Mwanza on Mount Kenya

By Ivy Mwanza

EFAC Alumna, class of 2023

This is part of a series of reflections from EFAC Scholars participating in EFAC’s Climb Kilimanjaro & Elevate Education Fundraising Expedition.

In October 2024, I had the unforgettable privilege to embark on a preparatory hike on Mount Kenya, representing my peers from EFAC (Education For All Children). This experience was part of a larger initiative, spearheaded by Lisa Van Sciver, to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2025. The purpose of the climb is to raise funds to support EFAC’s mission of providing scholarships to bright but disadvantaged Kenyan youth. As someone passionate about nature and philanthropy, being part of this project was both a privilege and a deeply personal milestone.

EFAC, founded by Rod and Nancy Van Sciver, has changed countless lives through education. Lisa, their daughter, is using her passion for the outdoors to further EFAC’s mission. A mountain guide in the USA with years of experience, Lisa envisioned this project as a way to combine her love for hiking with fundraising for a cause close to her heart. I was one of two EFAC students selected to join her, alongside other participants who shared her vision. My application stood out because of my enthusiasm for the outdoors and my desire to give back to EFAC by helping others receive the same educational opportunities I’ve had.

The climb up Mount Kenya was pure magic—five days of hiking, camping, and connecting with nature and incredible people. Mount Kenya’s majestic peaks and stunning landscapes left me in awe at every turn. The rich biodiversity of the mountain made the experience even more special, offering glimpses of unique flora and fauna that highlighted the beauty of our natural world. We learned so much about Mount Kenya—its history, vegetation, lakes, and wildlife—thanks to our amazing guide, Patrick, whose knowledge and humor made the journey unforgettable. However, the journey was not without its challenges. The terrain was challenging and the weather conditions harsh, with temperatures dropping significantly at night. It was my first time camping, which was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, especially knowing we were surrounded by wildlife. Despite the cold nights and challenging conditions, the adventure was incredibly rewarding.

What made the experience even better was the fun we had together. Hariet, Lisa, and I bonded over the shared adventure with countless laughs as we taught Lisa about Kenyan culture, music, and lingo, while she shared her vast knowledge of hiking, camping, and mountain survival. Her little tips and tricks about surviving in the mountains have made me a more confident and enriched hiker. Lisa’s passion and energy were contagious, and I completely adore her for making every moment of the hike enjoyable and inspiring. Our guide, Patrick, kept our spirits high with his humor and expertise, and I miss the laughter, enthusiasm, and vulnerability we all shared. The camaraderie among us made this adventure unforgettable. The bond we formed with each other is the true highlight of this trip. It’s amazing how spending time in the wild can create such deep connections!

The night before our summit was the most challenging for me. It was snowing, and we slept in negative temperatures, bracing ourselves for the final push. At 3:00 a.m., we woke up to a cup of hot cocoa to get our blood pumping and began the last climb under the starry sky. Reaching the summit at 6:15 a.m. was a moment like no other. We watched the sunrise, a breathtaking spectacle that made the freezing temperatures and frozen limbs worth it. Harriet was chanting the EFAC motto with boundless energy, and I even broke into the famous Kenyan "anguka nayo" dance challenge right at the summit—a moment of pure joy and celebration.

Descending in one day after five days of climbing felt like a whirlwind. It was a crazy yet exhilarating concept, a fitting end to an adventure filled with highs, challenges, and unforgettable memories.

The gear provided by our supporters played a huge role in making this adventure successful. Kate, a professional athlete and close friend of Lisa, provided us with top-notch Patagonia gear. Sarah and Phil, the owners of Jackson Hole Mountain Guides (JHMG) where Lisa has worked for 18 years, supplied us with Black Diamond equipment. Their contributions were indispensable in keeping us warm, comfortable, and safe, enabling us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of Mount Kenya. I’m thrilled that this gear will also support us during our upcoming Kilimanjaro climb. Knowing that I’ll be using equipment from such talented individuals and dear friends brings an added sense of confidence and excitement.

Being part of Lisa’s project to climb Mount Kilimanjaro has taught me something profound: dreams are powerful catalysts for change. They start as whispers of ambition and, with determination, grow into actions that transform lives. Lisa’s vision of combining her passion for the outdoors with raising funds for EFAC exemplifies this. Her parents, Rod and Nancy Van Sciver, showed the same courage and foresight when founding EFAC, turning an idea into an initiative that has shaped countless futures. As I reflect on my own journey, I am deeply inspired and humbled to walk alongside a woman like Lisa. She embodies what it means to conquer mountains—not just physical ones, but the challenges and barriers life places in our way. Watching her lead this project with such grace and resolve has reminded me that I, too, can overcome the odds in my pursuit of greatness.

Climbing Mount Kenya with Lisa was a powerful metaphor for life itself. Each step, each challenge, and each triumph reminded me that success is built on persistence and belief. The wild nights camping, the biting cold, and the long hikes tested our limits, but they also forged a deeper sense of resilience within me. Lisa’s vibrant personality and boundless wisdom enriched the experience. Her ability to transform a lofty dream into a tangible reality motivates me to do the same. As I journey forward, I carry with me the knowledge that no mountain—literal or metaphorical—is insurmountable. With a clear vision, a determined heart, and a supportive community, we truly can achieve anything.

I am immensely grateful to Lisa for conceptualizing and leading this project which is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community in achieving meaningful goals. Her dream has allowed me to combine my love for nature with a meaningful cause. Climbing Mount Kenya was not just an adventure but a profound connection to nature and people and this whole project continues to solidify my resolve to chase my dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem. As an enthusiastic hiker, participating in this project has been a dream come true and the experience solidified my passion for hiking. Climbing Mount Kenya was not only a personal achievement but also a stepping stone toward even grander hikes in the future, starting with Kilimanjaro—the tallest mountain on our continent. I am deeply honored to represent EFAC on this project and can’t wait to meet and connect with everyone else as we continue this journey on Kilimanjaro!