The ASSETS project has so far been the most reliable scholarship program in the north Coast of Kenya. It's uniqueness knows no limit as it was tactically set to satisfy two needs at the same time. Apart from providing educational opportunities to some of the brightest minds in this region, It has successfully transformed the attitudes of the locals regarding the protection of Mida Creek and Arabuko Sokoke Forest which are two extremely precious habitats threatened by human activities here. ASSETS has been enjoying a great deal of both financial and material support from well wishers: Turtle Bay Beach Club, Ocean Sports Resort, and guests who have been visiting our Eco-facilities; the Gede tree platform and the Mida Creek boardwalk and bird hide. Funds from these sources have been comfortably sustaining the project for the period it has been operational.
However there has been lots of economic uncertainties over the recent past that has weakened our financial sustainability as a project. School fees in Kenya have extremely risen leading to a subsequent increase in our budget. The tourism sector which we significantly relied on has deteriorated leading to consequent decrease in the number of visitors to our two Eco-tourism facilities at Gede and Mida, this has seriously compromised our financial sustainability.The number of eligible students has also been rising leading to an expansion in our budget.This has been as a result of the consistent campaigns among the communities on the importance of formal education .
As efforts are being put in place to deal with the situation, we really need to stand up for next year's beneficiaries to ensure that we retain them at school.This project has been providing hope not only to the benefiting families but to the society as a whole, it is a perfect manifestation that restoration of the lost beauty of nature is achievable! It is such a beautiful thing to see the enthusiasm and initiative taken by the be
neficiaries including their parents in spearheading the conservation efforts at the local levels. We want to heed to God's call of caring for creation and empowering the communities we work with in the process. The ASSETS project represents hope to the African child, it is the 'logo' of opportunity and the symbol of empowerment.
The ASSETS children have great potential if given the chance, they have a way of getting to the top and that is all thanks to your esteemed support!
The best Christmas gift you can ever give out this Christmas season is a donation to the ASSETS project to ensure that the it stays operational next year. We need to raise 2 million Shillings by the mid of January 2014 to be able able to keep our students in school next year.
You can make a donation through www.arocha.org/donateassets
No amount is too small to make a difference!
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