The statement is simple, but its meaning profound: Successful conservation and community engagement go hand in hand. If we are to secure a future for Kenya’s wildlife and habitats, we must also support the people who live alongside them.

Over one-third of rural-dwelling Kenyans live below the poverty line. As they struggle to make ends meet, conservation efforts fall low on their list of priorities. Many have a complicated relationship with wildlife, viewing elephants and other creatures as threats to their lives and livelihoods.

That’s why our Community Outreach programs are a cornerstone of our conservation work. Just as we are invested in the long-term welfare of Kenya’s wildlife, we are equally committed to their human neighbours. We focus our efforts in rural communities bordering Kenya’s National Parks and protected areas, delivering conservation initiatives that also improve their quality of life. This support takes the form of local employment opportunities, education initiatives, food distribution programs, equipment donations, and conservation solutions that benefit both humans and wildlife.

We place special emphasis on programs that engage young Kenyans, for they are the future stewards of our country's wildlife. Our fully sponsored school lunch program serves 84 schools, providing over 16,000 schoolchildren with nutritious lunches every day. We support gifted students from Tsavo and Mwaluganje communities with school scholarships, helping to further their education. Every year, we lead about 80 subsidised field trips, helping students discover their country’s greatest national parks from the safety of our green school bus.

On this particular day, however, the bus was on a different mission. In honour of Mazingira Day (Environment Day), we organised a special field service day with two local schools.

The day began in the Kibwezi Forest, where SWT Rangers, tree nursery staff, and fence attendants planted indigenous tree seedlings nurtured in our nursery. Meanwhile, our trusty green bus arrived in the forest, carrying its very special guests: students from two schools in the Chyulu Hills area.

Sammy kicked things off with an inspiring conservation talk, setting the tone for the activities ahead. The students were then given tree saplings to plant at their homes or schools. Sammy introduced the day and led an inspiring conservation talk. Then, the students were given trees to plant at their homes or at their school. Both schools were recipients of new water tanks this year — an ongoing water catchment project we are unrolling the Chyulu Hills, ensuring local students have access to clean, reliable drinking water — so they will be able to water and care for the saplings.

But the day wasn’t over yet! Afterwards, everyone teamed up for a rubbish collection effort along the Mombasa road. Proof that anything can be fun when done with a common mission in mind, there were smiles and laughs as the group made a real dent in the rubbish along their sector of road. The students enjoyed a meaningful day of community service, working alongside the conservationists in whose footsteps they might follow.

These experiences nurture conservationists of the future, planting a seed in the hearts and minds of young Kenyans.