our story
Rudisha means “give back” in Swahili
With scholarships, need-based grants and gear drives, our vision is to empower guides and porters in East Africa while supporting their local economy. With greater access to advanced education, these guides and porters will be able to support their needs and those of their families, creating a ripple effect throughout the region.
Climbing higher
THE BIRTH OF PROJECT RUDISHA
In January 2024, our group, the Nguvu 11 ("The Strong 11"), summited Mount Kilimanjaro. While reaching the top was unforgettable, what impacted us most were the guides and porters who made it possible—carrying food, water, tents, and supplies every step of the way.
As we got to know them, we learned many dreamed of attending safari guide school, but the cost of tuition made it years out of reach. Realizing our ability to assist could change the trajectory of their lives, we launched Project Rudisha. In 2024, thanks to the generosity of friends and family, we funded scholarships for five guides, helping them enroll in school or support their families.
In July 2025, we returned to Tanzania and spoke to new porters and guides that we will support this year with educational grants. And we are excited to announce that we received our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, so donors can deduct the contributions they make.
Behind the journey
Porters typically carry approximately 25kg or nearly 60lbs of weight on each daily trek. 15kg is the weight limit for bags carried for clients
Most of the gear used by guides, porters and cooks on the mountain has either been donated, left behind, or purchased used
The average number of years a porter can work on the mountain due to the physical nature of the work is 8 to 10 years
Although the Tanzanian government has established a minimum wage, actual salaries can vary significantly—some workers earn as little as 10,000 TSH (approximately $3.73 USD) per day
Many porters receive only one or two meals a day during a climb
Data from primary sources: Mt Kilimanjaro Porters and Guides; Data from secondary sources: www.kiliporters.org
2025 Accomplishments
It’s wonderful to follow up with the guides we supported in 2024 and see the progress they have made toward reaching their goal of being a safari guide. George and Nick are entering their second year of school, and each is committed to graduating next year. Enock is still mountain guiding, but was able to purchase chickens to support him and his family.
In July, we were able to bring additional gear to Tanzania to give to more porters and guides. We also met with four new porters and guides to whom we will provide educational grants this year. They will each attend the mountain guide school at Mweka College or a safari school in Arusha.
And we are very excited that we received our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status!
The year ahead
Here is an update of the things to come for the rest of 2025:
With our 501(c)(3) status approved, we will begin to fundraise in earnest. Our goal is to raise over $5,000 to provide educational grants. A $20 donation can fund a month of English lessons and $400 can send a porter to mountain guide school at Mweka College.
Gear Drive - We are planning a gear drive in December - this lightly used gear will be donated to an organization in Moshi to support the porters with hiking boots, jackets, hiking pants, gloves and other essential gear.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Project Rudisha in 2024 and 2025 - we are so grateful.