Meet 16 year old Hamida Mkawasi, the youngest of 3 children in a single parent family. She is in her second year at Mahoo Girls Secondary school in Taita Taveta County. Her scholarship journey began after completion of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) at Bungule Primary school which is at the foot of Kasigau Hills in Taita Taveta County. At the point of completing her primary education, Hamida had accumulated a school fee balance of Ksh.17,060 or 170 USD. Due to her desperately challenged family background, the female teachers often took over the responsibility of Hamida’s personal effects and upkeep. The school matron would often shop for Hamida’s personal needs and provide her with transport back home whenever she was sent away for school fees.

She is one of the benefeciaries of the Africa Conservation Education Fund (ACEF) for the past 2 years. ACEF is a program by ANAW and ANAW-USA that supports the education of children living in wildlife areas through scholarships and creation of effective learning environments. As we anticipate the new school year starting January 2023, we hope to help even more children from communities living in or neighbouring wildlife areas. Be a part of the wonderful cause and help us keep Hamida in school. If you would like to support, please donate through this link

Visit anaw.org/ACEF to learn more about the program and different ways you can help us.