AWF and WCK Announce Call for Applications for the 2026 Young Conservation Heroes Scholarship in Tsavo, Kenya

Taita Taveta, Kenya: 2nd December 2025 - The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), in partnership with the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK), has opened applications for the second cohort of the AWF Young Conservation Heroes Scholarship, with the application window running from 1 December 2025 at 8:00 AM EAT to 31 January 2026 at 5:00 PM EAT.  

The scholarship is open to five students who are former Grade 9 learners from the 137 primary schools supported by the Young Conservation Heroes Project across Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado counties—located within 10 km of the Tsavo protected areas.  

Launched in 2025, the scholarship is designed for students entering their first year of senior secondary education (Grade 10) in 2026, and supports learners who demonstrate strong academic performance, a passion for conservation, and a commitment to improving environmental stewardship in their communities.  

Applicants are required to complete a printable application form and submit two handwritten essays outlining a community development or conservation project they wish to pursue, alongside a summary of their volunteer experience, conservation involvement, and leadership roles. With support from parents, guardians, or wildlife club patrons, learners will submit their applications to the designated locations indicated in the form

In 2025, six exceptional students were awarded fully funded scholarships covering tuition, books, stationery, uniforms, and transportation costs.  

Reflecting on this transformative experience, one of the scholarship beneficiaries, Abdulrahym Godhana Garise, from Tana River County, Kenya, shares: "I joined the scholarship program in 2025, and it has been an incredible journey. Over the past year, I have received full support for my studies, participated in mentorship bootcamps, and also started planning a small conservation project in my community. This experience has taught me how to turn my passion for protecting forests and wildlife into real action. I hope to continue learning, inspire other young people, and make a meaningful difference in my home region."

The scholarship is part of the four-year Young Conservation Heroes Project, launched in 2024 with support from Bob and Emmy King and implemented collaboratively by AWF and WCK. The broader project aims to inspire and nurture a strong conservation movement among learners in the Tsavo Landscape by equipping approximately 83,000 with essential conservation knowledge and skills.

AWF Kenya Country Director Nancy Githaiga also noted that, "The future of Kenya’s environment depends on the energy, creativity, and leadership of young people. By equipping them with education scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities to lead conservation projects, the AWF Young Conservation Heroes Scholarship is turning this potential into real action on the ground."

Building on this, Dr. George Njagi, Conservation Programmes Director at the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, noted that "Since the launch of the Young Conservation Heroes Scholarship, we have seen remarkable growth in students’ confidence, leadership, and commitment to conservation, a true testament to the value of strategically investing in Kenya’s next generation of environmental champions."

Through strengthened wildlife clubs and structured learning experiences, the project is reconnecting young people with nature and encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity protection and habitat restoration.

Here is a link to the Scholarship Application for Interested Applicants:  - https://awf1.box.com/s/mnk9rx8cewzycsdu7baioqny3spi9wff 

Here is the link to the Scholarship Brochure that has outlined the entire application process and further information - https://awf1.box.com/s/v4ztozxmmin9c3e0xdjnl4h6eygls0xs   

To find out which schools are eligible and supported by the Young Conservation Heroes Project, click this link - https://awf1.box.com/s/ucuvlbf2j73a81387k4xm5nz57earuqh   

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.