Conservation Champions in the Making

There is a powerful Swahili proverb that says, “Mtoto umleavyo ndivyo akuavyo” — “As you bring up a child, so he/she will be.” It is a timeless truth that echoes across cultures, continents, and causes – including conservation.

We believe that if we want a future where people live in harmony with nature, we must start by empowering the next generation today. That is why we launched our Conservation Education for Kids program – a dynamic, hands-on initiative designed to plant the seeds of environmental awareness in children aged 7 to 15.

Yes, we conduct community awareness sessions with adults, students, and college youth – but this program is something special. It is designed specifically for primary school children, blending education with imagination to teach them about ecology, wildlife behaviour, and conservation practices in ways that are engaging, inspiring, and age appropriate.

Through interactive lessons and nature-inspired arts and crafts, we are nurturing a deep love and respect for the natural world. Children are not just learning – they are connecting. They are asking questions, getting their hands dirty, and seeing how their choices matter. And with every session, we are one step closer to building a generation of young environmental stewards who will carry this torch forward.

Collaboration That Creates Change

Lise Levy, a consultant from Wild Nature Institute, collaborating closely with teachers during the workshop.

At the end of last year, our RISE (Research and Innovation for the Serengeti Ecosystem) and Relationships Departments, in collaboration with the Wild Nature Institute – who have over a decade of experience in Northern Tanzania conducting the same program – and the Tanzania Education Initiative, hosted a two-day workshop that brought together teachers from eight local primary schools near our concession.

The goal? To equip educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead conservation education in their classrooms.

The result? Incredible. The enthusiasm, dedication, and passion from these teachers were beyond inspiring. They left empowered and ready to be champions of change in their respective schools.

 

Making an Impact – One Week, One Lesson at a Time

Marykinoi Lembris, one of our team members, leading a lesson with the kids.

This year, our team began making weekly visits to each of the first eight selected schools. Every visit includes a one-hour session filled with storytelling, science, creativity, and conversation – all designed to make conservation feel real, relevant, and personal to these young learners.

With an average of 70 students per class and seven grade levels in each school, we are on track to reach over 3,000 students this year – just through these eight schools alone. That is 3,000 young minds gaining the tools and inspiration to care for our planet. We also believe in measuring impact, not just hoping for it. Students complete a questionnaire before the program begins and again at the end of the year to track growth in their understanding of conservation and the environment.

 

Looking Ahead

Happy students during one of the sessions.

As we look to expand to more schools next year, our excitement only grows. We know that change does not happen overnight – but it does happen when young minds are empowered to care, to act, and to lead.

Through education and creativity, we are not just tutoring kids about conservation, but we are shaping a future where people and nature thrive together.

Because when you teach a child to love the earth, you are not just changing their life, you are changing the world.

You can help make that happen. Your donation directly supports our conservation education efforts by providing materials, transportation, and training for the heroes shaping young minds.

Donate now and be part of creating a generation that will protect our planet for years to come.