From the Classroom to the Field: Helena’s Journey in Wildlife Management

Helena is thriving in her first year at the Mweka College of African Wildlife Management, where she’s pursuing a degree in Wildlife Management with support from Make A Difference Now and her sponsors.

 This semester, she had the opportunity to go on a field safari—a requirement for her program that not all students were able to attend.

“I thank God for the blessings and this gift of life, and I thank Make A Difference Now and my family for helping me to succeed in this journey. We finished paying my first-year fees, which allowed me to go on the field safari trip. If you hadn’t paid the full amount, you weren’t allowed to go.”

The experience gave Helena a deeper understanding of conservation, animal behavior, and ecosystems—bringing her coursework to life in a powerful and unforgettable way.

“This trip helped me understand more about conservation and my studies in Wildlife Management. I am so happy and proud!”

One of her favorite courses is Vertebrate and Plant Identification, and she has joined a student club focused on plant and mammal identification. She is also gaining practical experience by volunteering at a mountain and safari equipment rental company, building the skills she’ll need in her future career.

“This degree is very marketable. When I graduate, I really want to help my country boost tourism and improve my community’s income.”

Helena’s dedication, combined with the support she’s received from MAD, is setting her on a path to make a meaningful difference—in her field, and in her community.