ECOLOGY TRIPS FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN:

In July 2000, The Giraffe Centre instigated an activity that continues today and which brings real joy to many poor Kenyan children. We welcome donations from visitors by making a special appeal to them, and the funds collected are utilised solely and specifically in bringing underprivileged children to the Giraffe Centre and other places of Wildlife interest. AFEW identifys schools in the slums and outlying areas and arrange to collect  25 kids at a time by bus from the schools, rehabilitation centres and Homes. Our Education Officers accompany the children, giving them talks about the different species of wildlife seen and the importance of protecting wildlife and the environment.

to most of these children it is their first time outside the slums where they were born, so you can imagine how the outings generate great excitement. The lessons they learn will hopefully help in the urgent battle to protect our environment. The trips begin at the Nairobi National Park. where they see many plain animals on their drive around the wilderness. At the Nature Walk they see lion. cheetah and leopard among other plain game in open spacious enclosures.

THey also visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where they come into close contact with the orphaned young elephants and rhinos being rehabilitated there. From here they visit the Mamba village where we provide them with hot lunch as they also see and learn about crocodiles and ostriches.

 The trip concludes with a visit to the Giraffe Centre for up close contact with our graceful giraffes at the feeding platform and for lectures and films on animals and Environmental Awareness. Finally we drop them back at school.

You can imagine the sheer wonder in their minds about their day's excursion!
We are proud of the fact that to date 17,254 underprivileged children have had a day of their lives because of us at the Giraffe Centre and that we have collected and spent over US$ 57,344.2 about Kshs 4,184,124 million on them. Our expenses are incurred mainly in hiring buses, paying of their entry fees to the Nairobi National Park,Nairobi Safari Walk, Mamba Village and giving donations at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust as well as buying lunch and drinks for the children. In total we spend about US$300 per trip for 25 kids.

We have a long waiting list of underprivileged children from schools in the slums, orhaphanges and rehabiliation centres. We are appealing for assistance in raising some funds to enable us sustain these Ecology trips and reach as many children as possible who may otherwise never have the chance for such a wonderful opportunity.

Please send your donation to:

The Giraffe Centre Ecology Trip Programme
Account No. 065 - 1130859
Barclays Bank, Karen Branch
Address: 24180 00502 Karen Nairobi
Swift code - barckenx
Bank Code: 030 - 065

The Directors of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife request you to forward this appeal to any of your friends who may be receptive to the idea of helping brighten the lives of some poor children in Kenva.