News: Formation of Muvera wa ASSETS

ASSETS is this year supporting 175 students (up from 122 last year)

Muvera is the giriama word for thanks. ASSETS beneficiary parents have formed an association through which they will be involved in practical conservation activities. Such activities will include, enrichment planting in both the forest and mangrove at Mida Creek, patrols and snare-lifting in the forest. The parents decided on the name as an expression of their gratitude to the ASSETS programme. The association will also look into supporting the students further in higher education.

Graduation

ASSETS has just seen the 2nd lot of students graduating from secondary school last year. 27 students graduated in year 2006 bringing the total number of graduates to 70 students.

Expansion of the ASSETS programme

3 more schools have been selected into the scheme this year making the total number of schools 8. In addition to the five schools formally being supported (Bogamachuko, Mijomboni, Mida, Girimacha and Nyari primary schools) the committee has as of 24th Jan 07 included Malanga Kahingoni and Chipande primary schools.

Upcoming events

Tree Planting

In April 07 parents and students will be involved in a major tree planting exercise to improve the habitat quality of Arabuko-Sokoke forest and Mida creek. Plans are underway to involve local tourists in this event

Townships and Beach clean up events

In Feb 07, students benefiting from the ASSETS bursary scheme were involved in litter collection in most of the trading centers around their school.