Eco-Visual Conservation Education for Kenyan Youth

As we wrap up an incredible year of conservation milestones, youth empowerment, and storytelling success, we want to extend our warmest holiday wishes to you. Your unwavering support has helped us amplify voices in conservation, train the next generation of conservation storytellers, and protect ecosystems through science, film, and photography on land and at sea.

As we wrap up 2024, let’s celebrate the remarkable milestones and memories that defined the last six months of the year with a focus on building partnerships. We are truly honored to have been part of impactful projects working together with partners to create lasting influence.

From all of us at TonyWild, we wish you a joyful festive season and a nature-filled new year. Thank you to all our supporters, partners, and friends. As we gear up for 2025, we invite you to continue walking this path with us.

In our partnership this year with the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK) on their essay, art, and photography competition in March, 36 winners received prizes. From August 1st to 4th, our team members, Asher Nyambura (Education Producer) and Elsie Ashiono (former Impact Programs Lead), empowered the young winners of the WCK National Competition. The participants were taken through a memorable field trip to Nakuru National Park. This event featured a conservation photography session led by the TonyWild team. The youth explored Lake Nakuru National Park, Menengai Crater, and Hyrax Hill through a hands-on workshop, capturing breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife. These activities inspired participants to combine artistic expression with environmental stewardship.

From August 18th to 24th, the Conservation Photography Course held in Shela, Lamu made possible by the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust and the generous support of the Embassy of Portugal in Nairobi, offered an inspiring and immersive experience for 20 young and upcoming conservation and nature photographers. Over the week-long workshop, participants worked alongside expert education and storytelling facilitators, including Elsie Ashiono, Tobias Odhacha (Impact Projects Consultant), Victoria Wanjohi (Director and Storytelling Lead), and Beryl Muga (Storytelling Coordinator), gaining skills that bridged artistry with environmental advocacy.

The students tackled local environmental conservation challenges, developing powerful visual narratives. The goal was to document one story that stood out in Lamu, “The Plastic Problem,” which explored the devastating impact of pollution and what the community is doing to ensure action is taken to have a clean and healthy environment for both animals and people.

The journey didn’t end there. In October, participants presented their photo stories at the Bahari Yetu Festival, captivating audiences with their creativity and commitment to conservation. The Lamu Conservation Photography Competition winners showcased incredible talent, skill, creativity, and a deep commitment to marine, nature, and conservation storytelling.