Babati: Forty secondary school students from the area surrounding the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (Burunge WMA) in Babati District have been tasked with conducting outreach in rural communities regarding climate change, environmental stewardship, and the benefits of wildlife conservation. This directive follows their participation in an educational tour of Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Anna Mbogo, the Executive Director of the Babati Rural District Council, issued these instructions on October 25, 2026, as she welcomed the students back to Babati District. The students had just concluded a five-day educational trip organized by the Chem Chem Association, an organization that invests in tourism and conservation initiatives within the area.
Mbogo noted that Babati District, in the Manyara Region, is among the districts in the country currently affected by climate change. Since many people remain unaware of the impacts of these changes, it is the responsibility of these students—in collaboration with their teachers and other stakeholders—to share this knowledge and support their communities.
“We observe that rainy seasons have shifted significantly, temperatures have risen, and we anticipate El Niño rains this year. You, as students, have been educated on these matters—including environmental conservation—and we expect you to share this knowledge when you return to your villages,” he said.
The Director noted that the excursion organized by Chem Chem for these students, alongside government officials and parents, will be highly beneficial, provided that the knowledge gained is shared with a wider audience to promote the ongoing conservation of the environment and wildlife.
“You have been granted a great opportunity to visit and learn from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro—an experience many other Tanzanians have not had, and one for which some even pay significant sums. I urge you to become effective ambassadors for the advancement of conservation and tourism,” he stated.
He explained that this visit is part of the implementation of directives from President Samia Suluhu’s administration, which aims to foster conservation and tourism within the country—an initiative the President has already championed through the The Royal Tour film, which has reached audiences worldwide.
Clever Zulu, Director of the Chem Chem Association, stated that the organization and its partners decided to fund this excursion—now in its second year—to provide students with hands-on learning in conservation and tourism, enabling them to return home and share what they have learned. “At Chem Chem, we believe that even though you are still young, once you fully understand the benefits of conservation and tourism, you will be able to educate others and pass on the value of preserving the environment and current wildlife to future generations,” he said.
Christopher Laizer, the Wildlife Officer for Babati District, stated that the excursion is highly beneficial for advancing conservation efforts. He noted that there are now more ‘ambassadors’ who will return to their villages to share knowledge and positive stories about the benefits of conservation and tourism.
Napendali Wazoeli, a Community Development Project Officer at Chem Chem, expressed gratitude to the teachers, the tourism company Kanaga, the organization Mkono kwa Mkono, and the government for their collective role in making this five-day educational excursion a success.
Some of the participating students and parents thanked Chem Chem and the government for facilitating the trip, noting that they had gained valuable knowledge that they intend to apply in their own lives and use to educate their communities.
Students Fatuma Shaban and Lulu John stated that they would put the knowledge they gained to good use by educating others, as they had learned a great deal about conservation, wildlife behavior, and issues related to climate change.
