August 2025
The partnership between the Kamitei Foundation and the Nawiri Foundation is driven by a shared vision of creating a sustainable future for the people living near the Ruaha/Usangu and Nyerere/Selous ecosystems. Together, we offer a Community Scholarship Program that provides exceptional youth from low-income rural families with certificate-level vocational education and training. This empowering initiative equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to boost their employability and unlock their potential. By supporting these youth, the partnership helps them take the next step toward a more prosperous future, enabling them to contribute to the development of the regions around the major national parks in Southern Tanzania.
The scholarship journey begins with a public announcement, inviting young people who have completed the fourth year of secondary studies with at least four credit points in their end-of-year examinations and a genuine connection to our target communities. Local leaders, including community and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) representatives, help spread the word, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity. The Kamitei and Nawiri team then visits the communities to conduct the first round of interviews, focusing on each young person’s academic achievements and potential. Those who stand out are invited to Arusha for the final round of interviews, an exciting experience for all involved!
This year, many enthusiastic applicants applied, all eager to learn skills that could open doors in Tanzania’s booming tourism and conservation sectors. The entire process is designed to be open and welcoming to everyone. Interview panels include Kamitei and Nawiri team members and trusted local representatives, ensuring each student receives thoughtful and fair consideration. Beyond academics, the team looks for qualities such as determination, adaptability, a strong interest in the chosen field of study, and the desire to make a difference to the wider community. More than just an interview, it’s a chance for students to share their hopes and ideas in a supportive and encouraging environment that celebrates their unique journey and future aspirations. Above all, the program values those who are adaptable, ready to learn, and excited to give back to their communities when their training is complete.
Thanks to a partnership with Tanzania’s Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), the scholarship covers certificate courses in:
· Waiter Services
· Culinary Arts
· Room Division Services
· Tour Guiding
These hands-on courses are designed to prepare students for rewarding jobs and promising careers well into the future.
Our Community Scholarship program is about so much more than just education—it’s a springboard to greater independence, self-respect, and it’s proving to be a catalyst driving community conservation. Graduates have found steady employment, launched small businesses, or become shining examples for other young people in their villages.
This year, we are thrilled to announce that the scholarship program has expanded to offer 131 scholarships. This major expansion means even more deserving youth will get the support they need to build stronger, more self-reliant communities. As both Kamitei and Nawiri continue working hand in hand with partners rooted locally in each community, these scholarships continue to help rural Tanzanian youth build a prosperous future for themselves and their communities.
