A film by Emma Woods

This film requires only minimal elaboration, as the film itself outlines the key events which led to its creation. On the face of it, it is a summary of the activities we organised for children during our time in Ivohibe. More importantly, however, the film exposes why these activities were of such value, whether viewed through a conservation or development lens. Using a set of coloured treasure hunt aides, the underlying message is eventually sought out: A young person who protects the environment will have a secure future. Given the importance of children to the future of Madagascar’s environment, and hence its inhabitants’ wellbeing, it struck me as surprising that more of WWF’s existing work was not geared towards children. I am proud that my team and I went some way to rectifying this situation, and I feel extremely fortunate to have worked with such willing young people.

The film’s title can be interpreted in two ways. On one hand, it refers to the way in which our work with children contrasted with my original expectations of what a three-month volunteer placement with WWF might entail. On the other hand, since expectation can be synonymous with hope, the title reflects the overwhelming sense of hope that our activities with children instilled in me.