Latest Stories - Nyatsela: Waterford Kamhlaba's Transformative Outdoor Learning Journey

17 Jul, 2024

For many years, Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA has prided itself on offering quality international education that goes beyond traditional classroom learning, equipping students with life skills and competencies necessary for positive community impact. The Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) program exemplifies this by providing transformative opportunities for personal growth and development. It fosters self-determination, awareness of local and global issues, innovative problem-solving, collaboration, and exchange with diverse people and communities at Waterford and the greater Kingdom of Eswatini.

The introduction of the Outdoor Learning Program at Waterford continues this tradition, emphasizing the development of skills essential for leadership and personal growth. Students who participate in outdoor learning demonstrate improved attitudes toward learning, cooperative skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem—traits crucial for success both in school and life.

A cornerstone of this program is the annual Nyatsela trip, a two-week journey through Eswatini that empowers students. Nyatsela, meaning “to make a footprint” in siSwati, involves the entire Form 3 cohort, divided into groups of about 13 students and three adults, embarking on a rite of passage that significantly enhances their personal development. They traverse approximately 5 km daily through Eswatini’s scenic Lubombo region, camp in various sites, and immerse themselves in Swazi culture by visiting traditional households. Here, they engage with local communities, cook meals, wash clothes, and set up tents, experiencing life first-hand. They are not allowed to carry their phones throughout the walk.

This journey teaches students to collaborate effectively with their peers, solve real-world problems resourcefully, and adopt sustainable living practices. Carrying everything they need in their backpacks—including clothing, toiletries, cooking supplies, and food for the duration—they learn to live simply and thoughtfully.

Preparation for Nyatsela is thorough and begins well in advance. For example, the 2024 preparations kicked off with a Nyatsela campout, featuring sessions on physiotherapy and first aid. Students practiced stretches and treating mock injuries, skills that will be invaluable during their journey.

Waterford Kamhlaba’s Outdoor Learning Coordinator, Nonzuzo Gumede, highlights the program's impact, noting that many students are not typically exposed to such immersive outdoor experiences. Nyatsela challenges them to step out of their comfort zones, seek solutions to real-life problems, and build resilience and leadership.

“We always prioritize the students’ safety and security, working with key stakeholders like the game reserves and local authorities,” says Nonzuzo. “But at the end of the day, we want to build strong and resilient leaders. Therefore, we ensure minimum supervision to allow students to exercise leadership and devise solutions throughout the two weeks.”

In summary, the Nyatsela trip is a pivotal aspect of Waterford Kamhlaba's Outdoor Learning Program, offering students invaluable experiences that shape them into well-rounded, capable leaders ready to make a positive impact on the world.

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