The Nature’s Valley Trust was an unknown organisation to me when I was applying for internships with other environmental organisations. When I received the call for the interview with them and went about researching the Trust, I was really impressed that such a small NGO has made such a success of itself. The interview I had with Mark and Cindy was nerve-wracking but very good. And that was how my adventure began.
On 3 June 2013, I started my new post as an environmental educator and research intern with the Nature’s Valley Trust. I moved my life from Johannesburg to the middle of nowhere on the R102, to start what I hoped would be my dream job. The excitement for the first few weeks was expected and I was happy with the whole arrangement of my new life. I had to get used to the job setup, and how things were run at the Trust; which helped me in learning how to deal with a small organisation. The staff consisted of now 8 in total and working with such a small group of people can be very challenging. For me being here is a wonderful opportunity where I can learn and grow.
The work I have done ranges from environmental education to research, which is really exciting for me as it keeps me active in different things. I have learnt more about bird ringing and conducting my own research project, which has been very stimulating. On the environmental education side, I have interacted with schools and communities which I found very fulfilling, as the people look up to and respect this organisation. This is what drives me to keep working and learning in this field.
The research side, run by Mark Brown, is a phenomenal opportunity for me to gain new insight into a new aspect of the science field. I am conducting a project with the Fynbos flowers and the exposure to this has been great. I was never a “plant person” and did not have a huge interest in botany. However, this project has shown me how interesting the Fynbos biome is and just how amazing plants can be. The other interesting aspect of my research is learning more about the birds that feed off the plants and this has helped me become a little better in my bird-identifying skills. I hope to get better and hopefully become a bird expert (not quite professional but really good!). The bird ringing sessions are really a good learning experience for me to get to know the birds that occur in this area and to learn more about them. The latest in this research, which is looking at the blood glucose measurements of the sunbirds and Cape White Eyes is really fascinating. Also, the different birds that we catch are really great to look at and learn about.
The environmental education side, run by Cindy-lee Cloete works with the surrounding communities and schools on environmental topics. The most fulfilling part is interacting with the children from the school and for my part, hoping to instil the same passion and drive that I have for the environment into them. My passion has always been education and to have been able to be actively involved in educating people, whether it is school kids or community members, was a really satisfying part of my job.
The nine months I have spent here have been eye-opening for me as I have seen where my passions lay, which are teaching and I have learnt a few things about myself as well.
I wish NVT all the best in the future and hope that they can continue their work in environmental education and research.
The final word from Mark
We are sad to see Nelishka go! She has added great value to the Nature’s Valley Trust team in the nine months she has been with us, and we wish her well in her newly chosen career path. Nice to know we were able to help her find her niche! Below is a pic from the farewell we held on Wednesday for her. It was great to have Nelishka’s dad Rishi join us for the farewell.