Umzi Wethu selects and qualifies vulnerable youth, impacted by AIDS and other causes, for eco-tourism jobs through training scholarships and effective partnerships with game reserves and parks. The holistic program trains, nurtures and equips its students through a comprehensive intervention including certified hospitality training, internships, mentoring and wellness skills. Umzi Wethu is empowered by an environmental ethic, and introduces the healing qualities of nature to support long-term health, self esteem, employ-ability and personal growth.
Umzi Wethu provides more than national standard training and care. Graduates are guaranteed jobs…something provided by few other programs for orphaned and disadvantaged youth. Even further, we bring innovation to this field, based on our 50 years of experience providing experiential wilderness programs in wild areas of South Africa. Every Umzi learner - regardless of their specialty training - spends at least five days every two month “on trail.” Learners spend almost 15% of their training time in a wilderness setting. The program matches the motto - Nature, Nurture, Future.

Read more about Umzi Wethu at wild.org