“If people are part of the problem, then people must be part of the solution.” — Dr. David Western.

Employment & Income.

• 1981 – Present: Hired local people so they could talk about baboons to their family and friends to change attitudes
• 1984: Built a team with UNBP and Institute of Primate

Diversifying Income.

• 1982 – 1984: Launched woolcraft project for Kikuyu farmers
• 2008 – Present: Opuntia syrup project
• 2015 – Present: Employment of salaried women at Twala
• 2015 – Present: Started natural resource management lessons

Ecotourism.

• 2010 – Present: Developed and expanded eco walks
• 2010 – Present: Trained women in hospitality and finances
• 2010 – Present: Coordinated Twala activities with African Conservation Centre (ACC)
• 2010 – Present: Sourced international visitors and students for Twala stays

Education.

• 1983: Helped build a primary school in Kekopey
• 1985 – 2006: Supported Il Polei Primary School—boarding, food, supplies, buildings, books
• 2001 – 2006: Library books, pen pal programs, termly funding
• 2003 – 2025: Supported up to 15 nursery schools (buildings, salaries, supplies)
• 2010 – 2014: Sponsored 4 girls through secondary school (fees, supplies, boarding)
• 2010 – 2024: Helped Il Polei Mixed Day & Boarding Secondary School—tech, toilets, stoves, solar
• 2018 – 2024: Sponsored at risk girls to stay at school during holidays
• 2018 – 2025: Sponsored 4 girls in secondary school

Other Community Initiatives.

• 1993 – 1994: Supplied full boarding equipment (beds, kitchen, furniture, etc.)
• 2008 – 2020: Maasai Cricket Warriors
• 2011 : Published medicinal plant book, OLCANI, using children’s art
• 2008 - 2015: Sponsored Il Polei Painting Club
• 2015 – Present: Rules for avoiding elephant-human conflict

Our work continues to support local resilience and conservation. We believe long-term change comes from empowering communities directly.