The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), in partnership with the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK), on April 25th,2025, officially launched the AWF Young Conservation Champions Scholarship in the Tsavo landscape. This landmark initiative aims to inspire and equip a movement of conservation leaders by supporting promising young learners from communities neighboring the Tsavo Protected Areas.
From the press release 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.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Nancy Githaiga, AWF Kenya Country Director, emphasized the long-term vision of the scholarship: “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. Through this scholarship, we are not only opening doors to education but also nurturing environmental stewards who will safeguard Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come.”
The scholarship specifically targets Form 2 students from seven counties surrounding Tsavo—Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado—focusing on those living within a 10-kilometer radius of protected areas.
It 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.
In December 2024, AWF and WCK issued a nationwide call for applications, attracting over 200 candidates. Following a rigorous selection process that assessed academic records, conservation engagement, and personal motivation, five exceptional students were selected and officially onboarded in February 2025.
Each recipient will benefit from full educational support covering tuition, books, uniforms, and travel costs for three academic years. Beyond financial aid, the scholarship provides structured development opportunities, including holiday mentorship programs, leadership training, and seed funding to support community-based conservation projects.
Highlighting the role of education in conservation, Wildlife Clubs of Kenya CEO Dr. Margaret Otieno noted: “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. We are excited to partner with AWF in this meaningful investment in Kenya’s future leaders.”
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 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.
About 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.
