Children in the Wilderness (CITW) is a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering children in rural Africa, enabling them to become the next generation of environmental stewards.
Our programs focus on leadership development, education, and community engagement, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability. With the support of Wilderness, our parent ecotourism company, operational costs are covered, ensuring that fundraising efforts directly benefit our projects and the children we serve.
Why is Children in the Wilderness needed in Tanzania?
Tanzania is rich in natural heritage yet faces numerous challenges that hinder educational opportunities and environmental preservation. Many of the remote communities surrounding the National Parks do not see the benefits of tourism or conservation with much the employment in the tourism industry being sourced from larger cities.
Villages are often still reliant on bush meat poaching within the parks to sustain their communities. The work of CITW directly impacts these communities, providing
opportunities and vocations which help them not only support their families, teach sustainable farming practices and solutions for community-wildlife conflict, but also explain the value of conserving the environment around them and how that can support their community for years to come.
What is Currently Happening with Children in the Wilderness in Tanzania?
CITW is already making significant strides in Tanzania. Here are some key initiatives:
• Eco Clubs Program (2024-2025)
We have successfully established Eco Clubs in five schools situated near Lake Manyara National Park and Western Serengeti National Park, engaging approximately 100 children with guidance from 7 dedicated Eco Mentors.
Our goal is to expand this initiative to four additional schools in the Karatu, Serengeti, and Arusha regions by 2025.
• School Eco Club Projects (2024-2025)
- Eco Vegetable Garden: Established at Manyara Secondary School.
- Tree Nursery Center: Supporting all schools with over 1,000 diverse plants.
- Trees Planted (2023 to Date): Numerous trees have been planted across various schools, showcasing our commitment to reforestation.
- Community and Park Clean-Ups (2024-2025): We have conducted six major clean-ups at Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Parks, actively involving Eco Club members and the local community.
• Park Visits and Community Empowerment Projects (2024-2025)
Every Eco Club has completed park visits aimed at enriching their learning experiences, and we are working to increase the frequency of community conservation workshops and trainings to further empower local communities.
• Volunteer Program (2024 to Date)
We offer a volunteering program that engages both community members and visitors who wish to contribute to our Eco Club activities and conservation projects. Volunteers play an essential role by assisting with various initiatives, such as community workshops and human-wildlife conflict resolution.
What We Are Working to Achieve
Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Tanzania is a dynamic initiative committed to fostering sustainable conservation through leadership development and education among rural children.
By empowering the next generation as environmental stewards, CITW recognizes that cultivating a deep appreciation for nature among young people is essential to preserving Africa’s unique wilderness and wildlife.
The organization’s comprehensive approach integrates various educational programs, such as Eco Clubs and annual camps, which provide children with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship necessary to engage critically with environmental challenges.
This holistic model not only addresses immediate educational needs but also nurtures a sense of community engagement and responsibility towards their natural heritage.
CITW is dedicated to creating a lasting impact by addressing the root causes of challenges that restrict opportunities for quality education and community development.
Our focus spans a wide range of initiatives, including infrastructure improvements, teacher empowerment, and primary care health programs, which collectively establish an enabling environment for children to learn and thrive.
By prioritizing the physical, emotional, and educational needs of students, CITW aims to empower rural children to make informed decisions and take action in conserving their environment.
Through our collaborative efforts with local communities and schools, we aspire to transform these institutions into sustainable hubs of learning, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and leadership that will benefit both individuals and their communities for generations to come.
Local Leadership Driving Change
Doctor Tipay : Wilderness Community Project Co-Ordinator – CITW Tanzania
The program is spearheaded by Doctor Tipay, a passionate local Tanzanian committed to 'advancing community development and sustainable practices. With a robust background in social work and project management, Doctor’s dedication to uplifting his community is evident in his various roles.
Born and raised in Tanzania, he has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by local communities. His extensive experience enhances the effectiveness of CITW’s initiatives, reinforcing the local commitment driving this important work.
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