In Namibia’s southern region, ORKCA worked together alongside PAW foundation and //Gamaseb conservancy to organize a Leadership and Management Program (LAMP) training from July 1st to 3rd, 2024. The workshop brought together 40 participants from six local conservancies at the //Gamaseb Conservancy HQ in Gabis.

The training, led by Allan Ward from Forward Consulting, aimed to strengthen the leadership and management skills of conservancy staff, committee members, and youth representatives. Participants hailed from //Gamaseb, !Gawachab, !Han //Awab, !Khob !Naub, //Huibes, and Oskop conservancies, as well as a youth group from Warmbad.

Xavier, one of the participants and the Administrator at //Gamaseb Conservancy, described the experience as “eye-opening.” He emphasized how the training helped attendees realize their potential and understand the crucial roles they play as leaders. “It was an opportunity to improve and refine our leadership and management skills,” Xavier explained.

The three-day workshop covered a wide range of topics, from distinguishing between leadership and management skills to effective problem-solving techniques. Xavier spoke to Allan Ward’s facilitation style, using simple yet powerful exercises, made complex concepts easily digestible for all participants.

One of the most impactful exercises involved a bicycle analogy. “The bicycle exercise illustrated how every part is essential for the whole to function,” Xavier recounted. “It showed us that we need to work together for our conservancies to succeed.”

The training also delved into personal development, encouraging participants to introspect and identify areas for improvement. “Module 1 focused on team skills, while Module 2 got more personal, prompting us to look at ourselves as leaders and individuals,” Xavier shared.

Participants were particularly struck by the recognition that time is their most valuable resource. This insight led to discussions about self-sustainability, climate change, and the future of their conservancies.

The LAMP training received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants rating it 9.7 out of 10 overall. Many praised the practical nature of the workshop, with one attendee noting, “Now I can go back to my conservancy and practice what we learned.” We would like to say a big thank you to the PAW foundation for funding the project.

This initiative by ORKCA demonstrates its commitment to working alongside local communities and strengthening conservation efforts through improved leadership and management. As these newly trained leaders return to their conservancies, we hope they feel a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration to bolster conservation efforts across Namibia’s southern region.