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Learn more about our students	The local communities surrounding Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves struggle to send their children to secondary school. As part of the community projects, Save the Elephants (STE) supported by Elephant Watch (EW) consulted the local people living around the reserves. The general consensus was a strong need for secondary education and training opportunities, especially for girls. It was decided that efforts would be directed to provide the necessary bursaries. As a result of this, STE has created this fund for education and training for children from Northern Kenya . It offers an opportunity to get secondary education combined with hands-on elephant and environmental awareness. This fund is largely supported by guests who stay at the Elephant Watch Camp (EWC).
	We work closely with local primary schools in the area to select young, highly motivated students for secondary school scholarships. Most of these children come from impoverished pastoralist backgrounds where their families are unable to afford the secondary school fees. Unfortunately, without a proper education, these students will have little access to higher training or employment opportunities. The local people are now beginning to realize the genuine value of education for their child's future and are extremely supportive of the efforts of STE.
	One of our main focuses is the spread of One of our main focuses is conservation education and we encourage students to become ambassadors of the area and their cultures. We now have an established project where guests who stay at the EW Camp in Samburu can sponsor a student from the surrounding area and can create personal relationships with the individual and STE. We select students based on merit, determination and motivation. These students build new friendships with their sponsors and stay in close contact through letters and pictures. Sponsoring these young people provides them with a rare and precious opportunity that will change their lives.
Ten students have already completed their secondary school education under the programme and most are now actively involved in conservation and eco-tourism. One, completed his secondary education in 2005 and emerged as top student in Isiolo District. We have been successful in raising funds to sponsor him through a 6-year medical degree in Nairobi University. At present 31 students are being sponsored from the Samburu, Borana, Rendille, Somali and Turkana communities. They come from all over Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit Districts. Patina Lemooli is one of the students who recently completed her education in St Mary's Girls Secondary School in Isiolo. She says, “ The fund has benefited me so much. It has helped me to pursue my education in a secondary school which I did not expect. It has helped me realize my dreams and set my goals for my future career. My knowledge has been increased and it has caused me to work harder to realize my vision and contribute in helping other people as well as to serve my country. Thank you for coming into my life by catering for my school fees.” US $6000 or UK £3000 will fund a child for 4 years secondary education, paying for everything from school fees, books, uniforms, mattresses, pocket money, transportation allowances etc (see breakdown on following page). If you are interested in sponsoring a child, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will help you begin your new relationship with a student. Item Amount for 4 years (USD) School fees $ 3600 Transportation allowances $ 350 Pocket Money $ 100 School Supplies, eg bedding, mattresses, buckets, cutlery $ 800 School Books $ 200 Mock exam fees $ 25 Half term allowance $ 35 School uniform (including replacement after 2 years) $ 150 Education Officer school visit (once a year) $ 200 Medical fees $ 30 School field trips $ 30 Post $ 30 Transport/Accommodation during annual Education Party $ 60 Extra contingencies $ 390 TOTAL $ 6000 If you would like more information about our scholarship programme or how you can contribute to our scholarship fund, please contact: Arnold Rapango Education Officer Email contact: education@savetheelephants.org Visit: http://www.savetheelephants.org

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