On October 1st I will be joining an all-female, self-funded team to hike 100km through Kenya's unchartered, remote Matthew's Range to raise awareness and funds for Conservation International's community, conservation and anti-poaching work in Northern Kenya.

The best way to preserve our precious environment and support struggling communities is through education and empowerment. Funds raised will be used to benefit local communities; to give them a voice and provide a platform for their development of sustainable enterprises and family livelihoods. The ripple effects extend to conversation, education, health, family income and even security, peace and stability. Small amounts can make huge differences.

To date, CI has been working with the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) to establish 35 of these community conservancies across northern Kenya. During our trek we are so excited to see first-hand, the type of projects that the funds we raise will be supporting and meeting all the incredible people..

Like many other developing countries, women in rural Kenya tend to be marginalised from economic and political power, and have limited access to financial and material resources. Conservation International's work in the region has significantly expanded economic opportunities for local women.

Through scholarships provided by the conservancies, girls are able to access primary and secondary education, and women financial training to embark on entrepreneurial endeavours to build sustainable businesses.

We are all paying for our own flights/accommodation/food so that every dollar we raise will go directly to CI's conservation programmes. Below are some examples (in USD) of what your donation will go towards:

•    A girl's school bursary for a month - $83
•    A female ranger's salary for a month - $241
•    Equipping solar panels for an outpost - $10,000
•    A female elephant keeper's salary for a month - $230
•    Two-day beadwork training workshop for 30 women - $550
•    Establishment of a new community conservancy - $250,000

Please donate generously as every-dollar counts towards empowering local women who will then work towards preserving northern Kenya's communities and their beautiful environment. 

Thank You!