Girls to Women

22/07/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Natalija von Gaisberg

We are excited to welcome Natalija von Gaisberg to the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers Programme 2026 at Lamu Old Town.

With a background in international philanthropy, fundraising, and partnerships, Natalija brings a strong passion for cultural heritage and global cooperation. Her fascination with historic places, architecture, and the stories they carry continues to inspire her commitment to preserving identity and history for future generations.

Through the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers Initiative, she looks forward to contributing to the conservation of Lamu Old Town while learning from the rich knowledge and traditions of the local community.

We are proud to have her as part of the WHV 2026 family.

18/07/2026

The Maasai Mara Osero World Heritage Volunteers Program 2026 has officially kicked off with a successful and inspiring tree planting activity. Volunteers from across Kenya and around the world came together to plant and water trees, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental conservation and restoration. The activity, led by Mr. Chesa, marked a powerful start focused on sustainability, teamwork, and protecting our natural heritage.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our hosts Kenya Voluntary Service Organization KVSO Kenya, Mara Osero Camp, and Uhai Africa for their incredible support and hospitality. Congratulations to all our national and international volunteers for turning up in large numbers and making the launch a success. This is just the beginning of an impactful journey toward conservation, cultural exchange, and community empowerment.

ClimateAction

17/07/2026

Last week, we successfully held a Heritage Expert Training for County officials, Technical Officers, and Heritage Practitioners in Tana River County.

The two-day training brought together officers and community members within the Culture and Heritage sector, creating a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and strengthening collaboration. This initiative is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers Program 2026 for the Tana Delta and Forests Complex, reinforcing our shared commitment to safeguarding heritage while empowering local communities.

To conclude the training, participants visited Songambele Cultural Village in Hola, where they experienced and practiced Orma culture as a form of practical learning and cultural immersion.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the County Government of Tana River for their strong support and partnership in making this training a success.

Together, we continue working on the future through culture, community, and heritage.

17/07/2026

Big Shout Out to Our World Heritage Volunteers 2026

The World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the most vibrant and impactful yet, bringing together passionate individuals committed to preserving and promoting our shared cultural and natural heritage.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome Martina Turati, an accomplished photojournalist, to our team. Martina will play a key role in documenting our journey, capturing powerful stories and moments from the field. Her work will span across some of Kenya’s most treasured heritage landscapes, including the Coastal Forests of Arabuko, the Tana Delta and Forests Complex, and will culminate in the iconic Lamu Old Town Action Camp.

Our journey will reach its grand finale in December during the Lamu Cultural Festival, where culture, history, and community come together in celebration.

Martina will be working alongside our dedicated Director of Photography, Ahmed Bwana, as well as Omar Gavava, Zuheir, and a strong team of committed volunteers and community actors. Together, they will engage in meaningful community action, storytelling, conservation efforts, and heritage preservation initiatives across the Coast region.

This year’s edition is more than just a program, it is a movement. A movement driven by youth, powered by community, and guided by a shared vision for sustainable heritage management.

Indeed, WHV 2026 is a boom, a dynamic convergence of energy, creativity, and purpose.

Join us as we continue “Working on the Future”, empowering communities, protecting heritage, and inspiring the next generation of custodians.

Let’s meet at the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers 2026.

02/07/2026

06/06/2026

Today, the Malindi Watamu Arabuko Sokoke Biosphere Reserve MWAS MAB Youth Network commemorated the Pre World Oceans Day at Dhahabu Village, bringing together community members, conservation partners, and local leaders in a powerful show of environmental stewardship.

The event, organized under the We Love Mambrui Consortium and hosted by Dhahabu Village in collaboration with Coast Design and Build, focused on restoring and protecting coastal ecosystems. Participants actively engaged in plastic waste collection along the shoreline, reinforcing the urgent need to combat marine pollution.

The event also featured inspiring remarks from dignitaries, including Mr. Daniel and Samson from the Tourist Police Unit Malindi Sub County Headquarters, and Sarah Chentofanti from Coast Design and Build, who emphasized the importance of community-led conservation efforts.

Aligned with this year’s World Oceans Day theme, “Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean and Climate,” the commemoration highlighted the critical role of local communities especially women and men as frontline foot soldiers in safeguarding marine and coastal resources.

The gathering underscored collective responsibility in building climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods within the biosphere. Through unity, awareness, and action, the MWAS MAB Youth Network continues to champion environmental protection and inspire grassroots movements for a cleaner, healthier ocean.

04/06/2026

Together with visionary leaders and dedicated organizations, we are proud to celebrate a significant milestone in the pre-commemoration of in Kilifi County, ahead of the global celebrations.

The MWAS MAB Youth Network led by Malindi Municipality, Onemilliontrees4kilifi , Shella Environmental Youth Org. SAEJO , Dhahabu Village, Coast Design and Build, and Girls to Women Foundation has taken a bold step in advancing environmental conservation and climate action.

This impactful commemoration was held within the Malindi Watamu Arabuko Sokoke Biosphere Reserve at SAMAHCO Eco Camp, located in the transition zone of this globally recognized ecosystem. In a powerful demonstration of commitment, over 6,000 mangrove seedlings were planted, including Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, and Bruguiera species critical for coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

This initiative aligns with the momentum from the recently concluded Global MAB Youth Forum in Italy and reflects the aspirations of the Hangzhou Report, reinforcing the role of youth-led action in safeguarding our planet.

As we move closer to the main World Environment Day celebrations, this milestone stands as a testament to the power of partnerships, community engagement, and sustainable action in protecting our natural heritage.



Sara Centofanti

04/06/2026

29/05/2026

When men take the lead in menstrual hygiene discussions, it plays a powerful role in breaking long-standing taboos and normalizing conversations around menstruation in families, schools, and communities. Their involvement helps create an environment where girls and women feel safe, respected, and supported rather than ashamed or silenced.

This shared responsibility fosters confidence and dignity among girls, ensuring they can manage their menstrual health with understanding and access to the right information and resources. Ultimately, inclusive dialogue strengthens community awareness and promotes gender equality in health education.

We are proud of the boys in Mpirani school for standing out as we mark the

Every girl. Every Period. Every Day.