Geo Club Collaboration

Fiona Nicholson explains the special initiative for Kikaaya College

Geo Club had a very productive and enjoyable Geo Chat about endangered species with Kikaaya College School in Uganda via live video link. What came out of it was many shared issues about species between our countries and communities. These included the invasion of non-native species, the destruction of habitats and a lack of political will to tackle underlying causes of the problems due to vested interests.

We found a surprising link of common concern between our two groups of pupils which was the decline in bat species/numbers in both places. Kikaaya also reported the decline in monkeys (they used to be common but are rarely seen there now) and Mr Mubiru recalled with sadness the loss of the 'very friendly leopard' that used to accompany people home and was much loved by the community. The loss of monkeys and the leopard was due to deforestation - with the species migrating as a result.

As a result of our discussion and the question 'what can we do about it' we came up with action points that we would like to take in both schools/communities to improve the environment and help conserve species. Since then Eco Council, Geo Club, PUG and Wildlife Club staff and pupils have met to take the next steps – so watch this space!

Katie Livermore