In partnership with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and in coordination with our Key program, the Charles & Rita Field-Marsham Foundation donated funds to create a library in Lewa Primary, a previously neglected county school on the outskirts of the conservation area. Taking a lead from the community, our effort was specifically focused on a need for books and a safe, supportive educational space. What started as a library for students has evolved into a de facto community centre where children, parents and teachers are welcome and encouraged to learn and get involved. Not only has the library sparked a sense of pride within the local community, but it’s helped raise awareness of the vital role that people must play in protecting precious natural resources and the circular benefit of doing so.

A further initiative of the Charles & Rita Field-Marsham Foundation was the building of a girls’ dormitory for students of the school. For students living in nomadic communities of the Rift territory, the long walk to and from school can be a dangerous and exhausting obstacle to education. By providing young female students with a safe space to live during the school term, the project has dramatically reduced absenteeism and drop-out rates.

Our work with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has highlighted the value of partnering with committed local organizations and continuing to grow and evolve projects based on local response. These projects have also underscored the wisdom of a human-focused approach to conservation.