Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Welcome Back Champ

After receiving both the the United Nations 2012 "Champion of the Earth" award and UNDP Equator Prize 2012, and participating in the recently concluded Rio+20 conference, Samson returned to a rousing welcome at CCRC.

It took some training, but a simplified teaching on how to clap by the Kanzi Primary School Headmistress, the man of the moment stood up to speak.





























In a room full of representatives from Kuku Group Ranch, Samson was very clear about his message. He however couldn't avoid throwing in bits of humour as he went along.


In his speech, Samson explained what the two awards presented before them meant. He explained that the work being done by MWCT has been recognized globally and the United Nations deemed the Trust worthy of being awarded with this year's UNDP Equator Prize. Samson reiterated that none of it would have been possible without the support and hard work from the members of Kuku Group Ranch, who have thrown all their weight behind positive development and conservation.
The other award he explained (Champion of the Earth), was as a result of his efforts in mobilizing the community towards conservation of natural resources. He urged people to continue to take initiatives and responsibility over the environment.  He said that you don't need to have gone to school to make an impact. To emphasize this point, Samson reflected on his feelings upon the plane to Brazil. He was a simple Maasai man who was on his way to give his speech alongside a national president, banker, UAE entrepreneur, scientist and aeronautical engineer. He wondered what he could possibly tell the world having come from such a humble background. Samson put all doubts and  fear behind him, reminded himself of how far he had come, said a prayer and went on to be titled "CHAMPION"

To the friends and family of MWCT, Samson says, thank you.