The training was tough but very special The San Culture & Education Centre

The training was tough but very special

These were the words with which Ivan Vaalbooi, one of the eight South African San trainees summed up the nine-month tailor-made !Khwa ttu training programme for trainee guides that ended in June 2009. It was “tough” because each of the four trainers followed a broad curriculum and the trainees were expected to fulfil numerous assignments. The programme was “special” because it did not only include the common guiding modules but also intense sessions on San issues, life skills, training in fynbos botany and provided them the opportunity to take driving lessons.

The holistic approach to the training and its flexibility certainly contributed to the trainees’ confidence. They all shared Collin Coetzee’s sentiment that “the one thing that was the best is that I have built up a lot of confidence during the programme.” The opportunities to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge in role plays and later on during the !Khwa ttu San-guided experience was highly appreciated by the trainees.

The lively discussions about past and present aspects of some of the San groups in southern Africa and the exchange of life experiences was a fascinating part of the training. The introduction of life skills such as constructive criticism and a critical analysis of texts written about the San was another feature of the programme that made them “believe in myself and do my job.”

An additional intriguing section of the training programme was the development of the plant trail. It was amazing for the trainees to brainstorm a new plan, have a say in the design of the trail and then assist in putting it into action step by step. The ones, who already had an interest in medicinal plants, were quick in practising their newly acquired plant research skills; others followed suit as soon as they had realised the richness of traditional knowledge their ancestors had had about fynbos flora. Whenever time permitted, small groups of two or three trainees explored various areas of !Khwa ttu and identified useful plants which will then be transplanted during the rainy season in August/September. The herbarium, which each of the trainees put together, will be a valuable memory of this exciting part of the training.

The final assessment of the personal and work performance of the trainees was conducted by a team consisting of the !Khwa ttu senior guide, operational manager, trainer and CEO. The trainees “loved their [the team’s] attitude as they were honest with me.” They felt that “the feedback has encouraged me to think about my personal life and reached the conclusion “now it’s time for me to decide what I will do.”

Fortunately !Khwa ttu was also able to assist with recommendations as it has build a broad network with partners over the years. In the end all seven trainees, who had passed the local and cultural examinations, successfully applied for jobs at lodges and nature reserves all over South Africa. Three of the trainees applied for positions of waitron, junior guide and assistant to trainer at !Khwa ttu. After fruitful job interviews Nunke Kadhimo, André Vaalbooi and Ivan Vaalbooi were warmly welcomed as new team members.

To date, the !Khwa ttu management and the new employers are delighted about the former trainees’ skills, knowledge, commitment and their eagerness to continue learning. The overwhelming success of the long-term training for San trainee guides has led to the decision to invite to the next programme not only San from South Africa but also from Namibia and Botswana. Obviously word has already spread about this exciting programme as !Khwa ttu has received numerous applications. All parties involved are enthusiastically looking forward to engaging in the forthcoming training programme.

These were the words with which Ivan Vaalbooi, one of the eight South African San trainees summed up the nine-month tailor-made !Khwa ttu training programme for trainee guides that ended in June 2009. It was “tough” because each of the four trainers followed a broad curriculum and the trainees were expected to fulfil numerous assignments. The programme was “special” because it did not only include the common guiding modules but also intense sessions on San issues, life skills, training in fynbos botany and provided them the opportunity to take driving lessons.