Meet Raabia Hawa
How did you get into wildlife conservation?
Over 10 years ago I went through a situation and I thought to myself that I need to do something about conservation. I had a friend who knew someone at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), so I turned up at the Headquarters and told them I wanted to be part of KWS and I would do anything that was needed, so I started out by volunteering my time and cleaning animal dung at the orphanage, in the same boots that I am wearing today. I began patrolling in Tsavo and it was a terrifying beginning to be sleeping out in the bush and being the only young girl with eleven male rangers. The rangers had such support for me, encouraged me and looked after me that I knew these were good people and I was safe with them, they would put their lives in front of mine as I would for them.
Tell us about the Ulinzi Foundation.
In 2012 there was an incident in Tsavo where two of my ranger friends were shot and one died, this deeply affected me and when I was talking to people about this I was belittled – what is the importance of the rangers many asked, and it struck deeply that people do not know what sacrifices a ranger has to make. The dedication and passion that the person must have to put everything and their life at risk to protect our wildlife, on the front lines day in and day out. Rangers face threats every day,from armed poachers, the wildlife they are trying to protect and illnesses out in the bush. The sacrifice these people make to earn less than $40.00 a month in return. This is not how rangers should be treated and I refused to tolerate this – thus the beginning of the Ulinzi Foundation and Walk with Rangers.
I want to be the beacon of change for the treatment of rangers. I want to see other organizations treating their rangers better.
What does ‘Ulinzi’ Mean?
What is Walk with Rangers?
The Walk with Rangers program was took place for the first time last year – a 15 day walk from Arusha to Nairobi. We decided to do this to create awareness for the people so they could experience the challenges of a ranger. During the walk we had a few people join us to understand the life of a ranger in real life, from pitching up for the night sleeping in the wilderness to tracking animals, to interacting with the locals.
For more information visit the Walk With Rangers Website
You have dedicated your time to conserve Kipini in the Tana Delta – Why?
So why is it that people don’t want to fund conservation in Kipini?
Most of the funding which goes into conservation goes to what I call the golden parks – parks that are well known and that have programs in place, they feel that they will have more success with their funding there.
What is my definition of success? If I can catch a poacher or remove a snare I have saved an animal or five that day – that is success for me.
I want to be the person who overcomes the social barrier and bring conservation to the forgotten places, such as Kipini. These remote regions so rich in biodiversity but marred in tension and steep challenges, thereby rendering them cut off from any support.
What help does the Ulinzi Foundation need?
About the Ulinzi Africa Foundation / Walk with Rangers Program.
Raabia Hawa has been a dear friend of mine for a few years, she has a passion to save as much wildlife as she can. She believes that everyone’s efforts make a difference, small or large. Raabia’s focus is to bring awareness to Rangers and the life of a ranger. Rangers are the protectors of our precious wildlife. They are the wildlife’s first line of defence. They live out in the bushes, patrolling the areas and wildlife on a daily basis. They live with the most basic requirements, barely having the tools to do their job efficiently yet they manage with what they have and on the most basic of salaries.
Raabia has an awesome program every July / August called “Walk with Rangers” it’s a unique opportunity for you to experience the life of a ranger – living like a ranger, going on patrols and much more. Everyone that has participated in the program in the past has come out enlightened and having a life changing experience. This year’s Walk with Rangers registration is open, I believe it’s a unique opportunity for you participate in.
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