Environment

2024 AFEW Kenya - Giraffe Centre's Winners' Safari

Changing Mindsets: Winners’ Safari across Kenya

in: Safari Experience by: Giraffe Centre

For the 37th consecutive year, the Giraffe Centre proudly hosted the 2024 Annual Environmental Awareness Competition from January to March 2024. This initiative seeks to engage young minds in environmental conservation through various creative outlets, including essay writing, art, and group projects. This year, we were thrilled to receive over 5,000 entries from more than 150 schools nationwide. From these entries, we proudly crowned 250 students as winners during the World Environment Day celebrations held at our premises in Karen.

Among the prizes awarded, one highlight is a fully sponsored one-week safari across the country’s protected areas. The top 75 students from the competition had the incredible opportunity to visit, enjoy, and learn about wildlife in a truly immersive and entertaining way. The primary category recently embarked on an exciting safari to Samburu, Lewa, Ol Pejeta, Elsamere, and Maasai Mara. At each of these locations, we gained valuable insights into the historical significance of the areas, the cultures of the local tribes, and the initiatives they have undertaken to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. We also discovered how the existence of these protected areas benefits the surrounding communities.

We are confident that by fostering a shift in mindset regarding environmental conservation among future generations, we will cultivate champions for the environment. By exposing students to these natural settings and allowing them to engage with wildlife and conservation advocates, we will inspire nature enthusiasts who will understand and commit to protecting our natural world. 

This trip certainly ignited a passion for nature among this year’s winners in the primary school category. It’s a goal we aim to foster in all participants of our annual environmental awareness competition.

The one week safari was full of knowledge, adventure, fun and many firsts.

Knowledge

On the first day of our journey to Lewa Conservancy, we stopped at the equator crossing in Nanyuki. During this visit, we acquired valuable knowledge about the equator’s role as the central line in navigation and direction, as well as its impact on physical phenomena, such as the swirling of water as it drains. Additionally, the class on the magnetic field was incredibly enlightening, offering insights into why trees lean and how the wind blows. This was an essential lesson for Scouts enthusiasts.

That was just the beginning of our journey. Our visit to Lewa Conservancy was equally enlightening. We discovered how Lewa, traditionally viewed as a place for manhood and cattle grazing, has evolved into a leader in rhino conservation, environmental protection, and a champion for shifting mindsets within the communities of Nanyuki and Isiolo. This realization highlighted the incredible achievements that can be made when communities unite. Overall, the northern region of the equator has embraced community engagement in the realm of environmental conservation, yielding remarkable results.

 Mara: A Land of Adventure

Mara, a Maasai name meaning scattered bushes, is synonymous with adventure. Embarking on an overland journey across the savannah in search of wildlife was an exhilarating experience. By chance, we were fortunate enough to spot various animals and birds, learning fascinating facts about how they have adapted to life in the Mara. From the hippos in the Mara River and the waterbucks to the cheetah and spotted hyena, we encountered the majestic Black Rock Lion Pride. 

The Maasai Mara truly embodies adventure and serves as an incredible place to understand the interdependence of wildlife.

A Night Under the Stars: The Giraffe Centre’s Winners Safari

What truly sets The Giraffe Centre’s Winners Safari apart is the camping experience. Winners get to embrace life in a tent, immersing themselves in the wild. On this particular safari, we spent two nights under the stars, making our tent our cozy, temporary home.

It wasn’t just about sleeping in a tent; it was about the opportunity to learn and build our own shelter. 

We got to plan and design our space, making it comfortable and personal. This hands-on experience added a unique layer to the adventure, allowing us to connect with nature on a deeper level.

Imagine your child experiencing the thrill of a safari adventure, exploring the wonders of Kenya’s wildlife and learning about the importance of conservation. This isn’t just a dream, it’s a reality for winners of the AFEW Kenya – Giraffe Centre Environmental Awareness Competition!

As one parent put it, “It was a safari that greatly enriched my child’s holiday.” This incredible opportunity could be yours!

So, Kenyan school students, get ready to unleash your creativity and knowledge. The 2025 competition could be your ticket to a fully sponsored safari adventure. Think about the amazing memories you’ll create, the incredible wildlife you’ll see, and the impact you’ll make on the environment. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever!

World Giraffe Day: A Reflection on the Rothschild Giraffes

in: Activities by: Giraffe Centre

Happy World Giraffe Day! Today, we celebrate and stand tall for the majestic giraffes, the tallest animals on Earth. Despite their towering presence, giraffes are facing a silent extinction. Organizations like the Giraffe Centre have been at the forefront of conservation efforts for over 41 years, working tirelessly to prevent this silent extinction. One of the key initiatives has been the rewilding of the Rothschild Giraffes, along with  supporting research on giraffe conservation in Africa.

Ms. Consolata Gathoni, a student researcher published a research paper on the Activity Time Budget and Foraging Patterns of the Rothschild’s Giraffe in Lake Nakuru National Park. The research  has provided invaluable insights into the behaviours, habitat, and ecosystem of the Rothschild giraffes.

The paper’s most significant finding was that:-

  • Giraffes exhibit different behaviors based on gender, with bulls spending less time feeding and more time resting, while cows focus more on browsing.
  •  Giraffes prefer browsing in the morning and evening, with increased resting time in the afternoon.
  • The Rothschild giraffes in Lake Nakuru National Park predominantly spend their time in the vachellia woodlands, with the remaining time divided between grasslands and bush woodlands.
  • Specific tree species like Vachellia Gerrardis and Grewia Similis are only browsed during certain seasons, highlighting their dietary preferences.
  • Male giraffes feed at higher points on trees, optimizing their access to leaf biomass.
  • Factors such as reproductive requirements and basal metabolism contribute to the differences in foraging behavior between male and female giraffes.

Nutritional Concerns

  • The debarking of Yellow Barked Acacia trees by giraffes in LNNP indicates nutritional deficiencies, leading to biodiversity loss.

 

  • Giraffes consuming Maytenus Senegalensis during the wet season highlights their adaptability to changing nutritional needs.

Challenges Faced by LNNP

  • Loss of forage space due to rising lake levels, resulting in a 2km loss of grazing land.
  • Nutrient deficiencies in the park, evidenced by giraffes foraging on toxic plants like Solanum Incanum, posing a threat to other wildlife.

On this World Giraffe Day, let us pledge to continue our efforts to protect these graceful creatures and ensure a sustainable future for the Rothschild giraffes and their habitat.

#StandTallforGiraffes #ProtectTheGiraffes: Safeguarding Giraffes for a Sustainable Future 🦒✨

Photo by Brian Siambi

2023 Prize Giving Day Trophies

Celebrating Kenya’s Environmental Champions: A Tribute to AFEW Participants

in: Announcements by: Giraffe Centre

It is with immense joy and gratitude that we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who participated in the 2024 AFEW Kenya Environmental Awareness Competition. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to environmental stewardship have not only inspired us but have also contributed significantly to the preservation and conservation of our planet.

From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the serene landscapes of the Rift Valley, your collective efforts have undoubtedly made a profound impact on raising awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability. Whether through innovative projects, compelling artwork, or insightful essays, your creativity and enthusiasm have shone brightly, illuminating a path towards a greener and more sustainable future for Kenya and beyond.

As the competition came to a close on March 31st, we were truly overwhelmed by the quality and diversity of entries we received. Each submission was a testament to your unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world around you. Your dedication to environmental conservation is not only commendable but serves as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

To all the participants, we offer our sincerest congratulations on your outstanding contributions. Your hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. You are all winners in our eyes, and we are immensely proud of each and every one of you.

Now, as we eagerly anticipate the moment of celebration, we are thrilled to announce that the winners of the 2024 AFEW Kenya Environmental Awareness Competition will be feted on the 7th of June, 2024. This will be a day of recognition, appreciation, and celebration of your remarkable achievements. We cannot wait to honor your dedication and showcase your remarkable accomplishments to the world.

To those who emerged victorious, we extend our warmest congratulations. Your exemplary efforts have set a benchmark for environmental advocacy and activism. You are the trailblazers, the changemakers, and the guardians of our planet’s future. May your passion continue to ignite change and inspire others to join the noble cause of environmental conservation.

Unleash Your Creativity: Join the “Think Green Go Green for a Better Future” Essay and Art Competition!

in: Announcements by: Giraffe Centre

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of creativity and environmental consciousness? The Giraffe Centre invites you to participate in our eagerly awaited essay and art competition, themed “Think Green Go Green for a Better Future.” This is not just a chance to showcase your talents but an opportunity to contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Competition Details:

– Theme: Think Green Go Green for a Better Future
– Submission Period: January 1st to March 31st
– Categories: Essay and Art
– Prizes: The winners will embark on a one-week fully paid Safari adventure!

How to Participate:

1. Choose Your Medium: Whether you’re a wordsmith or an artist, this competition caters to both! Craft an essay or create a captivating piece of art that aligns with the theme.

2. Express Your Vision: Dive deep into the theme and express your vision for a sustainable future. What does it mean to “Think Green” and “Go Green” in your eyes? Your unique perspective could make a significant impact!

3. Submit Your Entry: Send in your masterpiece between January 1st and March 31st. Details on submission methods and guidelines can be found on the competition poster.

Why Participate?

1. Environmental Impact: Your thoughts and creativity can inspire change. By participating, you become an advocate for a greener and healthier planet.

2. Skill Enhancement: Sharpen your writing and artistic skills under the theme of environmental sustainability.

3. Adventure Awaits: Imagine yourself on a one-week fully paid Safari, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The winners of the competition will experience this unforgettable journey.

Hosted by Giraffe Centre:

The Giraffe Centre is dedicated to environmental education and conservation. By hosting this competition, we aim to nurture the talents of Kenyan youth while fostering a deep appreciation for our planet’s well-being.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference while showcasing your creativity! Let your imagination run wild as you “Think Green” and “Go Green” for a better future.

Visit our website for more details on how to participate, submission guidelines, and updates on the competition. Together, let’s create a future where sustainability is at the heart of our actions.

Join us in the journey towards a greener, brighter tomorrow!

Competition

2022 AFEW KENYA ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPETITION

in: Activities by: Giraffe Centre

Happy New Year. We hope and believe that you’ll have a successful year.

To start off, we have our annual competition up. The competition will be running from January 1st, 2022 to March 31st,2022.

The aim of the competition is to get students to engage in environmental conservation. The theme of the competition seeks to jog the students minds concerning current conservation issues and express them through either essays, drawing or an artistically taken photograph. The winners of the competition will get to visit some of the great conservation sites and organizations we have in Kenya.

To get the poster for the competition please click here

We wish you a prosperous 2022

Competition Poster

2020 AFEW Kenya – Giraffe Centre Annual environmental Competition

in: Activities by: Giraffe Centre

Prosperous year 2020 to every one of you. We are very grateful for every support you have accorded us over the last 40 year of The Giraffe Centre existence and over 20 years of the annual Competition participation. W are very grateful for every penny you have used towards supporting environmental conservation around the world and our activies.

As customary, we have always given the Kenyan student a chance to express their thoughts on various environmental conservation topics through an Annual Competition, 2020 won’t be different yet bigger.

Check out the poster by clicking on ” healthy Planet, Healthy Biodiversity, Healthy People”  to get the 2020 Annual environmental Competition Poster. Lots of prizes and a safari to be won.

“Unless”

in: Activities by: Lydia Jwan

People ask me why I am obsessed with words. Why I seem to know a lot about things but at the same time be so clueless about the things that matter. Well for starters, what things matter? Unless we are talking about SDGs or African poverty, I think “things that matter” are very subjective concepts and cant, therefore, be pinned to a world view.

I love people who play with words. Heck,  Love could be an understatement. I adore them. The other day I was listening to LSD’s track “ No New Friends.” There’s something about that song that has me playing it on repeat. It could be the unique message sent across by the video.

The video takes us to a world of utopia, a land of paradise, no sorrows no worries at all (I used to love that song in Sunday school). This paradise, however, is dominated by dancing Truffula Trees. Have you heard of the story of the Truffula trees or more precisely The Lorax? No? Okay, walk with me. For those who have, take this as a refresher.

The Lorax is a children’s book written by Dr Seuss in the seventy’s documenting the plight of the environment. The Lorax a mystic creature in the book “speaks for the trees” by confronting the Once-ler who promotes environmental degradation. And so the story begins, Once-ler is walking one beautiful morning in search of fertile land. In his walk, he comes across a forest valley full of the Truffula trees. Up until that point, the Once-ler had never seen a tree with such silk-like foliage and incredible colours. So he decides to cut down the tree and from the foliage make a thneed (an incredibly versatile garment).

He sells that garment to a passerby who pays back in kind. This becomes like an epiphanic moment to him. He gets the worst idea ever but to cut down all the trees and expand his industry. So the Lorax who “speaks for the Truffula trees” confronts the Once-ler. He warns the Once-ler against his actions towards the environment. Eventually, all the animals are forced to migrate. The air becomes toxic, The rivers become polluted from the industries waste. Chaos wreaks the land.  Now the dude decides to wake up. Things are going bad. With a lack of resources, his industry shuts down. The Lorax writes on the trunk of the last standing tree, the word “Unless” and flees.

Years later, after pondering over this word in turmoil. The Once-ler realises what the Lorax meant. That “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” I think by now you get where am going with this analogy.

The fable depicts our current reality. Cooperate greed over the environment. The Once-ler could very well be our industries and the Lorax the environment. We exploit, degrade, destroy all in the name of economic growth. How is that even self-actualisation? I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. It’s a shame that the human mind is only accustomed to change when pain is involved.

Now you might not have felt the pain yet and are probably wondering what am ranting about, but others have felt it. Take, for example, the case of Mozambique and their floods, or the millions of intoxicated children living in India. If you are wondering what you can do to change this, am proud of you. That’s a significant milestone you took there.

My answer to you. Plant trees. Most of these problems we struggle with find their way back to deforestation and irresponsible logging of trees. Planting trees reduces the carbon footprint in the air, thus bringing a balance in the atmospheric gases. A case like Mozambique would have been less detrimental if they had a large forest cover. The children in India would breathe cleaner air.

The Lorax story ends with the Once-ler giving a young boy Truffula seeds to plant and save the planet. We’ve tried implementing the same line of thinking in the giraffe centre with our school greening initiative. We donate trees to schools and monitor their planting and progress. This ensures that the students take on the full responsibility of planting trees and understand the importance of doing the same.

On sustainability, we educate the students on alternative sources of energy that saves from cutting down trees. This involves teaching them how to make charcoal briquettes with the hope that this message will be passed on to their communities.

Wondering how you can be part of this amazing initiative? Join our 1 dollar 5 seedling project, and for every dollar, you donate 5 seedlings will be given to a school for planting. Before you get this twisted, the donations are for buying seedlings.  “Unless we do this, then we might as well start packing our bags for the journey to the world of the dead.”

Students being taught about trees at the A Rocha Kenya.

The WAVES Ecology Scheme

in: Activities1 Comment by: Giraffe Centre

Wendell Berry, a recipient of The National Humanities Medal, once said, “The Earth is what we all have in Common.” A very simple, probably common sense knowledge, but very powerful. It’s a quote that spark our minds to realize ways that ensures posterity of the earth. This is where, Kerrigan Savage Waves Trust comes into play.

Kerrigan Savage Waves Trust (WAVES in short), decided to partner with Giraffe Centre in spreading the conservation message. They have concentrated their efforts to needy school going children. Since the year 2000, together with Giraffe Centre, we are running an ecology program. The target being all Class 5 children from 5 primary schools in the slums of Nairobi and form 1 students of Starehe School. We give them a fully paid ecology trip to wildlife Centres around Nairobi. Some the wildlife centres the students are taken to include, Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, A ROCHA Kenya, Mamba Village and the Nairobi Safari walk. All these places give visitors valuable information about conservation of the environment.

Students at the Mamba village during their ecology trip sponsored by Kerrigan Savage Waves Trust

Other than educating the students, they also fund school projects that are environmentally inclined. The interesting requirement for the projects they fund is that the projects have to be owned by the school. Which means that the students are to be fully involved in the implementation, the school should see and use the output to better their daily activities and the community should embrace it.

Art on the Conservation of Nature
“He that plants trees loves others besides himself.”
—Thomas Fuller

So in a very big way, WAVES, are doing all of us a big favor in making sure that this commonly shared resource is being used well. efficiently for now and preserved for posterity.

Thank you very much WAVES for all the support you are offering in environmental conservation and education.

2019 competiton

2019 AFEW Environmental Competition in partnership with Pritt

in: Activities, Announcements4 Comments by: Giraffe Centre

Happy 2019 to you all. We hope that the year started with good tidings for each and every one of us. As we all know, every year, from the 1st of January to the 31st of March we have our environmental competition.This year is no exception.

We are however so sorry for the lateness due to an unavoidable circumstance. Finally, the competition poster is ready.

to get to the poster, please click on the button below.

Good luck and happy new year full of success.