Meet George: Guide & Project Rudisha Representative
Meet George Gaspa, a professional mountain guide from the Arusha region of Tanzania. Our journey with George began in January 2024, when he helped lead the Nguvu 11 to the roof of Africa. As one of our guides, George didn't just help lead the way; he worked tirelessly to ensure every member of our team had a safe, meaningful experience.
George on the trail to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
Ultimately, we all reached the summit successfully. We were so moved by George’s leadership and heart that when we formed Project Rudisha, we knew he belonged on our board. Today, George helps us bridge the gap between our mission and the guides and porters working on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Journey to the Peaks
As the eldest of four children, George has always been driven by a responsibility to support his family. While he originally dreamed of taking to the skies as a pilot, life took a different turn. Following the passing of his mother and the onset of financial hardships, George pivoted from the cockpit to the mountainside.
From "Plan B" to a Lifelong Passion
What began as a necessity has transformed into a source of immense pride. Though he initially questioned this path, George has developed a deep love for the mountain. For George, the mountain offers:
The Serenity of Nature: Finding peace in the quiet majesty of the Alpine desert and summit glaciers.
Facilitating Dreams: Guiding climbers to the peak and witnessing their emotional triumph—often a goal they once thought impossible.
Global Connections: Building lasting friendships with people from every corner of the world.
Looking Forward: The Transition to Safari
George is a realist; he knows that mountain guiding is physically grueling and that a career on the slopes cannot last forever. To ensure a sustainable future for his family and his health, George is currently attending professional tour guide school to become a safari guide. This transition allows him to continue sharing the wonders of Tanzania while transitioning into a role with greater longevity.
Giving Back: George’s Impact at Project Rudisha
George serves as our eyes and ears on the ground. He is more than a board member; he is a vital link to the mountain community, identifying hardworking individuals who lack the resources to take the next step in their careers.
He has already seen this impact firsthand:
Bariki James Success: George identified Bariki, a dedicated porter, and helped him transition to a mountain guiding role. With support from Project Rudisha, Bahriki recently secured his official mountain guiding license and a position for the upcoming season.
Asnati’s Ambition: George recognized that the primary barrier for many porters is language. This year, he helped Asnati begin English classes. These skills are the "key" to entering professional guiding colleges, allowing her to move from carrying loads to leading expeditions.
A Vision for the Future
George believes the next great hurdle for aspiring guides is the language barrier. Many porters know every rock and trail on Kilimanjaro by heart but lack the English proficiency required for professional certification.
By investing in language literacy, George hopes to see Project Rudisha empower more porters to become guides. Through his dedication to his own studies and his commitment to his peers, George embodies the spirit of "paying it forward" that defines our organization.
How You Can Help
Meet George - Project Rudisha guide representative
Inspired by George’s mission? Your donations directly fund English classes ($20 = 1 month of classes) and mountain guiding licenses (~$400 = full tuition for mountain guide certification) that change lives for the Tanzanian mountain community. Donate.