We are pleased to present Art of Conservation’s Save the Gorillas Curriculum Project. Recognizing the connection between the health of people, animals, and the environment is vitally important to our world’s health, we explore our shared biodiversity and how all living things are interconnected. Based on a One Health-oriented approach, our course offers lessons supporting students and community.

From 2006 to 2016, I had the privilege of leading in-country teams in this thoughtful learning experience. Daily, we joined community members living in the foothills bordering Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Mexico’s Caribbean coastal region. These regions are special to cultural and biological diversity and are in particular and immediate need of protection.

At its heart, our curriculum is a grassroots approach. Communities from Rwanda, for example, use these lessons to focus on the protection of the endangered mountain gorilla and are included here to highlight these site-specific lessons.

Photographs, videos, and artwork display student engagement in our experiential learning practices. The artistic component is important because it allows for an expression of imagination that expands not only the artist but that of the viewer. One Health is well expressed through art just as effective learning is enhanced by creative expression.

Now, with a team of international educators, we have adapted these original lessons into an easy-to-use format for students anywhere in the world. Our five modules include an overview framing knowledge, skills, and attitudes & values through instructional activities. Guided discussions and assessment prompts allow for personal reflection, artistic expression, and community leadership. Lesson supports and artifacts of learning are specific examples of our techniques for teaching and student mastery of the materials.

We want the curriculum to inspire a sense of advocacy and leadership. Our goal is to preserve and rehabilitate our precious natural resources and diverse cultures. Whether you are an educator, community facilitator, artist, someone concerned for the health and well-being of Planet Earth, we hope this website is a helpful resource.

A SIGNIFICANT COMPONENT 

More frequent outbreaks of emerging diseases will occur due to our destruction of nature. Wild animals are forced closer to people and livestock – giving viruses opportunities to thrive. How we interact with our natural world is crucial for examination and change. Working together, starting with our children, is our approach to a healthy and more sustainable world for all. On behalf of the Save the Gorillas Curriculum team, thank you for your interest. Julie