As Save The Elephants works towards building a tolerant relationship between man and elephants, our Elephant Scholarship Programme is furthering this mission by providing students with an opportunity to change their lives.
Since its inception almost 18 years ago, the programme has grown from strength to strength and recently celebrated its highest number of scholars (16) for its 2018 intake.
Educating bright children living on the fringes of poverty within conservation areas in Northern Kenya is part of our goal to create future conservation ambassadors. We believe they will one day serve as future community leaders and influence decision making. One such student is Vivian Alinta, who joined our Elephant Scholarship Program in high school. Thanks to the Fred B.Snite Foundation Vivian completed her Diploma course in Community Development in late 2017 and has since joined a grassroots organisation, Samburu Youth Education Fund, helping manage community projects and mentor students sponsored by the organisation.
Born and raised in Isiolo County in Northern Kenya, Vivian wanted to give back to her community in recognition of the support she had received from the Elephant Scholarship Program while at school. Vivian praised the programme saying it gave her “the chance to pursue a course that not only helped me, but the entire community.”
Thanks to the support of donors, the STE/Elephant Watch Safaris Elephant Scholarship programme is not only changing lives but also creating eco-conscious students and leaders, just like Vivian, who are willing to offer their skills to change the lives of others.
Vivian at home ©Matt Brierley