Programs
Children's Education
To Return's primary focus is education. We support the children of porters and guides on Mt. Kilimanjaro with education scholarships to attend high-quality local schools.
We pair sponsors with students to fund the cost of a child’s education. Tuition, room, board, transportation, books, and uniforms are included in each scholarship.
Scholarships are overseen by our director of operations, Joel Saio, in Tanzania who visits with families, schools, and students throughout the year.
We currently support 16 students in secondary school through university. Our commitment to these students is to support their education through university. Our students are studying to be pharmacists, doctors, lawyers, accountants, and community leaders.
Support education in Tanzania with To Return! A one-time donation goes a long way in our small, volunteer-based organization. Or, join our group of dedicated sponsors who contribute annually to a student.
Gear for Mt. Kilimanjaro Porters & Guides
Porters and guides on Mt. Kilimanjaro are an integral part of every climb. From carrying heavy loads of food, equipment, and personal gear for climbers to setting up camp, cooking, and much more, they are there every step of the way.
We support porters and guides with new or gently used mountain gear donations. We collect the gear, transport it to Tanzania and distribute it directly to porters.
Continuing Education for Porters
To Return organizes and supports continuing education opportunities for porters and guides on Kilimanjaro.
Via our partnership with Sentinel Outdoor Institute, annual wilderness first aid and leave no trace courses are held in Arusha, Tanzania. This training not only strengthens local participants' employment prospects but also provides them with valuable skills to act as leaders with their own staff and coworkers, extending a level of medical care and environmental stewardship not typically seen on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Our goal is to improve safety on the mountain for porters, guides, and their customers. We also seek to train stewards of the mountain via the Leave No Trace education.
Get involved! Support children's education in Tanzania and support Mt. Kilimanjaro porters. To Return is a 501 C 3, nonprofit organization.
"Thanks for giving my daughter a good education. I am so happy and proud of her and your organization. She will complete her primary education this year." ~ Rayson, Father of a To Return Scholarship Recipient