We would really like to thank very much indeed the Giraffe Centre in Lang'ata, Nairobi, for the very generous donation of Ksh 100,000 (c.$1,600) which has come at a particularly timely point. Ksh 60,000 of the donation will go direct to pay bursaries for children in Secondary school since this year our income from the eco-tourism facilities has been pretty poor given the troubles we had earlier in the year in Kenya which has chased off a lot of tourists.
The balance will go towards costs of a holiday "eco-camp" for 30 of the beneficiaries in August where they come and stay at the A Rocha Kenya field study centre in Watamu for 3 days, located right on the beach. Over the three days they are given a lot of input of exciting and stimulating environmental education particularly about Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek, with games, videos, talks, excursions (e.g. snorkelling in the Marine Park and to the Mida board walk) and for the two years we've done it so far they've really enjoyed it and learnt a lot. Many of the kids, even though they live only 15-20kms from the sea, have never actually seen it, so for them to have the chance to even go snorkelling blows them away!! So it's really good to be able to do this for them and this donation will really help make it a great experience - thank you, the Giraffe Centre!