; SA Education system; Reality check with nearest Neighbours; Emergency First Response; Advanced Reptile course; Wildlife diseases; Environmental education and interpretation; Natural resource management; Cultural resource management; Afrikaans lessons and more
Most interns per intake was 12 in 2006.
Since 2008 two intakes per year – in January and July - thus offering either a 6 or 12 month placement
Work with up to 14 of the 21 national parks in South Africa.
A former SANParks intern in the top 5 of GVI's 'Are you the difference?' competition
Thousands of Rands have been donated by interns to rural communities or schools around the national parks to buy books and other educational tools
Over 23 000 learners and 1500 educators, otherwise unable to visit a national park, have participated in the 'Kids in Parks' programme since 2005, often run by GVI interns
Delivery of thousands of hours of environmental calendar day messages to schools neighbouring national parks, such as Earth week; Water week; Science week; Arbor day etc