The Jane Orde Scholarship
At WFTGA, we believe guiding is more than a profession: it is a bridge between cultures, a guardian of heritage and a pathway to sustainable tourism. The Jane Orde Scholarship exists because not every guide has the same access to training, networks and professional development.
In memory of Jane Orde
The Jane Orde Scholarship was established by the Androus Foundation in memory of Jane Orde, WFTGA President Emeritus, whose lifelong dedication to professional tourist guiding, international cooperation and ethical practice left an enduring mark on our global community.
Her belief in equal access to education and professional development inspired a scholarship that would support tourist guides from financially challenged countries, offering opportunities that they otherwise might not have been able to access.
What the scholarship stands for
Access to professional training
Training and professional development for tourist guides who would otherwise not have the chance.
Global inclusion through online learning
Online formats open WFTGA learning to guides in every region of the world.
Sustainable livelihoods
Better qualified guides strengthen their own income and their communities.
When you support one guide, you strengthen an entire community and the global guiding family.WFTGA
Nearly two decades of support
Over nearly two decades, many colleagues benefited from this initiative. These individuals represented the diversity, determination and passion that characterise our global guiding family.
A partnership rooted in support and solidarity
Since its creation, the scholarship has been generously supported by the Androus Foundation, whose long-standing commitment to the WFTGA enabled us to welcome colleagues from World Bank Tier 3, 4 and 5 countries to our international conventions. Their contribution ensured that financial barriers did not prevent talented tourist guides from participating in the world’s largest gathering of professional guides.
| Year | Recipients from |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Gambia; Guatemala |
| 2005 | Egypt; Jordan; Latvia |
| 2007 | Mozambique; India |
| 2009 | Malaysia; Thailand |
| 2011 | Brazil; Georgia; Peru; Ukraine |
| 2013 | Argentina; Bhutan |
| 2015 | Bahamas; Barbados; Philippines; Ukraine; Uruguay |
| 2017 | Scholarship not awarded |
| 2019 | Uganda (unable to attend due to visa restrictions); Uzbekistan |
| 2024 | Ethiopia |
Evolving needs
The original Jane Orde Scholarship Fund has now been fully allocated. Post-2019, any additional money raised, such as through fundraising initiatives during conventions, became part of the general WFTGA budget, allowing the Federation to decide how best to use these resources in line with contemporary needs and the spirit of the scholarship.
Global realities have changed significantly since the scholarship was first created. Travel costs, visa barriers and digital connectivity have shifted how guides from different regions can access WFTGA programmes. As the impact of attending a convention in person became more limited for some recipients, the Executive Board undertook a review to ensure that future support mechanisms would create sustainable, professional benefits for the wider guiding community.
New formats, same values
The WFTGA remains committed to the values embodied by the Jane Orde Scholarship, namely inclusivity, professional empowerment and global collaboration. In light of current circumstances, the Executive Board is exploring new formats and modern approaches to ensure that the funds raised continue to produce meaningful, long-term outcomes. Future initiatives may include:
- Enhanced digital access to WFTGA events, ensuring broader global participation.
- Support for capacity-building programmes, particularly Train the Trainer, which has shown strong, measurable impact within national guiding communities.
- New fundraising models, exploring digital formats to replace traditional auction methods where appropriate.
Any future programme will continue to honour the spirit of the original scholarship while adapting to the evolving needs of our members and the global guiding profession.
Thank you to our supporters
The WFTGA extends its sincere gratitude to the Androus Foundation for its unwavering support over the years. The Foundation’s generosity made the Jane Orde Scholarship possible and helped strengthen bonds across our international network. We also acknowledge the many members, associations and partners who contributed to scholarship fundraising efforts at past conventions.
Support the future of professional tourist guiding
Every great tour begins with a guide, and every great guide begins with a chance. Your donation opens doors to education, professional training and sustainable livelihoods for tourist guides worldwide.