Exciting update from our partner, Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife (VIEW).
For the past two years, three young girls from the Samburu community in Kenya have received full secondary school scholarships through a (VIEW)-led initiative, made possible by a generous grant from Conservation Nation. Additionally, VIEW offers mentorship and hands-on learning experiences, including field trips to wildlife centers, to help the girls gain real-world exposure to conservation. In November 2024, VIEW organized a second field trip to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary for our scholarship recipients, building on their first visit in 2023, which included a group of 70 schoolchildren. This latest trip was an opportunity for the girls to expand their knowledge, engage in hands-on conservation activities, and further nurture their passion for wildlife protection.
This trip would not have been possible without the support of a grant from Conservation Nation’s People & Pachyderms Collective
Learn more about their inspiring journey and the Samburu community in this article published by VIEW.
On November 17, 2024, the three girls arrived in Wamba, a town in Samburu County in central Kenya, where they were welcomed by conservation leader and mentor Dorothy Lowakutuk. As their guide and mentor for the trip, Dorothy helped the girls settle in and prepare for a visit at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
Founded in 2016, Reteti is recognized as the first community-owned elephant sanctuary in Africa. Owned and operated by the Samburu community of Northern Kenya, the sanctuary rescues orphaned and abandoned elephant calves, along with other wildlife species, providing them with the care they need before reintroducing them into the wild. Beyond its critical conservation work, Reteti is a model of community-driven conservation, employing local staff, many of whom are women. These women elephant keepers play a pivotal role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing elephants, setting an inspiring example for young girls interested in pursuing careers in conservation.
With funding from Conservation Nation, full four-year secondary school scholarships were awarded to three deserving Samburu girls based on academic performance and financial need. These girls were also active members of the Wildlife Conservation Warrior Clubs, a program VIEW helped establish in some local primary schools to educate and inspire young conservationists. The girls already demonstrated a passion for wildlife, and they were selected by their community. During the scholarship presentation, community members emphasized that these young women are now role models, inspiring others to pursue their own educational journeys. In communities where access to secondary education for girls is extremely limited, these scholarships provide life-changing opportunities. They not only open doors for the three recipients but also set a powerful example for other young girls, showing that with dedication and support, they too can pursue education and achieve their dreams.
Catherine Ntilayon Lentirikama (Olomoidei) – Kibirichia Girls Secondary School
Stella Nkoponi Lenadonker (Noolotoro) – Kibirichia Girls Secondary School
Jordana Lerinkat (Olomoidei) – Tipito Girls Secondary School
The three girls have received ongoing mentorship from Dorothy Lowakutuk, who is from a similar remote Samburu community and has been instrumental in guiding them through their transition to secondary school, where they are boarders away from their family. Dorothy continues to provide support, encouragement, and mentorship, ensuring they thrive in their new academic environment.
- Catherine Ntilayon Lentirikama (Olomoidei) – Kibirichia Girls Secondary School
- Stella Nkoponi Lenadonker (Noolotoro) – Kibirichia Girls Secondary School
- Jordana Lerinkat (Olomoidei) – Tipito Girls Secondary School
The three girls have received ongoing mentorship from Dorothy Lowakutuk, who is from a similar remote Samburu community and has been instrumental in guiding them through their transition to secondary school, where they are boarders away from their family. Dorothy continues to provide support, encouragement, and mentorship, ensuring they thrive in their new academic environment.
Firsthand Conservation Experience
During their visit at Reteti, the girls shadowed a range of activities designed to show them roles in animal care and conservation work: how to clean elephant bottles, bottle-feeding small animals, and learning the importance of hygiene and proper nutrition in elephant rehabilitation. Each evening, they explored the sanctuary on guided walks, observing the released animals in their natural environment. They were amazed at how much these animals have grown since their last visit in 2023. The girls also visited Elephant Rock, while learning the history of the landmark and how the Samburu people have coexisted with wildlife for generations. For many young conservationists, seeing wildlife up close and engaging in hands-on care strengthens their understanding of the field. These experiences make conservation tangible, turning their passion for wildlife into real-world understanding and inspiration.
Inspiring the Next Generation
This field trip was made possible through Conservation Nation’s grant designed to support both the academic and personal growth of Samburu girls while advancing broader goals in biodiversity conservation and community empowerment. By offering these young women unique experiences and fostering leadership skills, this initiative aims to empower them to become conservation ambassadors within their communities.
Beyond offering conservation education, the trip aimed to foster long-term engagement and inspire these young girls to dream big about their futures. The impact was clear—during a recent video call follow-up, Catherine Lentirikama shared that her time at Reteti has further fueled her dream of becoming a wildlife veterinarian, deepening her passion for caring for animals.
Her two fellow scholarship recipients were equally inspired. Stella Nkoponi Lenadonker expressed her ambition to become a doctor, hoping to care for people. Meanwhile, Jordana Lerinkat shared her dream of becoming a teacher, wanting to help educate and inspire future generations in her community.
All three girls have asked for books on veterinary science, medicine, and education to help them learn more about their chosen paths. VIEW is currently working to fulfill these requests.
These moments serve as powerful reminders of how mentorship, education, and field experiences can shape young lives and influence future careers in conservation.
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