The LWF's Environmental Education (EE) programme

A brief introduction
The EE programme, which has been running since January 2004, recognises that the long-term sustainability of conservation efforts in Laikipia is inextricably linked to the environmental awareness of local school children. The LWF hopes that by encouraging involvement through environmental education, the next generation of responsible, committed Kenyans will work for the sustained conservation of the Laikipia ecosystem. The great majority of Kenyan children have never seen wildlife in their natural environment, despite living in a country with rich wildlife resources and an economy dependent on wildlife tourism.

Through the efforts of the LWF, Laikipia school children have begun a process that sees the gradual reversal of this situation. There are 231 primary schools in Laikipia District, with an enrolment of 70,730 pupils, and a further 10,866 pupils in 43 secondary schools. The LWF education programme links these schools with existing environmental education initiatives across the District.

Project aims and objectives

• Field trips for school groups, making use of the LWF EE bus to visit game sanctuaries, education centres, and other resource centres across the District. Target: 100 trips per year
• Visits to schools by the EEO to give interactive talks on wildlife and environmental conservation. Target: 50 talks per year
• Demonstrations of environmental conservation projects such as tree nurseries, energy efficient systems and wildlife conservation projects. Target: 25 demonstrations per year
• Participatory conservation competitions. Target: 2 competitions per year
• Special teacher and student conservation seminars. Target: 2 seminars per year.
• Schools supported with conservation education materials
• Community conservation activities instigated by and/or actively involving students

Supporters of the EE programme
The EE programme, which has been fully funded for 2004 and 2005, has been funded by a consortium of donors put together by Save the Rhino International. These are:

1989 Willan Charitable Trust
Astor Foundation
Chester Zoo
EAZA Rhino Campaign
Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust
Mark Leonard Trust
Nando Peretti Foundation
Save the Rhino International
Bernard Sunley Charitable Trust

Budget
The total cost of the EE programme for 2006 and 2007 is £35,932.

Save the Rhino International is now approaching all donors to the 2004 and 2005 EE programme, in the hope that they might make a repeat grant. However, we are also endeavouring to find new donors, and would very much appreciate your consideration.