AWF and WCK Launch ‘Shujaa Zone’ Competition to Inspire Youth-Led Conservation Across Tsavo

Nairobi, Kenya, 27th June 2025 — The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), in partnership with the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK), has launched the annual “Shujaa Zone” Competition, an ambitious youth-led conservation initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of African conservation leaders through creativity, innovation, and local engagement.

The competition is a flagship component of a four-year program funded by Bob and Emmy King, designed to embed conservation consciousness in Kenya’s Tsavo Landscape. The Shujaa Zone Competition will engage over 137 schools across seven counties: Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado, reaching learners aged 7 to 17. The goal is simple but transformative: to instill a deep sense of environmental stewardship and empower children to articulate solutions to conservation challenges in their communities.

Participants are invited to compete in a wide array of categories, from photography and artwork to poetry, essays, drama, and music. Special recognitions also include Best Wildlife Club Patron and Best Club Project of the Year. A panel of seasoned conservationists, educators, and creative professionals will judge the entries based on relevance, creativity, clarity, and impact.

Winners will receive trophies, certificates, shopping vouchers, and an exclusive educational field trip to Tsavo National Park, offering young conservationists the opportunity to witness first-hand the landscapes they are working to protect.

This initiative strengthens the fabric of grassroots conservation by fostering collaboration between learners, schools, community leaders, and conservation experts. It not only recognizes individual talent but also amplifies the collective power of school-based wildlife clubs in shaping Kenya’s environmental future.

The competition underscores AWF’s commitment to a conservation model that is African led, locally grounded, and intergenerational. It is a response to a critical truth: the long-term success of conservation depends on building knowledge and pride among Africa’s youth about the continent’s unique biodiversity.

About the 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 the 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.