Awardees Stories
Our 2025 Awardees
ROB has so far funded over 180 students and we look forward to supporting many more in the future.
We would like to introduce you to a few of our rising star awardees who since completing their training have continued to progress their careers.
Our Latest Awardees and Programs
Prisca Issacka Gacka
My name is Prisca Issacka Gacka. I am 20 years old and live in the Arusha region of Tanzania. I completed secondary school in 2022. Since 2024, I have been working as a porter with Climbing Kilimanjaro Company.
I want to become a guide because I enjoy helping people discover new places, cultures, and experiences. I love sharing knowledge and creating memorable moments for others, while ensuring they feel safe and welcomed. Being a guide will also allow me to keep learning, growing, and connecting with people which is something I am passionate about.
Yusuph Mussa Mmbaga
My name is Yusuph Mussa Mmbaga, and I live in Kiranyi, Arusha. I am currently a student studying wildlife-related subjects. Alongside my studies, I work as a porter with TAST - The African Safari Company
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I aspire to become a guide because I enjoy learning about different cultures, representing my country as an ambassador, and earning an income that can support my basic needs.
Agness Pendael
My name is Agnes Pendaeli. I am 21 years old and live in Ngaramtoni, Arusha. I am the second of four children and live with my mother. I completed my O-Level education at Lekule Girls Secondary School.
I have been working as a porter for nearly one year with The African Safari Trails. During this time, I have reached the summit once and gained experience on several Kilimanjaro routes, including Lemosho, Marangu, and Machame.
I am passionate about becoming a professional mountain guide. This opportunity will allow me to grow in my career, support my family, and contribute positively to my country. I am committed to making my life, family, and country proud.
Meshack Ibrahim
My name is Meshack Ibrahim, and I live in Ngaramtoni, Arusha. I have been working as a porter with The African Safari Trails (TAST). I am grateful for the support I have received so far.
I want to become a guide because it will allow me to broaden my knowledge in areas such as culture, art, history, and science. The role also offers the opportunity to meet people from around the world, engage in diverse work, apply creativity, and continuously learn. Additionally, I am passionate about promoting and exploring the natural and cultural resources available in the country. Thank you.
Heavenlight Mbise
My name is Heavenlight Mbise, a 22-year-old woman from Meru, Arusha. I live with my parents, who are both small-scale farmers. I completed my secondary education at Pamoja Ngabobo Secondary School with the help of relatives who supported me after recognising my academic effort and performance, as my parents could not afford the fees.
I later joined the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, where I pursued a Certificate in Tour Guide Operations. While studying there, I applied for the ROB Awardees scholarship after seeing the college announcement. I was shortlisted, attended the interview, and successfully passed, which allowed me to further my studies in Mountain Guiding at Mweka.
I passed the theory examinations. Unfortunately, I was unable to summit during the practical phase. I was later given a second chance, but I fell seriously ill and could not participate. However, I am fully committed to summiting in August, and I am grateful for the opportunity and support I have received.
Elimu Pitson Pwele
My name is Elimu Pitson Pwele, a 30-year-old Tanzanian based in Arusha. I completed my university studies in 2019 at Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy. I began working as a porter in 2016 after finishing Advanced Level education, and continued in the tourism industry after university. Over the years, I have worked with several companies, including Everlasting Tanzania Travel, Gosheni Safari, and currently Kei Tours and Safaris Limited, where I serve as a tent crew member, waiter, and summit porter.
I aspire to become a guide so I can connect with people from diverse cultures and professions, gain new knowledge and perspectives, and expand my way of thinking. I am also passionate about exploring nature and showcasing the country’s natural resources to help promote the tourism industry.
Rebeca Andel Lesioni
My name is Rebeca Andel Lesioni. I was born in June 2002 and I am 23 years old. I am the second-born in a family of three children. I live in Arusha, Tanzania, with both of my parents. I began primary education in 2009 and joined secondary school in 2015. After passing my exams, I was selected to study at Kinnyal Secondary School from 2016 to 2019.
After completing my education, I began gaining experience through different activities to support myself. I started climbing Mount Kilimanjaro from January 7 to 15, 2005, with a company called Climbing Kilimanjaro, and I climbed three times using the Lemosho and Rongai routes. I later joined The African Safari Trails (TAST) and successfully reached the summit for the first time in July 2025.
I am seeking this opportunity to exchange ideas with people from different backgrounds, promote tourism both locally and internationally, and learn more about tourism from other countries. I also aim to earn an income to support both my personal needs and those of my family.
William John Mollel
My name is William John Mollel. I am 24 years old and currently live on Closiva Street in Arusha, Tanzania. I studied Tourism and Hospitality and completed a two-year mountain guiding course at Tropical Centre Institute, near the NESF office at the Arusha Clock Tower.
I have worked with several companies in different roles, including:
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African Zoom – Waiter and porter
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The African Heritage – Guide, especially in Maasai villages
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TAST (The African Safari Trails) – Porter and waiter
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Tills Camps, Serengeti National Park – Waiter
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MPDI (Maasai Pastoralist Development Initiative) – Animator
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I have been climbing Mount Kilimanjaro since 2022 as a porter with African Zoom and TAST, and I have successfully summited four times. I have experience on several Kilimanjaro routes, including Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, and Marangu.
Currently, I am working as a porter with The African Safari Trails (TAST)
Maxmilan Ewald Mtui
My name is Marmillan Mtui. I am 25 years old and come from Mbahe Village in Bondeni Ward, Moshi Rural District, Kilimanjaro Region. I completed my secondary education in 2017. In 2018, I joined Udzungwa College, where I studied Wildlife Driver Guiding for about two years.
I completed a three-month practical training in Serengeti National Park. Before joining college, I worked in Arusha as a porter for almost three years and continued working with Climb Kili during my studies.
I have five years of mountain experience. After my practical training, I remained in Serengeti for two more years. I returned home in late October 2023 and have been working as a porter since then.
I am experienced on the Machame Route, which I first began while working with Climb Kili. Currently, I work with Nafika Tours, where Machame is their main route. I have reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro more than 20 times with different tour companies, mainly serving as a waiter and service crew member. I am now working with a tour company based in Moshi.
Juma Ibrahim Msinga
My name is Juma Ibrahim Msinga. I am 27 years old and come from Usangi in the Mwanga District. I began my education in 2008 at the primary level and graduated in 2010. In 2011, I joined secondary school and completed my studies in 2014. My education continued in 2017, when I sat for my Advanced Level examinations as a private candidate. Later that year, I joined the University of Dodoma to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, graduating in 2020.
I have been working on Mount Kilimanjaro for nearly five years, beginning in 2020. I was first introduced to the profession by Climbing Kilimanjaro Company. More recently, I started working with Xileza Travel in August 2024. I have experience on several Kilimanjaro routes, including the Marangu, Lemosho, Londorosi, Northern Circuit, and Machame routes. I have reached the summit once during my time working on the mountain.