The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the International Zoo Educators (IZE) have appointed Ugandan educator Isaac Mujaasi to lead their joint education programmes.
Mujasi will work with the WAZA Executive Office, IZE Board of Directors, and Zoo and Aquarium educators from WAZA and IZE member institutions to ensure that effective conservation education programmes and messages are an integral part of the global zoo and aquarium agenda. He will develop a compelling conservation curriculum for on-line and in-country training that is engaging and creates positive conservation change.
“We are delighted to have Isaac Mujasi on the team,” said Doug Cress, WAZA Chief Executive Officer. “I have known Isaac for over 15 years and have always been impressed by his ability to inspire and motivate others to learn. He is a gifted teacher, and a dedicated conservationist. Isaac will have an important role in ensuring conservation education is a priority for WAZA and its members.”
“Working closely together, WAZA and International Zoo Educators Association (IZE) are focusing on developing international education and interpretive standards which will help create conservation changemakers around the world,” said Debra Erickson, President of IZE. “Our new Director of Education, Isaac Mujasi, will help lead this charge as well as provide more training and mentoring opportunities for our members. We are very excited to have Mr. Mujasi on our team and have no doubt he will help grow our profession and its impact.”
Mujasi previously worked for the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), based in Entebbe, as the Programs and Public Relations Officer. Mujasi’s professional conservation experience spans 18 years, starting as an Animal Keeper at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Three years later, he made the switch to conservation education. His previous experience also includes managing community development programmes. He has always had a lifelong passion for conservation, and at the age of 13 started a tree planting project in his village.
Mujasi obtained an MSc in Education for Sustainability from London South Bank University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, and a degree in Tourism and History from Makerere University in Kampala.
“I am very excited to have joined WAZA and the IZE as the Director of Education,” Mujasi said. “To me, it is an absolute privilege and honour to be able to share my perspective and skills, and to be in the position to help influence behaviour and mindset change through education, to help conserve biodiversity,”