Exodus Sponsorship and Training

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Exodus funds 23-year-old assistant to train as a full guide… Exodus leaders are the best in the business.

We work tirelessly with all our leaders across the globe to ensure the highest standards on all of our trips, and this includes training and progression throughout their careers. 

Training Exodus Leaders

One such example is Best, a 23 year old currently working as an assistant on our Zambezi canoe adventures. Exodus has agreed to sponsor this “lovely, hard-working young lad”* so that he can go back to school and train to become a guide.

Like many Zambians, he dropped out of school early because his family could not afford his education. Despite the setback, he remains motivated, showing a strong entrepreneurial spirit in setting up a tuck shop with his best friend, selling drinks and snacks from a small tin shack.

Sunset on the Zambezi River

After a few years, he began working on the Zambezi River, the natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. More experienced guides who have been leading Exodus trips for some time saw his potential and took him under their wing, teaching him how to guide safely and the tricks of the trade for spotting wildlife.

The only thing holding him back is his lack of schooling. His limited English makes communicating difficult, and he missed out on most qualifications. To become a fully-fledged guide, Best has to go back to school at 23 years old – something which he still cannot afford to do.

Exodus Sponsorship

So Exodus has agreed to sponsor him. What seems a small sum to us – a few hundred pounds – will allow Best to finally finish his education. He plans to continue working on the river in the school holidays as an assistant guide, and learn enough English to be able to take his guiding exams. If he passes, he will be able to join the fleet of experienced leaders on Exodus’ Zambezi canoe trips to live up to his name – the Best.

* quote from long-serving leader Andy Mckee, who was nominated Best for sponsorship in June this year.

If you’d like to visit the Zambezi, browse our trips below.