EPI Youth Ambassadors Programme
Empowering Young Voices for Elephant Conservation
The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation Youth Ambassadors volunteer programme empowers passionate young people (ages 13–30) to become visible advocates for elephants and their habitats. EPI ambassadors advocate for elephant conservation while driving awareness and action within their schools, communities, and online platforms.
How It Works
Nominations
Candidates are nominated by representatives from EPI member states, EPI Foundation board members, or the EPI Foundation team (with future nominations open to the Friends of Elephants community)
Appointments
Selected by the Chair of the EPI Foundation Board based upon the recommendation from the CEO of the EPI Foundation.
The Volunteer Role:
What Youth Ambassadors Do
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Advocate for elephant protection on social media, at schools/universities, and community events.
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Participate in EPI awareness campaigns, including videos, films, and digital content.
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Mobilize peers to support or lead conservation initiatives.
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Supporting fundraising for the EPI.
To keep the programme meaningful and active, ambassadors are asked to:
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Take part in at least two EPI activities or campaigns each year.
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Join a short annual check-in with the EPI team.
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Represent EPI positively and respectfully in public and online.
Term: Three years (renewable annually). There is no regular weekly commitment and ambassadors may step back or pause the role at any time.
Why Join?
Becoming an EPI Youth Ambassador is simple and accessible. Whether you’re already active in conservation or just beginning your journey, we welcome passionate young people from all backgrounds.
As an EPI Youth Ambassador, you will enjoy the following benefits:
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Official recognition with a signed EPI appointment certificate.
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Connect with conservation leaders across Africa and globally.
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Annual online training in conservation storytelling, leadership, and advocacy.
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A platform to share your ideas and inspire others to act for elephants.
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Opportunities to contribute to youth-led campaigns
Potential for spotlight features on EPI social media. -
A great opportunity to do good.
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It's free!
How to Join
You can nominate yourself or others via the form on the EPI website including:
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A personal statement and summary of the nominee's contributions to conservation.
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At least one supporting reference (plus parental/guardian approval if under 18).
Selected nominees will be invited to join the inaugural cohort of EPI Youth Ambassadors.
Youth Ambassadors 2026 -2029
Nigeria
Adelakun Kabir
Adelakun is an early-career conservation scientist and science educator from Nigeria, he has an interdisciplinary background in biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and community-based sustainability. His work focuses on human–wildlife conflict, carnivore and large mammal ecology, and bridging science, policy, and practice, with field experience across communal landscapes and protected areas in Nigeria.
Kenya
Angela Wamalwa
Agnes Wamalwa is a Marine Resource Management student at the Technical University of Mombasa and a passionate environmental advocate. She is actively involved in community-based conservation through beach clean-ups, environmental education for primary school children, and volunteering with conservation initiatives along the coast.
Kenya
David Lekoloi
David is a Kenyan conservationist and criminal justice professional from Samburu County, Northern Kenya, currently pursuing an MSc in International Criminal Justice and Intelligence at University of Portsmouth. David volunteered as a primary school tutor through a program by Save the Elephants and later worked as a wildlife justice assistant at Space for Giants, monitoring illegal wildlife trade cases in Kenyan courts.
The Gambia
Ebrima Jonga
Ebrima Jonga is a Wildlife Ranger and conservationist with the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management in The Gambia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia, and has practical experience in wildlife conservation, law enforcement support, and community engagement. Ebrima has participated in regional and international trainings on CITES and wildlife crime investigation, and he is passionate about empowering young people to advocate for elephant conservation and the protection of Africa’s natural heritage.
Nigeria
Emmanuel Ekere Nsikak
Emmanuel is a strategic communications expert leading climate justice advocacy, sustainable development, and youth transformation. Recognized for orchestrating impactful initiatives that elevate multistakeholder engagement, policy alignment, climate diplomacy and international cooperation.
Kenya
Irene Kimeu
Irene Kimeu is a Kenyan environmental advocate with a background in Meteorology and a strong interest in climate change, ecosystem protection, and wildlife conservation. She is passionate about engaging young people and communities on the link between healthy ecosystems, elephant conservation, and sustainable coexistence between people and nature.
Nigeria
Ifeanyichukwu Ojo
Ifeanyichukwu Ojo is an IT professional, Web Developer and environmental advocate with a strong passion for wildlife conservation and sustainability. He is particularly interested in using digital tools, storytelling, and youth engagement to promote awareness around elephant protection, biodiversity conservation, and responsible environmental practices across local and online communities.
Kenya
James Kanyi
James is a Kenyan procurement diploma graduate currently pursuing a degree in Business Management and Leadership (Procurement) at the Management University of Africa. A dedicated wildlife enthusiast with a deep appreciation for biodiversity, he is committed to advancing conservation through responsible and sustainable procurement practices.
Kenya
John Kelvin Mzey
John Kelvin Mzey is a youth advocate and operations professional with over eight years of experience in logistics, coordination, and systems management within the FMCG sector. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation and is deeply passionate about community development, youth empowerment, and sustainable public health initiatives.
Kenya
Kevin Otieno Onyango
Kevin Otieno Onyango is a Kenyan creative passionate about environmental conservation and youth leadership. He holds a certificate in News Production, where he developed strong skills in storytelling, media communication, and content creation tools he now uses to raise awareness of social and environmental issues. Kevin believes youth-led communication is vital to protecting wildlife and fostering sustainable coexistence between communities and nature.
Switzerland
Meline Klopfenstein
Meline is a Swiss PhD student focused on improving coexistence between people and wildlife, particularly elephants. Her research and field experience in Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, and Switzerland have strengthened her commitment to science-based, community-grounded conservation. She currently studies human–elephant interactions in tourism settings, aiming to better understand their behavioural and welfare implications.
Kenya
Rebecca Afwandi
A logistics and procurement professional with a strong passion for sustainable travel and wildlife conservation, Rebecca is inspired by a lifelong love for nature and African safaris. Deeply committed to protecting elephants and preserving their habitats, she advocates for awareness, community engagement, and collective action to ensure wildlife is safeguarded for future generations.
Kenya
Samuel Lekato
Samuel is a Kenyan conservationist from the Maasai community in Southern Kenya. Passionate about conservation, wildlife protection, sustainable development, and climate justice, Samuel has hands-on experience addressing human–elephant conflict. Growing up just 10 meters from a national park, he is committed to finding practical solutions that allow communities to coexist harmoniously with nature and wildlife.
Kenya
Sarafina Sironka
Sarafina is an emerging conservation leader dedicated to protecting wildlife and empowering communities to coexist sustainably with nature. As a Senior Project Officer with the Mara Elephant Project, she works on elephant monitoring, conflict mitigation, and innovative tools such as drone technology for conservation. She has also volunteered in primate research, education programs, and reforestation initiatives along the Kenyan coast.
Zimbabwe
Tadiwanashe Mupunga
Tadiwanashe is a 22-year-old Zimbabwean conservationist passionate about the protection of flora and fauna. He is currently in his final year pursuing a BSc in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at Chinhoyi University of Technology. His research focuses on human–wildlife conflict in the Nyami Nyami Rural District, an area bordering Matusadona National Park, where he examines the challenges of coexistence between local communities and wildlife.
Zimbabwe
Victor Badza
Victor Adrian Badza is a dedicated GIS Ecologist and Researcher with a robust background in Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation from the University of Zimbabwe. Currently serving as a GIS Ecologist Intern at the Sengwa Wildlife Research Institute under ZIMPARKS, he specializes in species distribution modelling, habitat suitability assessments, and advanced spatial data analysis to support biodiversity conservation.
“Conservation is a generational mandate.
The results of our efforts today will only last if the youth continue the work tomorrow. The Youth Ambassadors Programme ensures that young voices are not just heard but are leading the call to protect elephants for future generations.”
John E. Scanlon AO, CEO,
Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation