Easter Holiday
1) Theoretical training
• Strong points
I think the training went well even if it was a little short! We realized that we can prepare ourselves for something in short period of time.
• Challenges
There was a few challenges in the training for example: there was to many facts given in one day and then the amount of work for that evening was to much.
• What did I learn
I have learned that no matter how hard or how tough it seems everything is possible through hard work and dedication.
• How can we make this better
By making the gap year shorter and starting our courses earlier.
2) Roster
• Strong points
The roster worked well because everyone knew where they are supposed to be going on everyday.
• Challenges
Personally I had no challenges with the roster. Except that maybe make student on duty a whole week because the everyday thing was confusing.
• What did you learn
I learned how to follow a roster and to keep by what you are supposed to do for one day.
• How can we make this better
Maybe just give us the roster earlier.
3) Welcoming
• Strong points
Welcoming at the caravan park, the communication between students there are much more in working condition.
• Challenges
Welcoming at reception is harder because the students just decide that there not going to do anything and then 1 or 2 end up running the whole time doing everything.
• What did you learn
That never wait for anyone to do something just do it youself.
• How can we make this better
I have no idea.
4) Wildlife centre
• Strong points
Well everything there, it is my passion in life to work with animals.
• Challenges
No challenges
• What did you learn
A lot too many words, less paper and not enough ink. Everything about animals. Everything about animals. Who carries the genes in what animal species.
• How can we make it better
Let us work night shift at the wild life centre.
5) Guiding
• Strong Points
I am able to do a game drive on my own and even a game walk.
• Challenges
My challenges were working with students that doesn’t give other students a fair chance of proving themselves.
• What did I learn
That the handling of conflict must be done an a professional base and that communication are really important.
• How we can make this better
By communicating more.
6) Conservation
• Strong points
Working in the field is fun and interesting. Road maintenance and slashing were the things we did the most.
• Challenges
The fact that they kept sending the girls to the wildlife centre and only letting the boys work in the field.
• What did I learn
How to take down a hide in a way that you can rebuilt it again.
• How can we make it better
Start sending the girls to do the rough work we are studying conservation for a reason.
7) Student on Duty
• Strong points
Helping other students in their need of help. Delegating and taking lead.
• Challenges
Having to take lead with students that keep on giving you crap and just doesn’t care about anything.
• What did I learn
Take control over the students.
• How can we make it better
Let students on duty not just be one day but a weekend or a week.
8) After hours activities
• Strong points
Game drives at night because I learn more and are able to do them better.
• Challenges
Bring and braai because we were a lot of students and we end up just standing around.
• What did I learn
That I am able to work a 16-18 hour day.
• How can we make it better
Give longer or more regular breaks.
9) Academy duty
Can’t say, never worked this.
10) Social
• Strong points
All students this includes first years and second years get a change to bond with each other off Sondela.
• Challenges
Personal conflict and people that gossip.
• What did I learn
That we are truely becoming one family.
• How can we make this better
Let us stay out till 01:00 not any later.
