While at Karatu Lutheran Vocational Training Centre, Van focused on wildlife interpretation, conservation principles, and experiential field-based learning. After completing his certification, he began guiding travelers through some of East Africa’s most renowned landscapes, sharing in-depth knowledge of wildlife ecology, conservation, and local cultures. Since 2016, Van has worked with international student travel companies, leading community service and educational exchange programs for youth and teens. During this time, he directed initiatives involving school and dispensary construction, environmental conservation projects, cultural exchange experiences, and youth leadership development. One of his most significant accomplishments has been coordinating multi-week service-learning programs that successfully balanced meaningful community impact with structured student growth and safety. Van now works as a tour guide and educator, helping young people engage deeply with global communities through responsible travel and hands-on service. He is fluent in Swahili, English, and French and works comfortably across diverse cultural backgrounds. This summer, Van will continue expanding his work in youth-focused educational travel and community-based service initiatives.