PHILANTHROPY in AFRICA
Kisampa (Tanzania)
www.sanctuary-tz.com
Kisampa is a private community conservation sanctuary that adjoins the unique coastal Saadani National Park in eastern Tanzania. Conserving this area is the passion of Epic’s own Rob Barbour.
Here Rob and his family have made their own home and developed a small eco friendly lodge, with the lightest, most delicate footprint. This endeavour is hand in hand with the local community – engaging in socially and environmentally responsible tourism that helps to protect the area and brings money and resources directly to the community.
One of the projects is the sponsoring of underprivileged children to receive a secondary education at various schools adjacent to Kisampa. Through Kisampa's Tuende Pamoja Trust Fund (Tuende Pamoja means "Let's move forward together" in Kiswahili), they have facilitated the sponsorship of children who would normally not have the means to go to secondary school because they are orphaned, from non-working single-parent families, or are deemed 'poorer than poor' (as decided by their own communities).
A secondary education in Tanzania costs USD $ 250 per child, per year, for five years at a government school. This includes their school fees, any accommodation allowances, food, a uniform, a pair of shoes and a solar light to study by at night as there is no electricity in the village. Through the Tuende Pamoja Trust Fund, over 100 children are currently sponsored at three different secondary schools – all due to the generosity of clients coming to Tanzania. Epic Private Journeys has played a leading role in helping to attract some of this sponsorship.
Women for Women (Rwanda)
www.womenforwomen.org
Since 1994, the country's name has been synonymous with genocide. The numbers are staggering. Estimates say that up to 500,000 women and girls were raped, tortured and physically abused during the genocide. The impact of these horrors is still felt today, but Rwanda is rebuilding now with the leadership of the women.
Over one third of households are headed by women. And 80% of these are run by impoverished widows. Women are raising children that are the result of brutal crimes. Many have sexually transmitted diseases - in fact over 14 million children have been orphaned by AIDS alone. Despite the extreme poverty, many Rwandans find room in their hearts to adopt as many as 6 orphaned children, treating every child like their own, a mantra of the country and its President, Paul Kagame.
But the Real Story isn't the suffering - It's the Rwandan women's ability to triumph over every obstacle. Because of Rwandan women's courage and willingness to speak, for the first time in history, rape is being prosecuted as a war crime. Previously, in post-genocide Rwanda, rape had been considered a third degree crime. What's more, the election of 2003 put 49% of the parliament seats to women, giving women a voice and a platform in which to use it.
Crafting Africa's Future (Botswana)
www.craftingafricasfuture.org
Crafting Africa's Future is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting African artisans and the communities in which they live. The organisation is committed to sustainable community development by purchasing their crafts, and through the support of community-based health care, education and development initiatives. Proceeds from the sale of artisan crafts are combined with general donations and re-invested in the most disadvantaged communities, thus ensuring that the people of southern Africa are at the heart of change.
Daniel Seder was just 13 when he travelled to Africa with Epic Private Journeys on what turned out to be a truly inspirational trip. Upon his return home, he set up this initiative and has been supporting communities through his efforts since.
Animal Works (Africa)
www.animalworks.com.au
Animal Works is a conservation-based, educational organisation that works with partners around the globe to conserve wildlife.
They are a coalition of film makers, authors, artists and conservationists who are passionate about the natural world and determined not to let the world’s most iconic species disappear. They work to draw attention to the plight of threatened species through visual mediums, striking artworks and the written word. Animal Works collectively believe that individuals can make a huge difference in the world by working together.
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