A Year in Review: 2026
Our Goals for 2026
We started the year with a clear and focused target: support 5 porters and guides through training, gear, and educational opportunities. As you'll see below, we're proud of the progress we made toward that goal — and grateful for the support that made it possible.
We’ve also learned so much. Like, how to set up donations with corporate partners so their employees can make donations through their employee portals, and filing all the right paperwork for our taxes as a 501(c)3. It’s been an amazing journey that we hope to continue.
Gear Drive: Delivered gear to KPAP in June
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we ran another successful gear drive in May and June. Warm jackets, sturdy boots, gloves, and other essential mountain gear were collected and prepared for distribution to the porters who need it most. Anyone who has spent time on Kilimanjaro knows how quickly conditions can change as you climb — proper gear isn't a luxury for porters, it's a matter of safety. We're thankful to everyone who donated and helped make this drive a success. And we are so grateful to be able to continue to support the rental shop that the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) provides to porters. This store allows porters to rent quality gear at no cost, ensuring more porters are properly outfitted for the mountain regardless of their financial situation.
George Completes WFR Training
In April, our guide representative, George completed his Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training. This certification is one of the most valuable skills a guide can carry on the mountain, giving him the knowledge and confidence to respond to medical emergencies in remote, high-altitude environments. Having George trained and certified strengthens the safety net for every team he leads — and for the broader guiding community he represents.
Meeting with porters in Tanzania
In July, we returned to Tanzania — a trip I look forward to every year. We reconnected with the guides and porters we've supported in past years, hearing firsthand how the training, gear, and grants have made a difference in their careers and lives. It's always a highlight to sit down with them, share a meal, and hear their stories.
While we were there, we also met with all of our new 2026 applicants — the next group of porters we'll be supporting with educational grants. This November, they'll head to Mweka College for mountain guide training, a career-defining opportunity that will open doors for them long after they leave the classroom. We can't wait to share updates on their progress later this year.
Here’s a look at the porters and guides we have or will be supporting:
2024 - George M., Chriss, Enock, Jackson, Nickson
2025 - Asnati, Joshua, Bariki, Esther R.
2026 - Faraja, Cathbert, Emmanuel, Samwel, Fred
Looking Ahead
2026 has been a year of steady, meaningful progress — new training completed, partnerships strengthened, and new applicants ready to take the next step in their careers. We're grateful to everyone who has supported Project Rudisha this year, whether through donations, gear, or simply spreading the word about the work we do.
As we look toward November and our applicants' time at Mweka College, we'll keep you updated on their journey. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping us support the incredible porters and guides who make every Kilimanjaro climb possible.
Want to support Project Rudisha's work? Reach out to learn how you can help with our next gear drive, donate toward educational grants, or get involved in other ways.