This year, a young man named Nelson (17) started working with us as a Porter to earn enough money to put himself through his final years of high school - A-Levels. When Tumaini heard that Nelson was working to earn school fees, he suggested that even though Nelson had only just started with us we should consider Nelson for our scholarship program. We did, and have since paid for half of Nelson's remaining tuition fees so that he can finish his A-levels. Nelson has written a little about himself and his dream of the future. "I'm Nelson John Mgalla i was born in the family of three brothers raised by a single mother. On education background i started my primary school in 2002 and completed in 2008. Then i joined secondary school education four years (2009-2012)at Kimandolu secondary school in Arusha. Due to financial problems I fail to go on A-level studies for two years (2013-2014). During that time i decided to work as a kilimanjaro porter in order to save some money for school fees. Then in 2015 i got chance to join Marangu high school for A-level studies. But this has been very big challenge on making enough money on time for school fees. To me education is very important because it gives awareness and i got to learn many thing from teachers and other students at school. Also through education i will be able to reach my plan. My future plan is becoming a politician so i can be able to help my society in solving different problems like poverty, ignorance and bring awereness in their rights and responsibilities for development. I hope when i will be to achieve my goals in education my dream of changing the society and my nation will come true." We wish Nelson all the success he desires and deserves!
As a company we always trying to improve conditions in the local community, and so in 2015 as well as our continued support of the Paradiso Orphanage, we started our Majestic Kilimanjaro Scholarship Program. This fund enables selected Porters to attend a choice of three (3) month English language courses, driving school, wilderness first aid training, nine (9) month guiding school, hospitality school or mechanics training. We also provide a monthly stipend/allowance so these men can continue to look after their families during the training. Further education of this nature is well out of the reach of most porters. Apart from the cost of the courses, there is also the challenge of being able to continue to support their families while studying. Our scholarship fund, which has been formed from profits from the Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris we run through Majestic Kilimanjaro, looks after all that so that the recipients can just focus on their studies. Scholarship Program LaunchOn 23rd March 2015 we launched the program with James Kahumba, Christian Lomnyaki, Amani Ernest and Silvano Clemence (who has been working with us as a cook for the last two years), starting their three months English course at the YMCA Vocational Training Centre. This was followed by a one month driving course. These 4 men attended class every day for 45mins and then were expected to complete homework. English language skills and a drivers license will allow these men to take up opportunities that weren't open to them before. On their successful completion they will be able to choose whether to attend either a nine months guide, hospitality or mechanics training.
We are very excited and wish them every success! |
About Majestic's FoundationMajestic's Foundation - Maisha Bora - is funded by the full 50% of Liana and Steve's share of the profits generated from Majestic Kilimanjaro Treks & Safaris. In fact, Steve and Liana take no income for their work in the business either. Blog Categories
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