Human-centered Philanthropy Projects
At Sanctuary Retreats a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism is an integral part of our DNA, so in aid of National Philanthropy Day earlier this month we wanted to highlight some examples of the philanthropy efforts we oversee. Ever since we opened our first camp in Kenya's Masai Mara back in 1999, we have pledged to make a positive impact on the areas in which we operate and nurture enduring relationships with the rural communities that live there.
Discover some of the projects that Sanctuary Retreats are working on to help make a lasting impact...
Safe Water for Schools - Kenya
The Safe Water for Schools Initiative uses the LifeStraw community filter to create clean water for 54,000 Maasai students. This purifier converts contaminated water into safe drinking water by removing a minimum of 99.9999% of bacteria, viruses and protozoan parasites. Each filtration system can purify enough water to serve a school for three to five years. Sanctuary have provided the LifeStraw community filter to 42 schools in the Mara, 20 schools in Amboseli and 10 schools in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School - Uganda
The Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School is located on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and provides education to over 270 pupils. As an organisation, our priority was to meet the educational needs of a growing community and establish a new school in one of the most remote corners of Uganda. Bwindi Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School is a shining example of what is possible with the right support as it was built entirely with a mix of used and donated building supplies.
Menstrual Health Programme - Kenya
Through a partnership with the Anne K. Taylor Fund (AKTF), Sanctuary Retreats is supporting a menstrual health program in the Maasai Mara. The Esidai Women’s Group sews reusable sanitary pad kits for girls and women so they can discreetly manage their cycles, allowing girls to attend school uninterrupted and to help manage their periods in a healthier way.
Ilboru School for Children with Special Needs - Tanzania
More than a decade ago, Sanctuary Retreats funded the construction of the Ilboru School for Children with Special Needs, the first primary school in Arusha designed for deaf and disabled children. Tanzanian children with hearing impairments or mental and physical special needs are often left with limited opportunities for a formal education. Sanctuary guests are welcome to visit this school during their stay and can meet the teachers and learn about the challenges of delivering special education to children.
Collaborating with communities in Zambia
The Chipego Bike Shop
Sanctuary Retreats has teamed up with Working Bikes, a charity that provides developing countries with bicycles and establishes small bike sales and repair businesses. This social enterprise creates employment opportunities, empowers women and generates an income for a rural village by providing affordable mobility to a community. The Chipego Bike Shop recently received its 14th shipment of bicycles meaning more than 6,000 bikes have now been sent to the shop.
Medical Clinic for the Nakatinidi Community
Sanctuary Retreats believes communities like Nakatindi Village deserve to benefit from tourism, an industry that relies on their continued willingness to coexist with wildlife. We work closely with village leaders to positively impact lives and livelihoods. In 2014, Sanctuary Retreats constructed a clinic, which is open 24/7 and staffed by the Ministry of Health. The clinic provides access to healthcare for 16,000 people and gives the community access to a maternity ward, which has now delivered 455 babies.
