Conservation Program Update: Luci Lights Initiate Change

In late 2014, New Course donate a number of Luci Lights, courtesy of MPOWERD, to the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) to empower women of the local Maasai community. 

The women's group in Ilchalai with their new Luci Lights

The efforts of the Luci Lights program by MWCT have been continuing in a diligent way!  MWCT has coordinated a number of community outreaches to the communities of Iltilal, Kuku, Langata, Olorika, and Ilchalai to distribute the Luci Lights to existing women's groups. 

The women's group in Olorika meet to discuss ideas for income generating enterprises

The purpose of the distribution of the Luci Lights, and partnership with New Course, is to not only reverse the negative health affects from the traditionally used kerosene lanterns, but also to provide a platform for the women to be empowered, and to establish an alternative income generating enterprise for themselves. Having the ability to utilize saved money from no longer purchasing kerosene, the women can each contribute regularly to a project or enterprise or idea that will benefit them in a sustainable way. 

Women of Iltilal come together to learn more about the Luci Lights

Community outreaches have been continuing throughout the month of March and into April. Thus far, a total of 273 Luci Light solar lanterns have been distributed across 5 different villages, and a total of 11 women's groups. 

The women of Iltilal learn how to properly use their new solar lantern

The Nkaramata Women's Group of Iltilal thrilled with their new lanterns!

Particularly inspiring stories have emerged as a result of this project. The women of these communities are utilizing the revolutionary technology in innovative ways, while coming up with creative ideas that are benefiting the groups and themselves. 

The women of the Kuku Grass Seed Bank are also given the opportunity to receive Luci Lights

Learning about the solar charging abilities!

The growing women's group in Langata!

Predominantly inspiring has been the women's group from Langata village. Having grown from a small number of 7 members, to a sustained number of 37 members since the Luci Lights idea was introduced to them, the Langata women demonstrated a true expression of commitment to the mission of the Luci Lights as well as excitement to be a part of a new and innovative project on Kuku Group Ranch. 

The women of Langata learn about their Luci Lights

The chair lady of the Langata women's group had previously expressed a concern to MWCT about the low number of members in the group, and the disconnect of membership that she was witnessing. The group has now shown tremendous achievement in their now very large following, their desire to attain environmentally friendly lanterns, to rid of their kerosene, and to do something substantial as a group that will benefit them. MWCT looks forward to witnessing the women of Langata as they grow as a group, and efficiently and systematically save their kerosene funds to benefit the group as a whole, contribute to the betterment of the environment, and to their families health. 

We are thrilled to hear of success stories within the community, resulting in the empowerment of women, reduction of harmful emissions, and contributions to the creation of a unified groups becoming a powerful entity within this community. 

Even in the daylight, the power of a Luci Light is something extraordinary! 

Education Program Update: Another Term at the Kanzi Academy

Jambo! Happy New Year from Kanzi Academy! Everyone returned to school revived and refreshed after the Christmas break, ready to begin 2015 in earnest.

It has been a wonderful half term. The children began their year with a trip to a local shamba (farm) here on Kuku Group Ranch. They learned how crops grow, investigated the requirements of seasonal planting, and even did some basket weaving!

Class 1 hard at work

All the students continue to progress well with their academic studies. However, Kanzi Academy is focused on more than just academic success. We emphasize the importance of effort both inside and outside the classroom. We also connect to the environment around us and reflect on our need of it. This, in turn, prompts much discussion and learning.

Class 3 concentrates on their art project

Teamwork is an important ethic of the Academy as well. As such, the students of Class 3 have continued to develop team building skills, reflective practice, and peer-to-peer support. They have also been researching and learning about Gandhi, an inspirational and interesting leader who spread the message of peace. We will continue this unit after our mid-term break.

All students enjoying their surrounding environment in PE

Class 1 are settling into a more formal style of learning and are demonstrating greater responsibility for their own learning needs. Teachers do not think for the students here at Kanzi Academy; instead we encourage all the children to be free thinkers. As adults, our job is to guide and direct. The results are often organic and overwhelmingly creative. When children are involved in their own learning, we get very excited!

From all of us here at Academy, we say "kwaheri" (goodbye) and look forward to updating you again soon.
- Sarah and the Kanzi Academy Team

A fantastic photo of Head Teacher, Sarah, with Class 1 and Class 3!

Education Program Update - End of Term One at Kanzi Academy

Term One has ended at Kanzi Academy, and with it a successful season of learning and discovery.  As the welcome rains of November transformed the savannah from dusty yellow to lush green, the students enjoyed trekking in the Chyulu Hills and exploring the great outdoors.  The Kanzi teachers recognize the exceptional opportunities afforded to a school in the bush and incorporate nature into their lesson plans, building a learning environment that utilizes both the classroom and the world outside.  Experiential learning is key at the Academy, where students strive to understand their role in the community as well as their relationship with the environment.

Class One lines up for a hike in the Chyulu Hills.

 
In the second half of the term, Class 3 explored the theme of "leadership" in spiritual education class, addressing such probing questions as "What makes a good leader?"  Responsibility, trust, connection, tolerance, and empathy were all discussed in detail through debates and moments of reflection.  The facets of leadership were also demonstrated in fun, practical activities such as the "banana operation."

The students continued to benefit from advanced technology in the classroom, utilizing both laptops and a state-of-the-art SMART Board.  These tools enhance the learning experience and prepare students to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
 

Class Three hard at work on their laptops

Kanzi Academy students use interactive technology to complement their lessons.

  
The students enjoyed a musical treat when violinist Barbara Stoddard performed a private concert at the Academy.  The children learned about the parts of a violin, the bow, and the tuning process and also listened to different styles of music.  Meanwhile, in art class, the students had a great time making bracelets and "Kanzi Bears."
 

Students made "Kanzi Bears" as a craft project.

   
At the end of the term, the students got into the Christmas spirit by decorating the Christmas tree at Campi ya Kanzi's Tembo House.  The savannah-themed tree is decked with lions, zebras, giraffes, gourds, and small African dolls.  As the students and teachers head home for the holidays, they wish a joyous season of celebration to all!
 

Merry Christmas from Kanzi Academy!

Education Program Update - the Kanzi Academy is Back!

The Kanzi Academy opened its doors last week for the new school year 2014/2015!

We have the absolute joy of welcoming all children and staff back to school, nestled in the savannah in between the Chyulu Hills and Kilimanjaro!

Class 1 & 3 ready for the new year! 

As usual, we combine traditional teaching using both the UK and International Curriculum to offer the children a broad-based, holistic learning experience. This teaching, when combined with the richness of the environment, provides not only a feast for all the senses, but enables the children to learn experientially and explore their culture, their roots; their lore.

We aim to educate the children as much about the conservancy on which they live, as well as giving them a sense of 'bigger picture'. To be caretakers of our planet is a fundamental message for future living, survival and the integrity of our 'right' to be here.

Already this week, not only have we had some truly wonderful classroom experiences, where the children have shown much responsibility for their own learning alongside a solid work ethic... but we have been out in the wilderness to explore some very unique experiences indeed.

We had the opportunity to visit CCRC, where the rescued 2 week old Lesser Kudu was being loved and cared for. The children had the opportunity to learn its Maasai name feed it, and ask many questions about its future!

Enjoying feeding the lesser kudu!

We have also been lion tracking! With the help of the Conservation Team, we were able to borrow telemetry equipment that enabled us to track and locate Namunyak. She was relaxed and calm and truly a beautiful vision as she lay quietly on the lava, camouflaged by the surrounding bush.

Students of Class 3 eagerly keeping their eyes out for Namunyak!

Inside the school, we have transformed one of our rooms into a dedicated art room. This will be the centre of much creativity and imagination. As always, we will look at different artists, explore different materials and media and 'feel art'. We will also be using different types of music to inspire us... from Tibetan chanting to Bob Marley, as well as burning incense to give us a different, sensual experience to feed our creative energy. We are very grateful for the donation of some spectacular classic art prints to hang on the wall of this new art room.

Enjoying the newly dedicated art room

Finally, we have been fortunate enough to have 4 tablets donated by Google for the children to use right across the learning spectrum. Having such up-to-date technology enables us to app-based programmes to enhance learning!

Innovative learning with the new tablets

Stay tuned for more updates soon!

Karibu tena

Education Program Update - Kanzi Academy

The Head Teacher at the Kanzi Academy has provided us with another informative update from her and her students this past week! Please enjoy!

Jambo from the Kanzi Academy! This week has flown by! The Kanzi Academy has had a wonderful week. Having had even more rain, we have been on lots of walks; observing change in our environment and discussing the "what-ifs" of too much rain, not enough rain, and so on. It is fascinating how "tuned in" the children are to their immediate environment and the importance of the right climate. Their awareness and learning has obviously been helped by their recent practical activities with regard to their planting and growing. There has been much sorrow with regard to the "control" plants, which have been kept in the dark, planted in stones, or deprived of water. Their "passing" has been met with some sad faces!

Student's observing their "shamba" outdoors

One of the biggest and most noticeable changes here at the moment is that everything at Campi ya Kanzi is very green! Being able to describe our environment on lovely walks has made it easy to introduce Class 2 to the world of adjectives; which they are really enjoying. Adjectives are wonderful tools for vocabulary expansion. No longer do I hear "Good morning Sarah, your dress is nice"... I rather hear "Good morning Sarah, you have a beautiful, colourful, blue dress on today!". Their awareness of placing adjectives in sentences has really given their sentence writing a colourful boost!

In Physical Education, the children's confidence in swimming has moved on from a couple of timid souls clinging to the side with a look of terror on their faces, to now being able to make some effort to swim a width with a kick board. In fact, two children are swimming very well, one with no float at all!

We have been out "data gathering" as part of our maths this week. I am introducing the children to recording data in different ways. At this age, it is all about "playing with numbers" and realizing that numbers can be used in different ways to provide us with information. So we are going to put a graph together entitles: "What is your favourite soda". We have walked around Campi ya Kanzi to gather such information which has been fun and informative.

Relaxation has become even more relaxing for the students now that we have our fantastic new yoga mats. Thank you Antonella! I have introduced the children to positive thinking while relazing. I talk to them about their favourite colour,  about making it big and beautiful. Then we make this colour into a sheet and fill it with positivity and things that we love and/or are good; things that we need. Then we "allow the sheet" to float down and cover us. I talk to the children calmly and gently about "noticing their breathing"... and usually end up with one or two asleep! It's a lovely time, and certainly the children are learning to be aware of themselves, their bodies and their minds.

Students with their new yoga mats!

This week we are having a gentleman come to teach the children (and myself) Transcendental Meditation (TM). I will give further updates on the progress of this once we are finished our course.

Feeling very relaxed during relaxation time!

Art this week has been all about rainbows! With our current exposure to rain and sun we have been seeing so many beautiful rainbows, which have then prompted all sorts of discussion from they are formed!

Continents has been our topic in Geography this week and the children have really embraced it! They have really enjoyed noticing how the oceans "join up" and have loved exploring world maps and the glops. With most of the children never having experienced a cold climate, they cannot imagine what snow or ice is like, but this will soon change, as in science they are learning about materials: man made and natural and if they can change or not. This will extend to the making of ice-lollies, so they will be up close and personal with something cold and tasty!

Painting rainbows in Art!

As ever, if you have any question, or would like to know anything further about life at the Kanzi Academy, please feel free to post any questions here!

Karibu tena! Sarah

Kanzi Academy Excursion to the Chyulus!

As part of Kanzi Academy’s continued efforts to take learning outside the classroom and find new ways for its students to interact with their unique wilderness environment, last week the schoolchildren went for a walk in the Chyulu Hills.  Hemingway’s famed Green Hills of Africa, the Chyulus are a volcanic range that were active as recently as the 19^th century, but have been dormant since that time.  The drive up provided an opportunity for the students to test their knowledge of the region’s geography and geology, including distinguishing between ancient granite formations and more recent volcanic ones.

Heading up into the Chyulus with the students of Kanzi Academy.

The drive and walk also gave ample opportunity to study and learn about the wildlife and botany of Kuku Group Ranch.  We saw giraffes, impalas, elands, hartebeests, hornbills, lilac-breasted rollers, and even an elusive bushbuck!  The beautiful Erythrina abyssinica, also known as the red-hot poker tree, was in its full-blooming October glory, punctuating the green hills with dashes of crimson. 

The beautiful Erythrina Abyssinica tree blooms in October.

After a break in the forest for a spirited game of Hide-and-Go-Seek, we continued our hike through the cloud forest, identifying trees such as the strangler fig and discussing its parasitic relationship with its host tree.  Finally we arrived at a bluff atop the range from which we could see for many kilometres, all the way to the Yatta Plateau.  We returned via the forest path and drove back to Campi ya Kanzi after a very successful morning, and we're planning to continue these educational outings in the future!

The students of Kanzi Academy look out from a bluff atop the Chyulus.

Conservation Update - Environmental Education

The past month has been a busy one for MWCT's Conservation Program, which oversees multiple efforts to preserve and conserve the wilderness of the Kuku Group Ranch.  Our main aim is to show the Maasai that they can live in harmony with their surroundings, and that is is actually in their best interest to help craft sustainable, long-term conservation solutions.

Two of the beautiful elephants we're trying to restore to all parts of Kuku Group Ranch.

Accordingly, a large part of our mission revolves around education of the local Maasai on various environmental issues, and this month we had several outreach activities in the nearby village of Iltilal.  We first made a visit to Iltilal Primary School and gave a presentation to more than 250 children speaking about elephants and why they are important.  The next day we continued this theme by showing the environmental documentary Elephants: Wanted Dead or Alive to another 180 villagers in the town centre.  Later in the month we focused on lions, giving another presentation at the school to more than 300 students and showing an environmental education film about the lion trade to 45 Maasai at a local church.

Our Community Rangers bravely fight fires in the Chyulu Hills after they are set by herders but get out of control..

MWCT's Community Rangers have also been very active this month, responding to various poachings and kills around the ranch and turning several suspects into custody of the Kenya Wildlife Service and the local police.  In the picture above, one of the Community Rangers helps fight a fire on the Chyulu Hills, protecting grazing land for the Maasai herds as well as the extremely beautiful and valuable cloud forests.