The Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF) has been a steadfast supporter of LWS for over six years, ensuring that education and conservation go hand in hand. “At Ford South Africa, we are committed to supporting organisations like the Lapalala Wilderness School who make a difference in conservation as well as environmental awareness and education,” says Lynda du Plessis, manager of the Ford Wildlife Foundation.

Founded in 1981, the 50 000-hectare Lapalala Wilderness Reserve is a ‘Big Five’ nature reserve in Limpopo and offers experiential learning opportunities that connect children, youth and educators with the natural world.

The school is a leader in environmental education and conservation in South Africa, offering a tertiary education in Nature Conservation along with social responsibility programmes that focus on youth development and community outreach.

Supported by the FWF, LWS has expanded its reach beyond its award-winning eco-friendly facilities by taking environmental education to rural communities. In the first six months of 2024 alone, its FWF-sponsored Ford Ranger covered over 13 000km transporting supplies, personnel and conducting outreach activities, thereby making meaningful connections and inspiring action in remote areas.

FWF provides the Ford Rangers to partner organisations for two years, backed by Ford’s dealer network. These capable vehicles enable conservation teams to access remote locations, ensuring that vital environmental education efforts continue without interruption. LWS received its latest Ford Ranger in December 2024, further strengthening its ability to deliver impactful programmes.

For over 30 years, Ford South Africa has actively participated in wildlife and ecosystem conservation efforts in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The Ford Wildlife Foundation was established in 2014 and currently supports 28 projects across South Africa and one in Mozambique. This comprises 17 conservation projects, seven research projects and five environmental education projects. For more information on the Ford Wildlife Foundation and its supported conservation projects, please click here: https://www.ford.co.za/about-ford/wildlife-foundation/