The Problem
This project is inspired by Jane Goodall's belief that no matter your circumstance, anyone can make a difference in the lives of animals and the enviroment. We aim to help young women from lower socioeconomic areas fuel their passion for wildlife and the environment, provide them with a therapeutic safe space, develop team working skills, encourage female camaraderie, get them focused on their future and in turn introduce more women into the STEM field all while helping the animals being rehabilitated or living at a local wildlife rescue facility.
Our Plan
The target demographic is women in their freshman and sophomore years of high school when they are starting to consider the possibility of college and potential career paths. Our program will give a group of 5-10 girls the opportunity to acquire hands on experience working in a wildlife rescue. They will come in once or twice a month to build skills in animal husbandry and enrichment, learn about the zoological field and be guided through the mentorship of female animal curators at the Rescue.
The girls will also work on a scientific project in which they will be instructed to study a specific animal and devise a suitable enrichment activity. For example, a puzzle with food rewards for monkeys. They then can create a report or presentation for science classes, or science fairs, etc.
In addition to career development, our program will provide a therapeutic outlet to girls who may have difficulties at home, or in their communities. Working with animals and spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, aid in depression, and boost mood. This experience will help these girls to develop team-working skills, encourage female empowerment, become environmentally conscious and moreover, get them focused and inspired for their future.
