Janke Fourie
A decade ago, my mother Isabelle and I embarked on a journey that started with a simple realisation. A classmate of mine boldly declared that the source of meat was the grocery store. It struck me – not just because it seemed comically naive, but because I was fortunate enough to have grown up on a farm surrounded by nature and two professional hunters.
This seemingly innocent comment planted a seed that germinated into a project near and dear to our hearts: bringing the youth back into nature. Our mission? To bridge the gap between these “city kids” and the great outdoors. So, we approached the school with an idea. Why not shift our class outing to Osema Gusinde, and sprinkle in a few life-saving tips while we were at it?
When the day finally arrived, my mother and I were pleasantly surprised to witness the transformation. The city kids, as we fondly called them, embraced the experience with enthusiasm. Picture this: 24 students stalking and hunting a wildebeest together. It was a sight to behold, and it was infectious.
What struck me most was the aftermath. Suddenly, classmates who once considered nature a distant concept were eager to learn more. They bombarded us with questions, and even after the outing, their curiosity persisted. Something had clicked.
The change was tangible. These individuals, who once may have overlooked nature, were now going out of their way to pick up trash and educate others about the significance of certain plants. It was heartening to see a shift in perspective.
Not everyone ventured into nature-related careers, but the impact was clear. Out of the 24, three have found their calling in tourism. One is now a skilled chef, another manages a lodge, and the third thrives as a booking agent. These were unexpected outcomes, and it brought immense joy to see the ripple effect of our little project.
As for me, I find myself back on a farm and, excitingly, gearing up for a new adventure. Next year, I’ll be pursuing my hunting guide certification, aspiring to become a freelance professional hunter.
Our journey has been a wild ride, quite literally, but the most rewarding part has been witnessing the transformation in our peers. Today, I encourage all of you to embrace nature, step outside your comfort zones, and who knows – you might just discover a passion you never knew existed.
The Nature Awareness Project is dedicated to immersing young people in nature, both through social media and hands-on excursions. The program focuses on instilling values of respect, ethical responsibility, sustainability, and discipline while fostering an awareness of our constitutional right to the sustainable use and conservation of wildlife and natural resources.
For more information on the Nature Awareness Project visit:
From the 2025 issue of Huntinamibia
Namibia’s hunting community stands at a pivotal juncture. For five decades, professional hunters, trackers, operators, conservancies and rural partners have protected wildlife and ensured that land remains dedicated to conservation. Our model, grounded in ethical hunting and sustainable use, is recognised worldwide as one of the most successful conservation systems.
Hunting for me goes beyond the obvious, beyond the daily grind and the collecting of trophies. Even beyond the now hackneyed phrase of “collecting memories” ‒ something probably nobody can really define. Once you allow yourself as a hunter to actually and consciously take in moments and breathe in air,
We were kneeling in the hot sand. It was early April, yet the sun was burning down on us mercilessly. Poldi was sitting behind me. It was his second visit to Namibia and therefore he now knew that in Africa, too, the scorching heat and biting flies do come to
