Rifumo is from a rural neighborhood bordering Kruger Park, South Africa and he’s a devoted environmental educator, photojournalist and filmmaker. He’s the Programme Director of Wild Photographs Outreach – a not-for-profit group that connects younger Africans from deprived communities with nature by way of pictures.
This prestigious award, from London-based CIWEM (Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Administration), recognises ‘passionate, proactive people actively working in the direction of optimistic environmental change with lasting affect.’
Rifumo explains: ‘I need to join younger individuals with our pure heritage – we’re the way forward for Africa’s conservation. Although I reside subsequent to Kruger Nationwide Park, 99% of younger individuals in my neighborhood have by no means been to a recreation reserve. How will we save Africa’s wildlife and wild locations if there’s this enormous disconnect with younger Africans? Over the previous three years, I’ve taught pictures to greater than 500 younger individuals and brought them on their first-ever recreation drive, so the scholars can seize their recollections and tales upon seeing wildlife for the primary time.’
The judges commented on what impressed them about Rifumo: ‘We had been extremely impressed by Rifumo’s drive, dedication, and keenness for selling consciousness of sustainability by way of his neighborhood work and pictures, all the time working to encourage others. It’s clear Rifumo has dedicated his profession and private life to the trigger and has empowered others to make a distinction too. Rifumo’s work is outstanding and is clearly going from power to power, leaving a optimistic and long-lasting environmental legacy.’
Rifumo mentioned he had ‘achieved issues I’d not dreamed attainable. I’m actually grateful for this wonderful alternative and It’s such a privilege for me to win this award. I hope it will encourage different younger Africans that we are able to make a distinction and attain for our goals. We’re flipping the script and altering the narrative – making pictures and conservation extra numerous and inclusive.’
‘Rifumo is a born trainer with a ardour and enthusiasm for passing on his information of conservation and his pictures expertise,’ mentioned Mike Kendrick, Founding father of Wild Photographs Outreach. ‘I’m so happy with this hard-working, devoted and humble younger man and delighted he’s getting this worldwide recognition.’
CIWEM mentioned it hopes that this award will present Rifumo with the platform and instruments, in addition to networking and mentoring alternatives, to develop the attention and affect of his ambitions.
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