What We Do
While African people have been sharing stories about Africa’s wildlife and natural heritage for centuries, the dominant storytellers in global conversations about Africa’s environment have historically been people who are not native to Africa.
National Geographic Explorers Noel Kok and Pragna Parsotam-Kok created Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) to refocus these stories — to ensure that the stories of Africa are told by and from the perspective of African people.
The Africa Refocused program expands the reach and impact that Noel and Pragna have achieved through NEWF to further train and elevate African nature, environment, and wildlife storytellers.
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capacity development
NEWF Professional Development and Mentorship Programs
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NEWF offers professional development, capacity building, mentorship, and networking opportunities through convenings such as the annual NEWF Congress and NEWF Fellows Summit, as well as NEWF Labs that provide specialized training such as dive certification, cinematography, music composition, and science communication that enhance storytelling. The Africa Refocused program supports NEWF in offering these opportunities and more — across the continent.
"I am convinced that this unusual time in our collective history shows that humans are undeniably interrelated with nature and that a human population in balance depends on a planet in balance."
hominin skeletal specimens found by Explorer at Large Lee Berger’s team at a new fossil site in South Africa.
Our COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Journalists provided more than $2.5 million in support of storytellers on the front lines of the pandemic.
2,300-year-old submerged tomb of the Kushite King Nastasen found in Sudan by Pearce Paul Creasman.
Educator Offerings
Our Programs
National Geographic is where education meets exploration. We are transforming the learning experience to provide educators with the tools, resources, and support they need to feed their learners’ curiosity and become the explorers of tomorrow. Through immersive experiences, interactive lesson plans, maps, and other free resources – there are endless ways to teach with National Geographic.
Hands-on exploration
Explorer Classroom
Explorer Classroom connects your learners with a National Geographic Explorer for a live, 45-minute virtual class. It features behind-the-scenes stories from cutting-edge scientists, researchers, and storytellers, plus a real-time Q&A session.
Professional development
Grosvenor Teacher Fellows
The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship (GTF) is a professional development opportunity for pre-K–12 educators, a collaboration between Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. Selected educators are hosted aboard Lindblad's voyages for a life-changing, field-based experience.
classroom materials
Education Resources
Every subject is worth exploring. From science and geography to human culture and history—there’s a world of knowledge waiting to be uncovered.
GIS Tool
MapMaker
MapMaker is a digital mapping tool, created by the National Geographic Society and Esri, designed for teachers, students, and National Geographic Explorers.
community
Education Blog
Get the latest information from National Geographic Education with timely resources, classroom ideas, and inspiring stories from Explorers and educators
featured explorers
Changemakers and Innovators
In the end, I belive that we truly want to save our oceans, every coastline needs a local hero"
"Our job as Explorers is to be the eyes for the rest of the world and connect future generations and adults with our work."
"Thanks to generations of curious, daring, intrepid Explorers of the past, we may know enough, soon enough, to chart safe passage for ourselves far into the future"
"Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea. No ocean, no life. No blue, no green. No ocean, no us"
"We've only seen about 5% of the ocean as a whole. We're just getting started as far as ocean exploration is concerned,”
film making
Impact Conservation through film
Africa Refocused supports African filmmakers who are changing perceptions and telling nuanced stories based on lived experience. Their work, recognized internationally, inspires nature conservation and introduces global audiences to the power of African narratives told by African people.
An Explorers Perspective
Making a Difference
“Our work is not only about restoring wildlife, it’s about restoring people’s lives. Through science, conservation, and community engagement, we can create a virtuous cycle that allows people and animals to thrive.”
Hands-on exploration
Explorer Classroom
Explorer Classroom connects your learners with a National Geographic Explorer for a live, 45-minute virtual class. It features behind-the-scenes stories from cutting-edge scientists, researchers, and storytellers, plus a real-time Q&A session.