A New Chapter for Kariba, Safari Guides Academy Brings Hope and Empowerment

By Admore Mbonda in Kariba

The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of boats on the lake. But amidst the peaceful atmosphere, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation. The long-awaited Safari Guides Academy Kariba had finally opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the town’s history.

For years, the community had advocated for a local institution to train safari guides, providing much-needed employment opportunities for young people. The town’s reliance on tourism had created a demand for skilled guides, but the lack of local training facilities had forced businesses to recruit from other areas or invest in expensive in-house training programs.

The academy’s establishment was a direct response to this need. Located in the heart of Kariba, the institution was designed to provide young people with the skills and knowledge required to become professional safari guides. The six-month course, culminating in exams offered by the Department of Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks), was comprehensive and rigorous, covering topics such as wildlife management, conservation, and tourism.

As the academy welcomed its first cohort of students, the atmosphere was electric. Alice Moyo, the academy’s administrator, beamed with pride as she watched the young people begin their orientation and registration process. “We’ve opened on a very high note,” she exclaimed. “The students are eager to start their training, and we’re excited to see them grow and develop into skilled safari guides.”

The academy’s impact was expected to be far-reaching. By providing local young people with the skills and training required to enter the tourism industry, the institution was helping to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in the region. According to Kudzai Hakunandaba, a prominent figure in the Kariba tourism industry, the academy’s arrival was a game-changer. “We welcome the move to have a guides training institution in Kariba,” he stated. “Previously, we were forced to train our own guides, which was a significant investment of time and resources. Now, we can simply recruit from this larger pool of qualified trainees.”

As the students began their training, the community was filled with a sense of hope and optimism. The academy’s success was seen as a vital step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Kariba and its surrounding communities. The institution’s focus on conservation and wildlife management was also expected to have a positive impact on the local environment, promoting a culture of sustainability and responsibility among the next generation of tourism professionals.

As the days turned into weeks, the academy’s students threw themselves into their training, eager to learn and absorb as much as possible. They spent their days studying, practicing, and exploring the surrounding wilderness, developing a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and diversity of the region.

The academy’s instructors, a team of experienced professionals with a passion for conservation and tourism, were dedicated to providing the students with the best possible training. They brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom, sharing their insights and experiences with the students and helping them to develop the skills and confidence required to succeed in the tourism industry.

As the weeks turned into months, the students began to notice a significant change within themselves. They felt more confident, more knowledgeable, and more passionate about their chosen career. They began to see themselves as ambassadors for the region, responsible for promoting its natural beauty and cultural heritage to visitors from around the world.

The academy’s impact was not limited to the students alone. The institution’s presence was also having a positive impact on the local community, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. The academy’s instructors and staff were all local residents, and the institution’s procurement policies favored local businesses and suppliers.

As the students approached the end of their training, the academy’s administrators and instructors were filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. They had created something truly special, an institution that was not only providing young people with the skills and training required to succeed in the tourism industry but also promoting a culture of sustainability and responsibility.

The academy’s graduates were poised to make a positive impact on the region, promoting its natural beauty and cultural heritage to visitors from around the world. They were the future of the tourism industry, and they were ready to make their mark.

The Safari Guides Academy Kariba had opened its doors, and a new era of possibility and promise had begun. The institution’s impact would be felt for generations to come, promoting a culture of sustainability and responsibility and providing young people with the skills and training required to succeed in the tourism industry.