Sikoi's Journey: From a Spark of Curiosity to a Voice for Conservation
I thought my path was set. But then, everything changed. I realized I could choose a different future, one where I could learn and contribute.
Sikoi Rosio
There's a quiet strength in Sikoi's story that resonates far beyond the borders of her village in Narakauwo. It began with a spark. Back in 2013, when African People & Wildlife introduced wildlife clubs to her primary school, something shifted. It wasn't just about learning facts about animals; it was about seeing the interconnectedness of life.
That initial spark, nurtured by our environmental summer camp, grew into a flame. But dreams, particularly for young girls in her community, often face obstacles. A Noloholo Environmental Scholarship became a lifeline, a chance to break free from societal expectations and pursue her education.
"Before the scholarship," Sikoi reflects, "I thought my path was set. But then, everything changed. I realized I could choose a different future, one where I could learn and contribute."
And contribute she did. She pursued a degree in Rangeland Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture, a significant achievement that challenged the norms of her community. After graduating in 2024 and looking to launch her conservation career, she joined our African Women in Conservation Initiative as a mentee. It was there, amidst a community of like-minded women, that she truly found her voice.
"Being a mentee wasn't just about learning new skills," Sikoi shares. "It was about finding my place, understanding how I could use my knowledge to make a difference in my community."
Now, she's a bridge between tradition and progress – sharing her knowledge of sustainable grazing and the delicate balance between human livelihoods and environmental stewardship. She’s also supporting APW’s education team and contributing to community engagement efforts across other programs as a volunteer, equipping new generations of conservation leaders.
On International Women's Day, we celebrate Sikoi's journey and the countless women shaping a more equitable and sustainable world. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, including Lyda Hill Philanthropies, CHASE Africa, and Wildlife Conservation Network's WISE Fund, and to all our supporters, whose commitment makes these stories possible.
And to every woman who continues to forge her own path, we are deeply inspired.
For twenty years, we've witnessed the seeds of potential blossom into powerful voices for change. Sikoi's story reinforces that the future of conservation is about protecting landscapes and nurturing the human spirit. With every environmental scholarship, every conservation mentorship, we're investing in a future where women like Sikoi lead the way and make room for other young leaders to follow.
Read the update to Sikoi’s story and other stories of impact on our website.
