Leadership Network

PCB LEADERSHIP NETWORK

Invites you to a panel discussion

MY JOURNEY HOME & LESSONS LEARNT ALONG THE WAY

Presented by: Matthew Cocks – Centre Manager at Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

WHAT WILL BE COVERED IN THE PRESENTATION?
Matthew’s presentation will be focused on his journey back to South Africa. He will give an overview on how his time in the Middle East taught him both life and business lessons that could only benefit thinking back in RSA. He will be talking about how he plans to use his international experience and network of partners to work towards establishing all WESSA education centres, but more specifically Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, as an attractive destination for international schools and travel companies from the Middle East. Matthew will communicate his vision for the reserve, and also describe how PMB businesses can benefit from using UVNR in the future.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Matthew grew up in Botha’s Hill, attending Kearsney College. He completed his Bachelor of Science at UCT and a PGCE through UNISA. He taught for 1 ½ years at Kloof Senior Primary School, before starting out on a life-changing journey to the United Arab Emirates lasting 11 years. After 5 years of teaching at Emirates International School, he completed his Environmental Management (HONS-Cum Laude) degree, which led him to change career paths and move into outdoor education. Matthew literally stepped out into the desert, and set up the first ever outdoor environmental education camp in the Middle East. Located in the dunes, with access to desert, mangrove, wadi and rocky shore habitats, he developed and delivered a number of cross-curricular and transdisciplinary education programmes to children and adults of all ages, and realised the potential of teaching numerous subjects and concepts using the natural world.

More recently, Matthew started his own business, ‘E2Consultants,’ writing curriculum-based environmental education programmes in exotic places like Borneo, China, UAE, and Oman. This led to a 2.5 year consulting contract at Al Ain Zoo, developing multi-subject education programmes for local and international students using the Zoo’s fantastic learning facilities. After 11 years of being out of the country, the decision was made to return to South Africa. It has always been a dream of Matthew’s to work for WESSA, and he feels truly privileged to join an organisation whose legacy and vision has provided so much inspiration to him throughout his own life. He is extremely excited to bring his international experience and passion for outdoor experiential learning to Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, and to work with such a competent team to make this unit a ‘Centre for Environmental Education Excellence!’

DATE: 22 February 2016
TIME: 16:45 for 17:00
VENUE: Chamber House, Royal Show Grounds
COST: R50 for non members