From 50 Members to a Whole School Movement: The KUZITA Approach Inspiring the Next Generation of Lake Tanganyika Champions

When SMART YOUTH introduced the KUZITA (Klabu ya Uhifadhi wa Ziwa Tanganyika) approach in three secondary schools around Lake Tanganyika, the idea was simple: create a small group of young conservation champions who could inspire others.

The initiative, implemented through the Youth and Women-Led Behavior Change for Sustainable Fisheries project with support from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), initially targeted 50 students and 7 leaders in each school. The approach was introduced in three project schools: Kirando Secondary School, Kipili Secondary School and Usesula Secondary School.

The selected students formed the first KUZITA committees and leadership teams, receiving support to promote messages on environmental conservation, sustainable fisheries and the protection of Lake Tanganyika.

At the beginning, KUZITA was expected to function like many other school clubs with a limited number of members representing the wider student population.

But something unexpected happened.

• As KUZITA activities began, students became increasingly interested in the club. Through peer learning, environmental discussions, creative presentations, sports, songs and student-led awareness sessions, KUZITA members inspired their fellow students.
• Their confidence, leadership and passion for protecting Lake Tanganyika attracted attention across the schools.
• Within a few months, many students who were not originally selected began asking the same question:

“Why can’t we also be part of KUZITA?”

• Students wanted to participate, learn and become ambassadors for conservation.
• This growing interest led to an important change in the KUZITA approach.
• Instead of limiting membership to 50 students, the schools and project team agreed on a new vision:

Every student is a KUZITA member.

• Today, every student in the three schools is considered part of KUZITA and encouraged to advocate for issues related to Lake Tanganyika conservation, sustainable fisheries and environmental protection.
• The original 50 students continue to serve as the KUZITA Committee, while the 7 elected students remain the club leaders, helping coordinate activities and guide their fellow students.
• This transformation has turned KUZITA from a school club into a school-wide movement for conservation.

According to Ms. Leah, a school coordinator supporting KUZITA:

“We expected KUZITA to involve only a small number of students, but what we have seen is different. Students are motivating one another, and conservation messages are spreading naturally among their peers. Today, KUZITA belongs to the whole school.”

Ms. Mwajuma, another school coordinator, also reflects on the change:

“The most inspiring thing is seeing students take ownership of conservation issues. They are discussing the future of Lake Tanganyika, encouraging their friends and becoming ambassadors not only at school but also in their homes and communities.”

The KUZITA experience shows that young people are not only learners—they are leaders, communicators and agents of change.

• When given opportunities, responsibility and space to lead, students can influence not only their schools but also their families and communities.
• By expanding membership from 50 selected students to every student in the school, KUZITA has created a stronger platform for long-term behavior change and environmental stewardship.
• The approach recognizes that protecting Lake Tanganyika is not the responsibility of a few individuals.

It is a shared responsibility.

And through KUZITA, a new generation is growing up with a simple but powerful understanding:

Our Lake. Our Fish. Our Future.

KUZITA: Building the Next Generation of Lake Tanganyika Conservation Champions.

Implemented by SMART YOUTH through the Youth and Women-Led Behavior Change for Sustainable Fisheries project, with support from The Nature Conservancy (TNC).y.