NAME: Mthokozisi Blessing Xulu
AGE: 22
OCCUPATION: Honors Student
CELL NUMBER: 072 138 3998
EMAIL: mthokoxuluh970@gmail.com
Why do you want to take part in Wild Coast hike?
I would like to be a part of the Wild Coast hike because I am currently looking to develop my reporting skills about conservation. This hike will equip me with skills I cannot obtain academically. This is as important to me as I want to use these skills to report on factors affecting biodiversity. I have for a long time been interested in writing about science, and it is also one of my goals to explore a different environment from where I currently live so I can compare how to degraded my area is compared to the Wild Coast.
I was involved in a DEA youth for biodiversity workshop in Pretoria in June. It deepened my passion for the environment. I would like to learn from people understand the reporting side of science. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will also enable me to exchange ideas with other youth and young scientists passionate about the environment.
Why are you interested in receiving environmental journalism training?
I am currently doing my honours in Zoology. As a researcher, writing is one of my daily activities, but throughout my undergrad studies and up until now, I was never equipped with reporting skills. Scientific knowledge is sometimes difficult to transmit to the general public in an understandable language. This training will unlock this pivotal door for me to become a complete scientist able to explore and report on the environment. This will improve my writing skills in becoming an environmental watchdog. I want to shape thinking in my community about the environment through storytelling and make people be aware of the impacts they have on the environment. I am from a disadvantaged background where people do not understand the value of the environment. Going through this training will assist me in making people aware of the value of the environment.
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This is in an abridged version of Mthokozisi’s application to take part in a sponsored Wild Coast hike, compliments of recent Wild Swim expedition organised by the 8 Mile Club in association with Roving Reporters.
