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Knowledge transfer: Educational activities by EduVentures

EduVentures plays a crucial role in the NamTip project by focusing on raising awareness about Desertification Tipping Points (DTPs) through hands-on education and research initiatives. Here’s an overview of their contributions across the two project phases:

Phase I: Development and implementation of educational modules

In the first project phase, EduVentures developed and refined four key educational modules centered on addressing DTPs in Namibia. These modules included:

  1. Introduction to Climate Change and DTPs in Namibia;
  2. Understanding Ecological and Social Drivers of DTPs;
  3. Impacts of DTPs;
  4. Managing DTPs.

After finalizing the modules, they were reviewed by NamTip scientists to ensure accuracy and relevance. Following this, EduVentures conducted a pre-visit to five schools (Okakarara SSS, Waterberg JSS, Coblenz CS, Okamatapati CS, and Okondjatu CS) to select participating learners. During this phase, 500 learners and 25 teachers were engaged across these schools.

Subsequently, a series of school visits were organized, where these modules were delivered over five days at each school. The program was conducted in the Ombombo Mobile Classroom and was enriched with excursions and interactive activities, making the learning experience both engaging and educational for the students.

(from left to right) a learner recording water infiltration with a bucket while sitting on a dry soil, another learner giving a presentation by standing in front of a poster, a teacher writing on a blackboard
Photo: EduVentures
Figure 1 (left to right): Learners collecting data on water infiltration using the double ring method, and presenting their group results during the research camp; Job Tjikongo (EduVentures staff) giving a lecture on research methodology to the Waterberg JSS learners.

Phase II: Research camp and science fair competition

In the second project phase, EduVentures carried out several key activities:

1. School visits (February-March 2024):
EduVentures revisited the five schools in the Greater Waterberg Region to educate 150 learners and 10 teachers about desertification tipping points. These visits also served to select and prepare 20 learners for participation in a science fair research camp.

2. Research camp (March-April 2024):
A research camp was held at Waterberg Junior Secondary School, where learners received specialized training in scientific research methods. Activities included data collection at Farm Hamakari and Okambukonde, in collaboration with NamTip scientists. Learners worked on previously jointly selected research projects such as:

  • Comparison of different water filtering techniques using soil;
  • Measuring plant biomass using drone imagery;
  • Comparison of herbaceous species diversity and abundance in commercial versus communal areas;
  • Comparison of invertebrate diversity and abundance in commercial versus communal areas;
  • Comparison of water infiltration rates in commercial and communal soil types.

Throughout the camp, NamTip scientists provided extensive guidance, helping learners with research planning, data collection, and analysis.

(from left to right) A researcher showing the screen of her phone to a small group of learners; a bucket in the soil to trap invertebrates; two learners giving a presentation in front of a small audience
Photo: EduVentures
Figure 2 (left to right): NamTip scientist Lisa-Maricia Schwarz discussing the methodology of data collection with a group of learners; Invertebrates trapping; Learners from Coblenz CS presenting their group's results to the participants of the research camp.

3. Science fair competition (July 2024):

One learner from each school was selected to represent their institution at the Regional Science Fair Competition in Otjozondjupa. The project on "Comparison of invertebrate diversity and abundance in commercial versus communal areas" won a silver medal. While no projects advanced to the National Science Fair, the competition provided valuable experience in scientific methods, data collection, and report writing.

4. Future presentations:
Learners will continue to present their projects at various events, including farmers' days, to raise awareness about desertification tipping points in the study area.

Learners standing in front of their posters and sitting in the audience of the regional science fair
Photo: EduVentures
Figure 3: Learners participating in Regional Science Fair in Otjozondjupa

Impact and Future Outlook

EduVentures' involvement in the NamTip project has successfully engaged learners in practical scientific research and environmental awareness initiatives. By combining education with hands-on experience, they have empowered learners to contribute meaningfully to the understanding and management of desertification in Namibia. The knowledge and skills gained through these activities will continue to benefit the participants and their communities in the future.