Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists

This Earth Day, we joined students from our 16 partner schools surrounding Kibale National Park, Uganda in celebrating their roles as young environmental leaders. Students planted trees, sorted waste, and cleaned their school grounds—demonstrating their commitment to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.

This year’s Earth Day also marked the launch of our 4th Conservation Career Day—a growing initiative designed to show students that conservation isn’t just a passion, but a promising career path. In 2024, we piloted the Career Day model, connecting students with Ugandan conservation professionals—from anti-poaching rangers to primate researchers. Through inspiring talks, Q&A sessions, and hands-on activities, students gained firsthand insight into the diverse world of conservation careers.

At the beginning of 2024, only 1 in 4 students considered a future in conservation. By year’s end, after three career day events, that number had doubled, highlighting the power of exposure to real-world role models through this program.

Our latest Conservation Career Day featured John Justice Tibesigwa, Chief Warden of Kibale National Park and a leader with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. His message about this career journey and his current leadership role at Kibale working at the intersection of conservation, community engagement, and law enforcement resonated deeply with students. To cap off the day, Chief Tibesigwa joined students in a tree-planting ceremony—bringing symbolic and literal growth to the next generation of environmental stewards.

We’re proud to support young leaders in Kibale and honored to work alongside conservationists who inspire action and spark ambition in youth.

Links:

• Kasiisi Project website