Access to education is widely believed to provide the foundations for a society where economic wealth, social prosperity and political stability can flourish. Ol Pejeta Conservancy sits within Laikipia County, Kenya – one of the country’s most critical wildlife landscapes. The County is also dominated by agriculture and livestock which account for 75% of household incomes. About 43% of the population live below the poverty line. Within this socio-economic context, education plays a crucial role in the future wellbeing of communities – empowering children with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to build themselves a better future.

Every year, we fundraise to provide scholarships for 40 children living in neighbouring communities. It costs approximately $800 to put one student through one year of school, covering school fees, uniforms, books, and accommodation and more, enabling access for vulnerable children in need. Alongside normal academia activities, our Rhino Scholarship includes supplemental classes on conservation, helping the next generation become the conservation leaders of tomorrow and wildlife ambassadors.

Education plays a key role with improving the resilience of communities, who are better able to respond to the challenges of climate change, economic instability and more. By providing education opportunities for children in rural areas, Ol Pejeta is helping uplift the lives of young people, so they gain the skills necessary to become socially responsible and productive members of society and break the cycle of poverty.