Utalii na Maisha :Social Corporate Responsibility Wins Tour Operator Kudos

By ADAM IHUCHA -- Tanzania government has praised Kibo Guides and Tanganyika Wilderness Camps as prime examples of tour companies in Tanzania that put the social corporate responsibility at the core.

In a country where SCR is a rare phenomenon, the two firms have made a record lifespan commitment to support the Emusoi Centre, known as a pastoralist girls’ safe haven, Tsh 100 million annually, as part of their SCR.

The two firms owned by Tanzania’s renowned tour operator and philanthropist, Mr Willy Chambulo.

Arusha Regional Commissioner Felix Ntibenda commended the owner of the tour companies, Mr Chambulo for putting the SCR at the core of his companies.

“I can safely say that Mr. Chambulo is an exemplary investor who has been generously giving back to the community in various areas where he operates” Mr Ntibenda said.

The two companies management chosen to support Emusoi with 350 pastoralist girls who had to flee from their homes to escape premature marriages under its patronage.

“This commitment will continue for the rest of my company’s lifespan,” Mr. Chambulo vowed during the eve of Easter where he offered the first installment of nearly Tsh 20 million to the Emusoi in a bid to settle school fees for the girls.

Mr. Chambullo who is also the Chairman of Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), said he believes that they have a responsibility to "give back" to society.

“My socially responsible companies see to it that this consciousness permeates everything they do in a bid to advance goodwill, while building sustainable and impressive businesses” Mr Chambulo explained.

Moving a vote of thanks, the Emusoi Centre head, Sister Mary Vertucci, was grateful for the support, saying the package will benefit nearly 350 young girls from pastoralists under their support.

“I’ve been moved by the generosity extended by our neighbor, Mr. Chambulo; it has come at an opportune moment and will go along way to meet the current school fees for the girls,” Sister Verttucci explained.

Emusoi Centre is a safe and supportive place that seeks to provide and facilitate opportunities for education for secondary school age Maasai girls, to enable each to become aware of her potential and worth as a person, and to realize the value of education for themselves and their community.

Since its inception in 1999, Emusoi had supported over 1,500 maasai girls to get secondary to university level.