Empowering children & nurturing conservation through education
Nestled amidst the headquarters of Borana Conservancy in Kenya lies a unique initiative that embodies the spirit of education, conservation, and community empowerment – the Mazingira Yetu Centre. In this blog post, we invite you to delve into the heart of Borana’s commitment to sustainable tourism and discover the transformative impact of the Mazingira Centre on the local community and the environment.
The Mazingira Yetu Centre: A Hub for Learning, Conservation and Regeneration
The Mazingira Yetu Centre, meaning "our environment" in Swahili, is a visionary project initiated in 2022. It serves as a centre for environmental education, research, and community engagement. Located within Borana Conservancy’s HQ, the Mazingira Yetu Centre is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world and empowering local people to become stewards of their environment and the wider ecosystem.
Community Engagement and Education
One of the core missions of the Mazingira Yetu Centre is to engage with and uplift neighbouring communities. Through various educational programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives, the centre empowers local residents and school children with knowledge about wildlife conservation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection.
Local schools benefit from the centre's resources and take part in education days which include a game drive in the Mazingira Express, a modified truck which can carry up to 30 children and their teachers in an open-sided adventure across Borana Conservancy. This enables students to connect with nature and gain insights into the importance of preserving their natural heritage. The Mazingira Yetu Centre also collaborates with the Borana Education Support Programme to provide scholarships and bursaries, pay teachers salaries and improve infrastructure, ensuring that children have access to quality environmental education.
Wildlife Conservation and Research
The Mazingira Yetu Centre is currently initiating phase two of it’s development where it plans to host researchers and conservationists from around the world. Accommodation has been built for students & researchers to spend time at the centre and conduct vital research on wildlife, ecology, and habitat management. By sharing their findings and insights, the Mazingira Yetu Centre aims to contribute to the broader conservation community and help protect endangered species such as the black rhino as well as improve rangelands and expand habitat.
Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods
In addition to its educational initiatives, the Mazingira Yetu Centre promotes sustainable farming and agricultural practices among local communities. Through training in regenerative agriculture, permaculture, organic farming, and agroforestry, the centre equips people with the skills and knowledge needed to improve their agricultural techniques and enhance food security while improving rangelands. Many of the local cultures are pastoralists and by fostering a deeper understanding of ecology the programme aims to help improve rangelands across this landscape and beyond.
When you visit Borana Lodge, you are not just embarking on a safari adventure; you are contributing to a legacy of community, culture, and conservation through commerce. Your stay directly supports the Mazingira Centre's initiatives (among others), helping to create a more harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife while improving land management in this extraordinary landscape.
We invite you to explore the Mazingira Centre during your stay at Borana Lodge, where you can witness firsthand the positive impact of education and empowerment on both the environment and the local community. Join us in preserving the wonders of Borana Conservancy for generations to come.
To learn more about your impact during your stay at Borana Lodge click here.