Supporting new bat groups across southern Africa
Thank you BCI for funding to support our bat group training programme.
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Following the success of our 2023 ‘How to set up a bat group’ training course (our 'class of 2023' consisted of 25 #ChangeMakers from across seven southern African countries!) we are thrilled to announce that we will be running another ‘How to set up a bat group' training programme starting in February 2025.
We believe that one of the biggest impacts Bats without Borders can have is to support capacity strengthening of in-country bat conservation and inclusive engagement across southern Africa. |
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With just a handful of local bat groups present across the large region, there are currently few opportunities for interested individuals to get involved with and learn about bats. Local bat groups and enthusiastic bat volunteers are key to engaging new audiences and getting others interested in bats and how to get directly involved with bat conservation. They provide much needed positive PR for bats, creating understanding of the importance of bats, how they benefit us and why bats need friends.
Who is this course for
This training programme is designed for anyone based in southern Africa who is interested in starting a bat group or organising bat walks and talks in their community. You do not need to be working as an ecologist or in conservation, but you need to have a keen interest in bats, conservation and engaging people.
Places are limited and priority will be given to anyone based in southern Africa (Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe or Zambia) but IF places are available we may be able to consider applications from people based in other African countries (mainland or the surrounding islands). Please do not apply if you are based outside of the African continent.
What to expect
The training will equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to establish and run a local bat group. Spanning four months, the programme will include a series of online training sessions (via Zoom), each lasting one and a half hours. Topics covered will include how to lead a bat walk, bat first aid, the use of bat detectors, and guidance on setting up and managing your own bat group. Participants will also benefit from access to online training resources and short assignments to reinforce their learning.
What your commitment will be
Taking part in all of the online training sessions and completing the assignments to support each topic. Following completion of the course, each trainee commits to run five awareness raising activities within 12 months to develop their skills and ideally build the foundations of a new (or support an existing) bat group.
How to apply
Please complete the 'How to set up a bat group' training application form.
The deadline for applications is 3 November 2024
Who is this course for
This training programme is designed for anyone based in southern Africa who is interested in starting a bat group or organising bat walks and talks in their community. You do not need to be working as an ecologist or in conservation, but you need to have a keen interest in bats, conservation and engaging people.
Places are limited and priority will be given to anyone based in southern Africa (Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe or Zambia) but IF places are available we may be able to consider applications from people based in other African countries (mainland or the surrounding islands). Please do not apply if you are based outside of the African continent.
What to expect
The training will equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to establish and run a local bat group. Spanning four months, the programme will include a series of online training sessions (via Zoom), each lasting one and a half hours. Topics covered will include how to lead a bat walk, bat first aid, the use of bat detectors, and guidance on setting up and managing your own bat group. Participants will also benefit from access to online training resources and short assignments to reinforce their learning.
What your commitment will be
Taking part in all of the online training sessions and completing the assignments to support each topic. Following completion of the course, each trainee commits to run five awareness raising activities within 12 months to develop their skills and ideally build the foundations of a new (or support an existing) bat group.
How to apply
Please complete the 'How to set up a bat group' training application form.
The deadline for applications is 3 November 2024
'How to set up a bat group' training 2023
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Our 'class of 2023' consisted of 25 #ChangeMakers from across seven southern African countries!! Following completion of the course, each trainee committed to run five awareness raising activities within 12 months to build the foundations of a new bat group. Ongoing support to attendees is provided and it is hoped that this training course will be the first of many, to build a network of bat groups across southern Africa.
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Latest training:
As part of the on-going support and training of our 2023 bat group graduates, they recently attended this informative talk on 'Bats and Diseases' presented by Dr Marinda Mortlock and Dr Marike Geldenhuys-Venter, University of Pretoria. Beyond the Fear: Education the Public on Bats, Diseases, and Coexistence. |
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Bats without Borders Affiliated Bat GroupsThe following affiliated bat groups have been set up by trainees of the 'How to set up a bat group' training programme 2023:
Cape Bat Group - South Africa Lusaka Bat Group - Zambia Bats in Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe Sapitwa Bat Conservation Group - Malawi ...more details coming, watch this space! |
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Bat groups in southern Africa
Bat Interest Group of KwaZulu Natal (known as BatsKZN) - Durban, South Africa
Gauteng and Northern Regions Bat Interest Group (known as GNoR BIG) - Gauteng, South Africa
Bats in Zambia Facebook page - Lusaka, Zambia
Gauteng and Northern Regions Bat Interest Group (known as GNoR BIG) - Gauteng, South Africa
Bats in Zambia Facebook page - Lusaka, Zambia