Chipembele’s work reaches deep into local communities. The organisation offers scholarships for vulnerable students and provides extra support and encouragement for girls to remain in school and pursue careers in conservation. A shining example is Thandiwe Mweetwa, whose journey from a rural Zambian village to international conservation leadership is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of Chipembele’s programmes. Orphaned in her early teens, she found inspiration and purpose at the Chipembele’s Wildlife Education Centre along the banks of the Luangwa River, where her passion for wildlife was nurtured. With Chipembele’s support, she excelled academically, earning top national exam results.
Thandiwe is a decorated scientist and inspiring role model to many.
She went on to pursue an International Baccalaureate in the UK, a BSc in Applied Biology from the University of British Columbia and an MSc at the University of Arizona focussed on lion populations in South Luangwa, all of which cemented her commitment to conservation. During her many years of working for the Zambia Carnivore Programme she established a Women in Conservation programme, encouraging and supporting other Zambian women and girls to pursue careers in conservation. Now a Chipembele Trustee, Thandiwe is a decorated scientist and inspiring role model to many.
Climate change is already reshaping life in Zambia, where droughts are becoming longer and more frequent, and floods are more erratic. In response, Chipembele has trained young “climate ambassadors” who lead school and community campaigns to promote resilience and awareness.
This year’s environmental campaign, “Climate Action for South Luangwa Now!” brought together hundreds of students for clean-ups, tree planting and school debates, culminating in a high-energy community celebration event featuring dramas, songs and poetry about the planet’s changing climate.
Chipembele students understand that saving wildlife is not separate from saving ourselves — it’s about safeguarding our shared future.
In an era when conservation challenges often dominate the headlines — from poaching to climate disruption — Chipembele offers a story of optimism, vibrancy and hope.
By empowering children to understand and care for their environment, Chipembele is doing more than conserving Zambia’s wildlife. It is shaping the future stewards of one of Africa’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Three of those stewards—Samson, Thandiwe and Henry — now feature in Kingdom, their journeys a powerful reflection of Chipembele’s enduring impact. From curious students to conservation leaders, their stories embody the promise of a new generation safeguarding Zambia’s wild heritage.