| During the 19 years we have led African safaris,
we have met a number of people who have had a positive impact
on the lives of others. That impact may have focused on other
people or on the wildlife of the regions visited.
These extraordinary people face significant challenges as
they move forward with their efforts. As part of our commitment
to help them succeed, a portion of the proceeds from each
of our safaris is set aside to provide funds, materials, or
equipment.
During their safari, our travelers are often offered the
opportunity to learn more about some of these dedicated people
and the projects that have inspired them. Although we never
expect our travelers to help us in these efforts, they often
do. We are grateful for the donations of time and money many
of our travelers have made to help the people and wildlife
of Africa.
Loldia Primary School
During a recent safari, we visited the Loldia Primary School
near Lake Naivasha, Kenya. Situated near Loldia Ranch, a private
farmstead we often use as the base for our explorations of
the great Rift Valley Lakes, the school has more than 1,000
students, ranging in age from 6 to 17 years old. Many of them
walk several miles to school, which starts at 7:30 in the
morning, carrying their own food. Although the government
of Kenya introduced free public education three years ago,
few additional resources were provided to assist with the
influx of new students.
Our host at Loldia House, Peter Njoroge, invited us to visit
the school. We were impressed by the loving commitment of
the headmaster and teachers to the education of their students.
Their enthusiasm clearly inspires the students, many of whom
are the first in their families to go to school.
Our unrestricted donations have been used to supplement the
inadequate funding the school receives.
Cheetah Conservation Fund
Since 1990, the Namibia-based Cheetah Conservation Fund has
worked to:
- create and manage long-term conservation
strategies for the cheetah throughout their range;
- develop and implement better livestock management
practices, eliminating the need for ranchers to kill so
many cheetah;
- conduct conservation education programs for
local villagers, ranchers and school children; and
- continue intensive scientific research in
cheetah genetics, biology and species survival.
During a recent Safari Professionals Unlimited safari, we,
along with our safari guests, met with Dr. Laurie Marker,
founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and Mary Wykstra,
CCF's representative in Kenya. We learned first hand of the
challenges facing the Earth’s fastest land mammal. We
are pleased to have been able to assist the Cheetah Conservation
Fund efforts by bring supplies and equipment in support of
their research on the movement of cheetahs through the use
of the Global Positioning System. |
