The Tsavo landscape, home to the majestic elephant and the endangered African wild dog, has witnessed a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of conservation leaders. The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK) have joined forces to launch the AWF Young Conservation Champions Scholarship, a comprehensive program designed to inspire and equip promising young learners from communities neighboring the Tsavo Protected Areas. ### Key Facts and Figures
* **Seven counties:** The scholarship targets Form 2 students from seven counties surrounding Tsavo—Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado. * **10-kilometer radius:** The program focuses on students living within a 10-kilometer radius of protected areas. * **Five students:** Five exceptional students were selected and officially onboarded in February 2025. * **Three years:** Each recipient will benefit from full educational support covering tuition, books, uniforms, and travel costs for three academic years. * **83,000 learners:** The Young Conservation Heroes Project aims to ignite a robust conservation movement across the Tsavo landscape by empowering approximately 83,000 learners in 137 primary schools. ### Aiming to Secure the Future of Conservation
At a time when biodiversity loss and climate change are testing our resilience, investing in young people is the surest way to secure the future of conservation. The AWF Young Conservation Champions Scholarship is a landmark initiative that not only opens doors to education but also nurtures environmental stewards who will safeguard Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come. Speaking ahead of the launch, Nancy Githaiga, AWF Kenya Country Director, emphasized the long-term vision of the scholarship: “This scholarship is part of a broader effort to build a conservation movement across the Tsavo landscape. By supporting young people, we are creating a generation of leaders who will champion conservation and promote human-wildlife coexistence at both the community and national levels.”
### Empowering Young Conservation Champions
The Young Conservation Champions Scholarship offers comprehensive academic scholarships alongside tailored mentorship opportunities to students who demonstrate academic excellence, a passion for conservation, and a commitment to improving rural livelihoods through environmental stewardship. * **Rigorous selection process:** AWF and WCK issued a nationwide call for applications, attracting over 200 candidates. The selection process assessed academic records, conservation engagement, and personal motivation. * **Structured development opportunities:** Beyond financial aid, the scholarship provides holiday mentorship programs, leadership training, and seed funding to support community-based conservation projects. * **Partnership with WCK:** WCK CEO Dr. Margaret Otieno highlighted the role of education in conservation, stating: “For more than five decades, WCK has worked to instill a conservation ethic in Kenyan youth. This scholarship takes our efforts a step further by creating opportunities for students from marginalized communities to lead change.”
### A Brighter Future for Conservation
The Young Conservation Champions Scholarship is part of the broader Young Conservation Heroes Project, launched in 2024 with generous support from Bob and Emmy King. Implemented by AWF and WCK, the project aims to ignite a robust conservation movement across the Tsavo landscape by empowering approximately 83,000 learners in 137 primary schools. By strengthening wildlife clubs and introducing conservation education at an early age, the initiative seeks to reconnect Kenyan youth with nature, build conservation leadership skills, and promote human-wildlife coexistence at both the community and national levels. ### Expanding the Scholarship Program
In 2026, the scholarship program will expand to accommodate an additional five students, ensuring continuity and deeper impact across the Tsavo landscape. By empowering young conservation champions, AWF and WCK are demonstrating the critical role of youth in shaping a sustainable future—one where people and nature thrive together. ### About the Partners
#### African Wildlife Foundation
The African Wildlife Foundation is the primary advocate for protecting wildlife and their habitats as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 during the African independence movement to build our capacity to steward our natural resources, AWF articulates a uniquely African vision. It bridges science, education, public policy, and field programs to demonstrate the benefits of conservation and build a future for Africa where people and wildlife thrive. #### Wildlife Clubs of Kenya
Founded in 1968, Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK) began as a grassroots movement, driven by the passion of young conservationists eager to protect Kenya’s natural heritage. It stands as Africa’s pioneer in conservation education programs, dedicated to promoting conservation awareness among youth in and out of school.
The Launch of the AWF Young Conservation Champions Scholarship in Tsavo, Kenya
