BootsnAll Travel Community

Hopefully I'm not going against any guidelines or anything; also, I don't know if this is more appropriate in the eco forum, or the Volunteer forum. I have a friend who is volunteering right now through A Rocha Kenya, and started living/working there in September and will be there through the end of November. So really, this is more of an informational post...I'm not trying to market them or anything; it's just an example of an environmental organization, trying to encourage sustainable development in a third world country. The below is what my friend writes about it. I can get physical/email addresses if anyone is interested (I'm not including it in this post, since I don't know that it's appropriate for me to do that).
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ASSETS stands for Arabuko Sokoke Schools Eco-Tourism Scheme. This mini organization was set up by A Rocha Kenya. It is amazing to say the least. Seeing this organization in action is refreshing. 100% of the money donated goes to the student bursaries.

Why is there a need?

We all rely on a healthy environment to survive. Poorer people in the developing world depend on the environment for basic needs such as bush meat, wood for fuel and building materials. On top of this, many Kenyans are forced to exploit natural resources to pay for their children's education. Primary school is free for all Kenyan children yet secondary school is not. Shockingly, over 90% of the children in Malindi District cannot attend secondary school due largely to the expense of fees.

Facts:

· the average annual income in Malindi District is $370

· average secondary school fees per student per year are $270

How does it work?

ASSETS is a pioneering community conservation project which bridges this gap by promoting child education and alleviating poverty, while encouraging community involvement in nature conservation.

ASSETS students have to have:

1. a house 2 miles from the forest or Mida creek (this is a small inlet home to thousands of mangroves and wader birds)

2. been accepted into secondary school via passing an exam

3. satisfactory academic record

4. good disciplinary record

5. their families free of any illegal exploitation of the forest and creek

It is vital that families do not become entirely reliant on the bursaries, but make an effort to contribute to their children's education themselves. For this reason, no student is given a 100% bursary.

These kids as well as the parents are not only getting money but ....

1. Environmental education by A Rocha staff and volunteers

2. Parents are taught alternative technologies such as; how to make fireless cookers, necklaces out of recycled paper, tippy taps using old plastic bottles to conserve water while washing hands for hygiene and many others.

3. The kids are involved in tree planting projects in the community as well as beach clean-ups.

It is a win win situation for all involved including the environment.

Seems on what you have relayed Eowyn on what your friend sent, that it is a meritable organisation/project.

Assets web site for anyone interested.