From Volunteers to Guardians

From Shadows to the Spotlight

Tana River County is a land of whispered legends and a heritage that runs as deep as the river itself. Yet, for too long, our vibrant history remained in the shadows, riskily close to being forgotten. At Shield of Heritage, we decided that the youth of Tana River would not be the generation that let our ancestors' stories fade into silence.

What started as a group of passionate local youth from Ngao has evolved into a movement. We saw our only local museum—the Ngao Museum—standing quiet and unnoticed. We chose to act. Without waiting for permission or a budget, we rolled up our sleeves. We cleaned, we built traditional huts and benches, and we became the storytellers our community needed.

The Spark of Resilience

Our journey wasn't easy. We were mocked and discouraged by those who couldn't see the vision. But our belief was stronger than the noise. Through the World Heritage Volunteers program, members of our team participated in the restoration of the Tana Delta and Forest Complex, as well as heritage missions in Lamu and Malindi.

These experiences were life-changing. They taught us that our local history isn't just a village story—it is a global treasure. We returned to Ngao with fire in our hearts and professional skills in our hands.

Reviving the Sleeping Giant

By leveraging digital tools and the power of social media, we brought Ngao Museum to the world’s attention. Our efforts culminated in the Ngao Cultural Festival, the first event of its kind, which drew crowds far beyond our expectations. Today, Ngao Museum isn't just a building; it’s a living, breathing landmark recognized across borders.

 

"Our resilience proved that when youth stand together, no dream is out of reach. Our culture is our identity, and it deserves to be celebrated."

The Birth of Shield of Heritage

Seeing the impact of our work, we realized our mission was bigger than a single site. We founded Shield of Heritage, a Community-Based Organization (CBO) dedicated to standing guard where history is fading.

We are more than volunteers; we are the protectors of Tana River’s legacy. Our goal is to scale from a grassroots CBO to a global NGO, inspiring youth across Kenya and the world to take charge of their roots.

We aren't just preserving the past—we are building a future where the next generation knows exactly who they are.