A wide range of training programmes are offered at the Centre, for students, teachers, educators, adminstrators and others involved with environment and development. Our extensive library of films and audiovisual materials are available to participants as well as the chance to explore the rich biodiversity of Lake Naivasha by boat, take part in guided nature walks and photography, view conservation demonstrations such as our tree nursery, biogas plant and weather station, and scientific practicals and visit the Adamson Museum.
1. On-site teacher training on environmental and curriculum integration
The Centre offers tailor made, environmental courses involving innovative techniques designed for teachers covering a wide range of conservation issues, and helping them integrate them into the school curriculum, both within and outside the classroom. We currently conduct four teacher training workshops; two take place at the Centre and two within the wider East African Regions covering Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Teachers attending our courses are later monitored in their schools to evaluate their increased environmental contribution to the school and community at large.
2. Field based ecological studies for schools (day and overnight visits)
We cover public and private schools, both local and international, offering them a unique opportunity to learn about conservation throughout the year. The visits can be on a day basis or involve an overnight stay. Lessons / lectures on particular aspects of conservation can also be arranged with the Centre; alternatively we may be able to visit schools and help develop their own studies on subjects such as geography, biology, chemistry, agriculture, social sciences and others. During visits students explore the adjacent woodland, learn about our tree nursery, watch the colobus monkeys, take a boat ride to view the large variety of birds and share their experiences with each other.
3. Community educator and administrative training on environment and policy development
Besides its work in schools, the Centre also contributes towards the community by inviting or visiting different community groups interested in conservation. These groups are offered day visits with lectures, field work and demonstrations on the importance of conserving the environment and given guidance on how they can become involved. Administrative training can be provided for environmental organisations and take the form of workshops or conferences. Organizations may request their own themes or approach the centre to conduct the workshop on their behalf. Besides its work in schools, the Centre also contributes towards the community by inviting or visiting different community groups interested in conservation. These groups are offered day visits with lectures, field work and demonstrations on the importance of conserving the environment and given guidance on how they can become involved. Administrative training can be provided for environmental organisations and take the form of workshops or conferences. Organizations may request their own themes or approach the centre to conduct the workshop on their behalf.
4. Research opportunities
The Centre offers a conducive environment and facilities for environmental research on the ecology of the Lake as well as specialist ornithological research including bird ringing. Other projects have included:
a) Environment and socio-economic issues of Lake Naivasha
b) Ecosystem health surveys of Lake Naivasha
c) Wildlife and habitat (the Centre and its environs provide a variety of ecosystems for study including grassland, woodland, shrub land and aquatic ecosystems)
d) Water quality
e) Fisheries and invasive species diversity
f) Ornithology (450 species of birds, 80 of which are waterfowl on Lake Naivasha – 250 on Elsamere site)
g) Agriculture and livelihood studies (the Centre is surrounded by large scale horticultural farms)
