Let me list five things that I have noted about Rion Haraeb, the 27 year old guide who is second-in-command here at the PAWS Cheetah Conservation Project.
- Rion was born one of six or seven children, to a mother who makes a living on a farm in one of the poorest areas of Namibia. It is left to him -- a wage-earning son -- to support his mother and most of his siblings by sending home portions of his wage.
- When Rion pulls up in the jeep to point out an animal or a bird, his knowledge seems infinite. When we ask him questions, he is never stumped.
- If you offer Rion a beer, he will thank you and accept. If you offer him a handful of crisps to go with it, you ought not to expect many to be left in the bag.
- The eloquence of Rion's English would shame many 27 year olds born in England. Much of it he has learnt through private study in the past three years. My favourite quote so far, ending a discussion that hinted at racism that may have touched him before he came to work here: "I believe there is a drop of goodness in everyone."
- When Rion laughs, it's as if his entire twinkling face has burst into a spray of Cape diamonds. It happens daily.
John
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