• Anthony Birtles Scholarship Launches Career of Junior Atlang Lubinda

MAUN, Botswana — Junior Atlang Lubinda has been awarded the Anthony Birtles Scholarship by the Bush Ways Foundation, enabling him to complete a Nature Guiding course at the African Guides Academy and secure a year-long internship with Bush Ways Botswana.

Lubinda finished his training in December 2025, graduating with full guide certification after demonstrating strong academic performance, discipline, and leadership potential. He will now spend 12 months gaining practical experience in Botswana’s tourism and conservation sector.

The scholarship, introduced in 2025, is awarded annually through a competitive selection process to young Batswana with a passion for nature, culture, and guiding. It covers full tuition at the African Guides Academy and guarantees a professional internship with Bush Ways Botswana.

Bush Ways Foundation Manager Thato Israel said Lubinda’s achievement highlights the impact of targeted support for youth. “Junior’s journey shows how investing in young people with passion and purpose can open doors and create meaningful career pathways in conservation and tourism,” she said.

Lubinda expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the video-based application process encouraged him to share his story. “That short video opened a door that has changed my life,” he said. “I am committed to working hard and representing Botswana with pride as a guide.”

The Foundation said the scholarship reflects its broader mission to empower communities and nurture the next generation of conservation and tourism professionals.

This version removes promotional phrasing, foregrounds the facts, and places the most newsworthy element—the award and internship—at the top.