Why Stawi Exists
A Name That Means “To Flourish”
In Swahili, stawi means to flourish. The name reflects a simple belief: every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow and build a meaningful future, whatever their financial circumstances.
Established by the founders of Vion Africa Travel, Stawi na Vion Foundation focuses on vocational education, mentorship, community development and conservation in Tanzania.
Many young people have the determination and ability to succeed, but not the means to pay for vocational training. Stawi focuses on helping to close that gap, in ways that also strengthen communities and protect the natural environment they depend on.
Opportunity for young people
Practical skills, guidance and a route into work or self-employment.
Community wellbeing
Opportunities that reach beyond each individual, into families and communities.
Environmental stewardship
Care for the landscapes and ecosystems that livelihoods depend on.
When people flourish, nature flourishes.
Mission & Vision
What Stawi Works Towards
- Vision
- A future where every young person has the opportunity to develop practical skills, achieve economic independence and become a positive force for their community and the environment.
- Mission
- To provide access to vocational education, mentorship, environmental conservation programmes and sustainable community initiatives that transform lives and protect Tanzania's natural heritage.
What Stawi Focuses On
Four Programme Areas
Vocational Education & Scholarships
Scholarships and educational support for vocational and technical training, for young people who are motivated and capable but can't afford the fees.
Mentorship & Career Development
Guidance from experienced professionals, with mentoring, internships and career support for the move into employment or self-employment.
Community Development
Working alongside local communities on initiatives in education, leadership, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Conservation & Climate Action
Practical environmental work with communities and schools, from tree planting and habitat restoration to clean cooking and recycling.
Conservation & Climate Action in Detail
Climate action should benefit both people and nature. The Foundation's environmental focus includes:
- Indigenous tree planting and habitat restoration
- Community-led conservation projects
- Environmental education for schools and youth groups
- Promoting renewable energy solutions
- Clean cooking initiatives that reduce firewood use and pressure on forests
- Waste reduction and recycling programmes
- Raising awareness of sustainable tourism
These are Stawi's focus areas. Specific projects, partners and results will be shared on this page as they are confirmed, with active programmes and planned initiatives clearly marked.
Vocational Training
Practical Skills for Real Work
Scholarships focus on practical and technical fields that lead to employment or self-employment, from tourism and the trades to technology, agriculture and conservation.
The focus is on young people who are willing, capable and motivated, but unable to afford the opportunity.
Scholarship applications are not taken through this website.
Tourism & Hospitality
Hospitality, safari guiding and culinary arts.
Technical Trades
Automotive, electrical, plumbing, carpentry and welding.
Technology & Enterprise
IT, renewable energy technologies and entrepreneurship.
Land & Conservation
Agriculture and wildlife conservation.
View all 13 training fields
Tourism & Hospitality
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Professional Safari Guiding
- Culinary Arts
Technical Trades
- Automotive Engineering
- Electrical Installation
- Plumbing
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Welding and Fabrication
Technology & Enterprise
- Information Technology
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Entrepreneurship
Land & Conservation
- Agriculture
- Wildlife Conservation
Stawi & Vion Africa Travel
Established by Vion's Founders
Stawi na Vion Foundation was established by the founders of Vion Africa Travel as a long-term commitment to responsible tourism and community impact in Tanzania.
The Foundation is intended to operate independently, with its own mission and governance. It shares values with Vion Africa Travel, including:
- Integrity
- Sustainability
- Respect for nature
- A belief that travel can inspire positive change
Related Experience
The Mto wa Mbu Living Heritage Experience
Spend time with a local family in Mto wa Mbu, beside Lake Manyara National Park, in an experience that reflects Stawi's values.
Get Involved
Work With Stawi
Stawi welcomes conversations with people and organisations who share its goals. Send an enquiry about how you would like to be involved, and the team will follow up.
Educators & training providers
Vocational colleges, schools and trainers who can offer places, courses or expertise.
Employers
Organisations that can mentor students or offer internships and a route into work.
Conservation organisations
Partners in environmental education, habitat restoration and community-led conservation.
Businesses
Companies looking for a long-term partnership or corporate social responsibility initiative.
Supporters
Individuals and charitable organisations who want to help create opportunities for young people.
Enquiries are sent through the Vion Africa Travel contact form.