In the first three-months of 2025, the SWT supported 1,427 children from eight schools through our feeding program, and a further 14,000 students from 68 schools with support from the Chantecaille Conservation Foundation. The SWT also hosted 30 School Field Trips, using its bus to take children into Tsavo West National Park, and 10 field trips to Tsavo East National Park where students were able to meet our Voi Orphans, and the donation of 158 desks to five of the surrounding community schools.
In addition, the SWT used its bus to host 30 School Field Trips in the quarter, conducting 20 in Tsavo West National Park, and 10 in Tsavo East National Park, where students were able to meet our Keepers and the orphan elephants at the Voi Reintegration Unit. Support also included the provision of another 158 desks to schools surrounding the National Parks.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust continues to support marginalised communities and schools bordering the Tsavo National Parks. Through our daily school lunch program, which was established in 2021/2022, we provide rice, maize, beans and oil to eight local schools. Not only does this program see positive effects in students' school attendance and performance, it also creates much goodwill in the communities and positive attitudes towards wildlife and conservation.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust receives support from the Chantecaille Conservation Foundation, which aims to protect natural biodiversity by supporting local communities who live in proximity to it. This support goes towards a dedicated school feeding program, through which we supply 'uji' - a local porridge made of maize, beans, and nuts - to 68 schools, ensuring 14,000 children receive a daily meal.
In communities bordering Kenya’s National Parks, children grow up alongside wildlife, but they have few opportunities to learn about the natural world that surrounds them. Our School Field Trips offer children an opportunity to enjoy their National Parks and interact with wildlife and natural habitats, whilst learning about flora and fauna and the importance of coexisting and protecting their natural heritage.
During the months of January to March the SWT Community Outreach Team led 10 School Trips to Tsavo East National Park and 20 to Tsavo West National Park. During these exciting and fun-filled days out 300 children visited the SWT's Voi Elephant Reintegration Stockades, and 600 children visited Mzima Springs and many other wonderful locations in Tsavo West.
In January, February and March the Trust donated 50 desks each to Kimweli Primary, Kalulu Primary, Mtito Primary, Ngwate Primary and Tsavo Primary.
