Programs & Field Activities
Official charter and progressive pathways of the Girls in Tourism Association - Africa (GITA-Africa).
Active Projects & Field Initiatives
Explore our grassroots programs, community health drives, youth academies, and wildlife conservation activities spearheaded across African communities.
Tourism Education Programme (TEP)
Introducing young people to tourism, culture, conservation, and industry pathways from primary school to tertiary levels.
Pads in Place — Menstrual Health Drive
Providing sanitary products and menstrual hygiene education to ensure vulnerable girls stay in school and active in tourism.
Girls for Wildlife & Conservation
Deploying trained female community rangers, planting 50,000+ trees, and auditing eco-lodge sustainability.
GITA-Africa Tourism Academy
Practical masterclasses in digital marketing, tour guiding, itinerary planning, and tourism entrepreneurship across 13 countries.
TOURISM EDUCATION PROGRAMME (TEP)
Building Tourism Awareness, Knowledge and Pathways from an Early Age
The Tourism Education Programme (TEP) is GITA-Africa's education-focused project designed to introduce young people to tourism, culture, heritage, conservation and the opportunities within the tourism industry.
We believe that meaningful participation in tourism begins with awareness. Young people need to understand tourism early, see themselves within the sector and have access to information that helps them make informed decisions about their education and careers.
TEP therefore creates opportunities for young people to encounter tourism beyond the classroom through education, career guidance, practical exposure, mentorship and interaction with people working in the industry.
The programme follows a progressive pathway that grows with the young person. Beginning with foundation at primary level, direction at secondary level, development at university and tertiary level, and advancement for those entering or already within the workforce.
Progressive Stages of TEP
Primary School - Foundation Stage
At primary level, TEP focuses on creating an early understanding of tourism and its importance. Activities may introduce children to tourism, culture, heritage, wildlife, conservation, patriotism and the possibilities that exist within the tourism sector. The aim is to build curiosity, appreciation and awareness from an early age.
Secondary School - Direction Stage
At secondary level, the programme helps young people begin understanding tourism as a potential career and area of opportunity. Engagements will go through tourism, wildlife, conservation and other relevant clubs. We will take part in career guidance, tourism talks, quizzes, conferences, career fares. Exposure to tourism professionals and educational experiences that help students discover different pathways within the industry.
University & Tertiary - Development Stage
At university and tertiary level, TEP focuses on connecting students more closely to the tourism industry. This includes practical exposure, workshops, field experiences, industry interaction, mentorship, internships, apprenticeships and linkages to professional opportunities.
The programme seeks to help students move beyond theoretical learning and begin building the knowledge, networks and experience required to enter the industry.
Post-Education - Advancement Stage
TEP also recognizes that learning and professional development continue beyond formal education.
For young people who have completed their education or are already working, the programme can provide opportunities for continued learning, professional development, specialization, mentorship and further career growth. This project describes the categories of people we are looking at as GITA-Africa. Where anyone can join at a different stage. We do not consider age as it is not a determinant of success. So anyone can stay as a member for as long as they feel it is necessary and relevant.
Areas of Engagement
What It Seeks to Achieve
Through the Tourism Education Programme, GITA-Africa seeks to build a generation that understands tourism, appreciates Africa's natural and cultural heritage and recognizes the opportunities available within the sector.
The programme aims to strengthen the connection between education and the tourism industry. To be the channel through which students turn into passionate and skilled professionals in tourism. To encourage young people to consider tourism-related careers and entrepreneurship, increase practical exposure, create earlier access to mentors and professionals. To promote conservation and cultural appreciation, and establish stronger pathways from education into skills development, industry experience and employment.
Implementation & Collaboration
TEP can be implemented through collaboration with schools, universities, tourism training institutions, tourism and government institutions, wildlife and conservation organizations, museums and heritage institutions, tourism businesses, local governments, development partners and tourism professionals.
Practical Learning, Industry Readiness and Professional Development
This is our practical learning and professional development project. Focused on equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to participate meaningfully in the tourism industry.
The Academy responds to the need to connect learning with the practical realities of tourism. It creates opportunities for young people to develop relevant and timely skills, interact with industry professionals, gain practical knowledge and prepare themselves for employment, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Training under the Academy is designed to remain responsive to the changing tourism environment. As new opportunities, technologies and industry needs emerge. The Academy can introduce relevant areas of learning and professional development.
Areas of Skills Development
How We Build Skills
The Academy will deliver structured training cohorts, masterclasses, workshops, online and physical learning sessions, practical projects, industry-led learning and mentorship. Young people can learn directly from tourism professionals and practitioners while gaining exposure to the knowledge and skills required in real working environments.
Learning will also include assignments, practical projects, assessments and evaluations, allowing participants to demonstrate what they have learned and identify areas for further development.
Certificates of completion are awarded for successfully completed training programmes.
Objectives
Through the Skills Development & Tourism Academy, GITA-Africa seeks to build a skilled, confident and professionally prepared youth tourism workforce.
The project aims to improve employability and career readiness, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, bridge the gap between training and industry, increase access to practical tourism skills, connect emerging talent with experienced professionals and support young people as they transition into employment, business and leadership.
Tourism Academy Activities
Content Creation Masterclass (March 2026)
In March 2026, GITA-Africa partnered with Tripod Academy to organize a Content Creation Masterclass, themed "Girls In Creative". Being in the International women's month, it aimed at equipping girls and young women with practical skills in digital storytelling and content development.
The session exposed participants to the theory and hands-on fundamentals of creating engaging and impactful content while exploring how storytelling can be leveraged to promote destinations, brands, and meaningful causes. Beyond the technical aspects of content creation, the masterclass encouraged participants to embrace their creativity, build confidence in sharing their perspectives, and understand the growing role of digital platforms within the tourism industry.
The training marked one of GITA-Africa's earliest steps towards building the capacity of girls through practical, industry-relevant learning experiences.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING - FROM IDEA TO BUSINESS
The entrepreneurship training successfully took place at Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board at Lubiri Ring Road, bringing together young, ambitious ladies ready to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
The session, led by Madam Aisha of Ewaffe Cultural Village, focused on building businesses with intention, clarity, and long-term sustainability.
Madam Aisha guided participants through the foundational principles of entrepreneurship. Starting with defining one's "why", identifying the desired legacy, and understanding that passion alone is not enough without strategy. Participants were challenged to clearly define their target audience, create real value, and develop unique offerings that clients cannot easily replace. Emphasis was placed on consistency, understanding client behavior, and building businesses that solve real needs while remaining adaptable across seasons.
She further highlighted the importance of positioning. How a product or service makes clients feel, how it is perceived, and the power of creating irresistible value through well-crafted offers. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to actively engage their networks, maintain daily outreach to potential clients, and stay focused on long-term growth beyond short-term survival.
Mr. Lugya from Miss Tourism Uganda complemented this by encouraging participants to think beyond conventional business approaches. He emphasized tapping into unique perspectives, especially within tourism. Such as culture, lifestyle, history, and indigenous knowledge, to create distinctive and marketable experiences. He also stressed the importance of storytelling, understanding one's audience deeply, and identifying new niches that set businesses apart.
Participants actively engaged in the session, sharing practical action plans that reflected immediate application of the knowledge gained. A clear indication of the training's impact.
As we continue to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation, this marks just the beginning. More sessions are on the way as we build a community of empowered, purpose-driven entrepreneurs ready to create lasting impact.
Digital Tourism Masterclass
Building on the relationships and regional partnerships established through GITA-Africa's engagements across Africa, the organization launched the Digital Tourism Masterclass to prepare the youth for the future of tourism.
The six-week programme sought to broaden participants' understanding of tourism from a global perspective while equipping them with practical digital skills needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven industry. It ran from 20th June to 25th July 2026, every Saturday from 7am-9am EAT.
About 200 participants from countries Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Lesotho, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ghana showed up all through, consistently.
To be continued with Intermediate, and Advanced cohorts, the programme combines theoretical learning with practical application. Participants undertake assessments at the end of each cohort and receive certificates of attendance upon completion.
The programme is facilitated and organised by Madam Florah Sesera, Founder of MAEYA in South Africa, in collaboration with Irene Allen Namisango of Uncovered Travel Initiative, alongside other guest facilitators who contribute their expertise throughout the learning journey.
Miss Tourism Boot camp session
We were represented by our Founder and our Head of International Relations at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), Entebbe. We were invited to engage the incoming 2026-2027 queens on navigating the tourism sector, personal development and making meaningful use of the platforms that come with their titles.
The engagement covered self-belief, character, education, skills development, professionalism, visibility, creativity and innovation. The girls were encouraged to show up, develop their expertise, transform ideas into action and position themselves intentionally within Uganda's growing tourism industry.
The session also explored the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in tourism and culture, in line with this year's theme, as well as the importance of using social media to build visibility, communicate Uganda's tourism story and create professional opportunities.
GITA-Africa also shared opportunities available through the association, particularly those centred on skills development, networking, mentorship and participation in the tourism sector.
REGIONAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Cross-Border Collaboration, Knowledge Exchange, and Pan-African Ecosystem Building
GITA-Africa recognizes that tourism transcends borders, and so should the conversations, collaborations, and opportunities that shape its future. Through regional partnerships and youth-led engagements, we are building a strong network of young tourism enthusiasts and professionals committed to advancing tourism development across Africa.
Our objective is to create platforms where young people can connect, learn from one another, exchange ideas, and collectively contribute to the growth of tourism within their respective countries and beyond. We believe that by working together, youth can become powerful advocates for sustainable tourism, regional integration, and positive destination narratives.
Through this initiative, GITA-Africa seeks to:
- Promote cross-border collaboration among youth in tourism;
- Facilitate knowledge and skills exchange;
- Encourage peer learning and mentorship;
- Strengthen regional tourism networks;
- Foster innovation and youth-led solutions within the tourism sector;
- Increase awareness and appreciation of diverse tourism products across Africa;
- Position young people as active contributors to tourism policy discussions and destination development.
To achieve this, GITA-Africa participates in and convenes regional dialogues, webinars, conferences, and networking sessions that bring together youth organizations, tourism stakeholders, and development partners. These engagements create opportunities for young people to understand how tourism operates in different contexts while exploring areas of collaboration and mutual growth.
Beyond meetings, GITA-Africa envisions exchange programmes, familiarization trips, joint campaigns, participation in regional tourism events, and collaborative initiatives that enable young people to experience destinations firsthand while building lasting professional relationships.
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to fostering a Pan-African community of informed, connected, and empowered young people who recognize tourism not only as an economic driver but also as a bridge for cultural understanding, regional integration, and sustainable development.
What It Seeks to Achieve
Through this project, GITA-Africa aims to build stronger networks among young tourism professionals and enthusiasts, increase cross-border collaboration, facilitate knowledge and skills exchange, promote African destinations and tourism products, create regional professional and entrepreneurial opportunities and encourage youth-led tourism innovation.
The project also seeks to strengthen regional integration through tourism and give young people a stronger voice in tourism development discussions.
Pan-African Youth Ecosystem
GITA-Africa's ambition is to contribute to a Pan-African community of young people who are informed, connected and able to collaborate across borders.
By strengthening relationships between young people, tourism organizations, institutions, businesses and other stakeholders, Regional Tourism Development creates a foundation for continued cooperation, professional growth and shared tourism opportunities across Africa.
Collaboration Partners
The project can engage national tourism boards, tourism ministries, tourism associations, youth organizations, universities, tourism training institutions, tour operators, hotels, airlines and transport companies, embassies and high commissions, regional bodies, development partners, the private sector, tourism professionals, media and digital platforms.
Regional Tourism Activities
TOURISM ACADEMY
As part of our collective commitment towards promoting regional tourism development, Girls in Tourism Association - Africa (GITA-Africa) in partnership with Utalii Hub Tanzania organised a Tourism Academy aimed at bringing together young tourism enthusiasts, professionals, and industry stakeholders across Africa on 5th September. Participants were from Uganda, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Sudan, Nigeria, Malawi, Botswana, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone.
This engagement followed the growing collaboration between youth-led tourism organizations across the region, with a shared goal of creating platforms for knowledge exchange, skills development, destination promotion, and youth participation in tourism growth.
The webinar was also one of the activities that led and prepared us for the Zanzibar International Youth Tourism Summit which happened from 26th to 30th September in Stone Town.
The African Youth Tourism Confluence
Girls in Tourism Association - Africa believes that young people should not only benefit from tourism but actively contribute to shaping its future through innovation, collaboration, and leadership. One of the key highlights of GITA-Africa's participation at KILIFAIR in Arusha, Tanzania was the successful convening of the African Youth Tourism Confluence.
The gathering brought together representatives from the organization, The Travel Specialists Community in Uganda, Utalii Hub Tanzania, Zanzibar Youth Tourism and International Summit, and Tourism Innovation Lab Africa from South Africa.
Discussions focused on regional tourism development, destination marketing, youth participation, knowledge exchange, and how young people can collectively position themselves as drivers of tourism growth across Africa.
TOURISM FOR HEALTH
Connecting Tourism with Wellbeing, Dignity, Reproductive Health & Community Impact
Tourism for Health is a GITA-Africa project that uses the reach and platforms of tourism to promote health, dignity, wellbeing and positive social impact among young people and communities.
We recognize that tourism brings together people, businesses, institutions and communities, creating opportunities to address issues that extend beyond travel itself. Through this project, GITA-Africa creates practical initiatives that connect tourism with health, hygiene, menstrual wellbeing, reproductive health and community development.
The project is particularly concerned with creating environments where girls and young people can access information, support and practical solutions that enable them to participate in education, tourism and everyday life with dignity and confidence.
Focus Areas
Menstrual Health & Girls' Wellbeing
A key area of Tourism for Health is menstrual health and hygiene. Through initiatives such as Pads in Place, GITA-Africa seeks to support girls who may face challenges accessing menstrual products and the information needed to manage menstruation safely and confidently.
The project can include provision and distribution of sanitary products, menstrual health education, awareness activities, practical demonstrations, partnerships and other initiatives that support girls' menstrual wellbeing.
It also creates opportunities to support girls in developing practical solutions around menstrual health, including skills and initiatives that can contribute to sustainability and empowerment.
Clean Toilets & Tourism Hygiene
Tourism for Health also addresses the importance of clean, safe and hygienic sanitation facilities within tourism spaces and other environments accessed by young people and communities.
Through hygiene and clean-toilet initiatives, GITA-Africa seeks to promote better sanitation practices, awareness and dignity, while encouraging tourism facilities and communities to recognize hygiene as an important part of the visitor and community experience.
Activities may include hygiene awareness, sanitation campaigns, toilet-cleanliness initiatives, educational engagements and partnerships aimed at improving hygiene standards.
Reproductive Health, Rights & Safety
The project also creates space for conversations and interventions around reproductive health, health rights and personal safety, particularly for girls and young people.
This may include health education, reproductive health awareness, health camps, mobile or community-based health engagements, access to relevant information and connections to appropriate health professionals and institutions.
Through these activities, GITA-Africa seeks to ensure that young people are better informed about their health and are able to access appropriate support and guidance.
Community Health & Social Impact
Beyond the specific areas above, Tourism for Health provides a wider platform for health-related community engagement and social-impact initiatives.
GITA-Africa may collaborate with communities, health professionals, institutions, tourism businesses, schools, development organizations and other partners to identify health and wellbeing needs that can be addressed through tourism-linked platforms.
The project therefore remains flexible enough to respond to emerging health and social issues affecting young people and communities.
What It Seeks to Achieve
- Improve access to menstrual health information and support
- Promote menstrual dignity among girls
- Increase awareness of reproductive health and wellbeing
- Promote clean, safe and hygienic sanitation facilities
- Encourage healthier and more dignified environments within tourism and community spaces
- Connect young people to appropriate health information, professionals and support
- Encourage practical, youth-driven solutions to health-related challenges
- Strengthen collaboration between tourism, health and community-development stakeholders
- Demonstrate the wider social value of tourism.
Our Approach
Tourism for Health is designed to be practical, community-oriented and partnership-driven. Activities may take the form of campaigns, outreach programmes, health camps, educational sessions, community engagements, partnerships, awareness initiatives and other interventions that align with the project's objectives.
As the project develops, individual activities and initiatives will be documented under Tourism for Health, allowing GITA-Africa to continuously respond to health, hygiene and wellbeing needs while creating measurable social impact through tourism.
Potential Partners
The project can work with health institutions and professionals, schools and universities, tourism businesses and hospitality facilities, government institutions, NGOs, community organizations, development partners, youth organizations and corporate social responsibility partners.
Tourism for Health Activities
Community Outreach with Youngsters Love Africa Foundation
GITA-Africa partnered with Youngsters Love Africa Foundation in community outreach initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable learners. Through this collaboration, members contributed towards the donation of scholastic materials and sanitary pads.
The initiative sought to promote dignity, improve access to basic educational necessities, and demonstrate the role tourism organizations can play in contributing to broader social development goals. By extending support beyond the tourism space, GITA-Africa continues to foster compassion, solidarity, and a culture of giving among young women.