The Helena Institute is driven by a vision of a Tanzania where engaged, environmentally conscious youth become leaders in the effort to protect our natural environment. HIN strongly believes that youth who understand the uniqueness of Tanzania’s natural environment and the importance of healthy ecosystems, are youth who will become the next generation of environmental leaders.
To facilitate this, HIN is partnering with schools – both public and private – across Tanzania to ensure youth have the opportunity to develop their environmental literacy. Through supporting the development and incorporation of environmental content into school curricula, through training teachers and educators, and by delivering lessons directly to students, HIN is bringing a variety of key environmental concepts and principles directly to youth.
Further to this, HIN knows students literate in science and technology will be be needed to lead conservation efforts in the coming years. Therefore, 
HIN is working with educators and schools to develop STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curricula within Tanzania and to initiate and support schools whose curricula incorporate a STEAM focus.
HIN’s education initiative also utilizes Sinda Island, just off the coast of Dar es Salaam. Through bringing youth to the Island, particularly youth who have grown up in urban Dar es Salaam, HIN works to bring youth closer to nature than they may have the opportunity to otherwise. Through connecting youth to nature in this way, and through curating their experiences so they leave enthusiastic about it’s protection and with a deeper understanding of its value, HIN hopes to spark a new generation of environmental advocates.
In the years to come, HIN will implement structured youth groups, a step which will provide youth a route through which to continue building connections to Sinda Island and the environment at large.