About us
We are a group of students committed to remove the financial barrier to go to uni for African high-potential conservationists through our own ideas and events.
The problem
Leadership positions in African conservation efforts are often dominated by people from a wealthy and foreign background.
The reason lies in the education systems of many African nations, in which tuition costs are unaffordable for many prospective students.
Insufficient support for education
No governmental support
Many countries lack state funding for university fees, even for their most gifted and high-achieving graduates.
Scholarship gap
Most international and local scholarship programs only fund Master’s or PhD studies. Funding opportunities for undergraduate programs are lacking.
NGOs stop supporting after secondary school education
Numerous NGOs actively promote school enrollment for children. However, this support usually stops after high school education.
What happens?
The step from school graduation to university represents an insurmountable obstacle for many due to this gap in support. We want to close this funding gap.
Consequently, promising graduates from local communities in protected areas become workers with little say and few opportunities.
As rangers, guides, security personnel, or assistants, these talented individuals work in less influential positions throughout their lives.
What we do
We want to path the way for a new generation of conservation leaders by earning their first university degree.
To fund this, we organize social and skill-building events at our universities.
The proceeds of these events directly pay for the tuition fees of our scholarship holders
at their respective universities.
You have an idea or some time to get enganged? You are looking for a fun and meaningful
place to volunteer?
WE NEED YOU!
Please contact us at [email protected].
Global nature conservation is done locally
Sustainable nature conservation, including social, economic and ecological aspects,
requires equal opportunities.
Support of local competencies is crucial for facing our global challenges.
Insider knowledge
Local managers and scientists have a deep understanding of their own land, communities
and ecosystems.
Perspectives
People from different backgrounds enrich decision making with their diverse
point of view.
Growth opportunities
Conservation & local communities becoming one, can lead to more sustainable and social long-term solutions.
Our Team
Name: Okposio Emmanuel Osibeme Country: Nigeria Degree: MSc Conservation Biology Occupation: Biology Graduate Student at California State University
Position at S4S: National Representative Nigeria, Application Panel Something about me: I am passionate about blending science with my love for nature.
Name: Mary Waithira Country: Kenya
Degree: MSc. Conservation Biology Position in S4S: Stipendiumsbetreuung für Raphael Occupation. Researcher at Mpala Research Centre Something about me: My passion is wildlife conservation in anthropogenic ecosystems.
Name: Ronja Härdtner, Country: Germany Degree: M.Sc. International Nature Conservation,
Position at S4S: Founding board member Occupation: Field Ecologist Something about me: I'm passionate about capacity building in conservation and wildlife conservation. I love rhinos.
Name: Orock Paul Agbor.
Country: Cameroon. Degree: MSc Animal Biology and Conservation. Occupation: Community Development technician and Livelihood improvements.
Position at S4S: Active member.
Something about me: My Passion is in Wildlife research and Mitigation of poaching and human wildlife Conflict and land use patterns.
Name: Prudence Antoinette Tegugeu Kemeni
Country : Cameroon Degree: MSc. Environmental Sciences
Occupation : Research and administrative assistant at Ebo Forest Research Project
Position at S4S: National Representative Cameroon, Application Panel
Something about me: My passion is to conciliate Music and dance with conservation sciences especially working with Indigenous Communities, Social Assessment for Protected Areas
Name:Thea Samide Country: Germany Degree: B.Sc. Ecosystem-management Occupation: Currently studying.
Position at S4S: Board member, Scolarship-mentor for Chimwemwe Something about me: My passion is in healing through nature with herbs and enforcing nature conservation through indigenous rights.
Name: Kwaku Afrifa Dwumah
Country: Ghana
Degree: MPhil. Silviculture and Forest Management
Occupation: Project Site Manager, INEC Ghana.
Position at S4S: National Representative Ghana, Application Panel
Something about me: I majored in forestry (trees), but I have been involved in many projects about animals more than about trees.
Name: Swithin Kashulwe
Country: Zambia Degree: BSc. Wildlife Management.
Occupation: Habitat Conservation Officer at BirdWatch Zambia.
Position in S4S: National Representative Zambia
Something about me: I am passionate about improving the conservation status of world's species and ecosystems.
Name: Lea Osterloh Country: Germany Occupation: Student of B.Sc. Ecosystem Management
Position in S4S: Social Media
Something about me: Since I did my field guide course in SA, you won’t find me outdoors without my binos
Name: Elynn Njeri Country: Kenya, Ugunda Degree: Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine, ongoing MSc in Wildlife Health and Management Occupation : Program Officer at Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) Position in S4S : National Representative Uganda
Something about me:
I´m interested in Animal Welfare and wildlife conservation
Name: Alex Busch Country: Germany Degree: M.Sc. Neuroscience
Occupation: PhD in molecular
Position in S4S: IT, Scholarship advise for not selected applicants Current medicine Something about me: I think I could swim before i could even walk