At WHOA, we're all about sharing experiences, connecting, and supporting local women in every possible way throughout our adventures. One of the ways we do this in Tanzania is by inviting local women to join our Kilimanjaro climbs. Sharing the experience with them, and seeing the mountain they grew up with through their eyes gives our adventurers a richer understanding of the women from this region and this amazing part of the world. Embarking on this epic journey with such an international group is one of the many things that makes WHOA's Kilimanjaro climbs extra special! With no further ado, let us introduce you to the 2 amazing Tanzanian ladies who will be joining our Kilimanjaro New Years Eve 2017/2018 group: Cocaya and Sia!
Cocaya (on the right) with one of her best friends and Shirikisha team members
MEET COCAYA
Cocaya is a curious, determined woman with many passions. She's a gardener, social entrepreneur, activist for positive social change in her community, conservationist, and a lover of nature. Cocaya is the founder of Shirikisha, although she would say it evolved as a collaboration of efforts and hearts of many. Through Shirikisha, she works with other women, and some men in her community, many who are physically and mentally challenged. WHOA Travel is proud and honored to be partners with Cocaya and the lovely women and men of Shirikisha! All our WHOA groups visit Shirikisha before or after their Kilimanjaro climbs, and get to experience first hand all that this humble, passionate woman and the team have to share with us.
Cocaya is a deeply feeling, kind young woman. Her goal in life is to love, and be patient and kind to others and to the environment around her. Cocaya also believes wholeheartedly in women, their complexity, beauty and strength. She dreams of traveling and adventure in other lands or countries!
Fun facts about Cocaya:
She wants to own a piece of land, build a house, and grow a lot of things to share with her friends and those who need help.
She wants to learn Spanish and other languages and new skills.
She loves growing her own food, cooking, eating healthy, and the art involved in preparing and serving others a good meal.
To her, the Kilimanjaro climb means: 1. Another opportunity to love, share, learn and inspire 2. Another experience of hiking a mountain in my home area 3. Challenging myself, my skills, my heart and my growth.
MEET SIA
Sia is a lively, 29 year old woman from the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Her parents are both from the Chagga tribe of Marangu village, located in the lush foothills of mount Kilimanjaro just outside of the town of Moshi. Sia is a community coordinator at Kili Hub, an innovative space for community change makers to meet for networking, office space and much more. She loves her work there and having the opportunity to collaborate with new people on a daily basis.
Sia is the last born among six children, and the only girl! She is the only child in her family to have earned a higher education, and feels very lucky to have brothers who rallied together and supported her educational journey. She went to college at Dodoma University (UDOM) and earned a degree in Development Studies (BA-DS). Her dream is to go for further studies to earn a Masters in Monitoring and Evaluation.
Fun facts about Sia…
Her hobbies are reading, writing and traveling.
Her dream adventure: "Africa is my mama land and I would love to visit South Africa and Mauritius as my second adventure after Kilimanjaro."
Giraffes and dogs are her favorite animals