(1090,2,'2014-01-13 19:52:56','2014-01-13 19:52:56','<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I was fortunate to meet this beautiful and brilliant 18-year old Cornell student last week. Her grandmother asked if I would be so kind as to provide any advice I may have for entering the field of clinical nutrition. Today, I received an email from her with the following note:</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><em>\"I had a great time hearing about your work, and I hope I can put your advice into practice. I feel like talking with you has put me ahead of where I would be otherwise. Thank you.\"</em></strong></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Thank <strong>you</strong> Laurel for allowing me to participate in your journey. I feel like talking with you confirms my mission in life - helping to make a difference in the world guiding others.</p>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\">At age 15, Laurel received the \"Youth Winner\" award in the US Poet Laureate competition in the category of \"The Natural World and Man\'s Separation from It.\"  A remarkable piece of work. How fortunate are those who will have a chance to be influenced by this amazing young woman. I certainly have been.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\"Opaque\" by Laurel Moffat</strong></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong></strong>You pull the socks up</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">and the sleeves down</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">to cover your bruised knees</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">and scabby elbow</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Is it chilly in the growling car?</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Then you frown at the plastic flowers</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">like autumn leaves</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">shoved into the dirty white container</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">next to the gas pump;</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">an extension of the dusty asphalt.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Where have you been?</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Did you collect your scrapes</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">while taking a hammer</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">to the pavement,</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">dicing the gray into ice cubes</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">that melt enough to let trees through?</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">I think not.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">They\'re from that time you tripped</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">and fell into the black glass street</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">while running in the warm dark</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">where the leaves couldn\'t see you.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">You\'re hiding from them again,</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">behind the car door.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Behind the bulletproof glass.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Where are you going?</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Maybe today it will be the zoo,</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">where wild things</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">hide in glass, too.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">I know you won\'t break it,</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">break out.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">You only seem to know</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">how to break yourself.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>','Laurel','','inherit','open','open','','1071-revision-v1','','','2014-01-13 19:52:56','2014-01-13 19:52:56','',1071,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1071-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1091,2,'2014-01-14 18:42:36','2014-01-14 18:42:36','<strong>RSVP requested by this Thursday, January 17th.</strong> Please visit: <a href=\"http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8\">http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8</a>.\n\nPlan to attend a star-studded evening with U.C. San Diego faculty members, the founder of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT), and actor and activist Richard Dreyfuss as they share their perspectives, insights and experiences from visiting and working in Kenya.\n\nThe evening’s topic will focus on the Maasai living the Kuku Group Ranch. The Kuku Group Ranch is home to roughly 16,000 people and lies in an important migration corridor of around 280,000 acres that is at the base of Chyulu Hills, Hemingway’s, “Green Hills of Africa,” between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks.\n\nLearn first-hand about major Maasai threats and concerns including conservation, health care, education and energy access, and discover past, present and future MWCT programs focused on protecting the legendary ecosystems and astounding biodiversity of East Africa.\n\nIn line with the MWCT’s pioneering partnership between professional conservationists and dynamic young Maasai leaders dedicated to showing that the Maasai community can thrive, all programs are developed jointly with the Maasai community on a knowledge-sharing basis—creating and implement holistic and comprehensive programs. More information about Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust can be found at <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\" target=\"_blank\">www.maasaiwilderness.org</a>.\n\nFeatured speakers will include:\n\nRichard Dreyfuss, Actor and Political Activist; <a href=\"http://www.apa-agency.com/talent/speakers/Richard_Dreyfuss.aspx\">http://www.apaagency.com/talent/speakers/Richard_Dreyfuss.aspx</a>\n\nLuca Belpietro, Ph.D.; Founder and Executive Director, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org/about-us/our-team/\">http://www.maasaiwilderness.org/about-us/our-team/</a>\n\nMaria Savoia, M.D.; Dean of Medical Education, U.C. San Diego School of Medicine <a href=\"http://www.hsi.ucsd.edu/about/team/Pages/savoia.aspx\">http://www.hsi.ucsd.edu/about/team/Pages/savoia.aspx</a>\n\nAnna Kulidjian, M.D.; Assistant Clinical Professor, U.C. San Diego School of Medicine  <a href=\"http://ortho.ucsd.edu/faculty/Clinical%20Profiles/KulidjianClinicalProfile.shtml\">http://ortho.ucsd.edu/faculty/Clinical%20Profiles/KulidjianClinicalProfile.shtml</a>\n\nAyelet Gneezy, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Marketing, Rady School of Management, UCSD <a href=\"http://management.ucsd.edu/faculty/directory/ayelet-gneezy/\">http://management.ucsd.edu/faculty/directory/ayelet-gneezy/</a>\n\nRSVP is required by <strong>January 17, 2014</strong>. Please visit: <a href=\"http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8\">http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8</a>. Limited hosted parking will be available on a first come, first-served basis. A parking map and directions will be emailed with an event confirmation one week prior to the presentation.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','An Evening with Richard Dreyfuss & MWCT San Diego January 23, 2014','','inherit','open','open','','1040-autosave-v1','','','2014-01-14 18:42:36','2014-01-14 18:42:36','',1040,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1040-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1093,2,'2014-01-14 18:46:40','2014-01-14 18:46:40','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>RSVP requested by this Thursday, January 17th.</strong></em></p>\r\nPlan to attend a star-studded evening with U.C. San Diego faculty members, the founder of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT), and actor and activist Richard Dreyfuss as they share their perspectives, insights and experiences from visiting and working in Kenya.\r\n\r\nThe evening’s topic will focus on the Maasai living the Kuku Group Ranch. The Kuku Group Ranch is home to roughly 16,000 people and lies in an important migration corridor of around 280,000 acres that is at the base of Chyulu Hills, Hemingway’s, “Green Hills of Africa,” between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks.\r\n\r\nLearn first-hand about major Maasai threats and concerns including conservation, health care, education and energy access, and discover past, present and future MWCT programs focused on protecting the legendary ecosystems and astounding biodiversity of East Africa.\r\n\r\nIn line with the MWCT’s pioneering partnership between professional conservationists and dynamic young Maasai leaders dedicated to showing that the Maasai community can thrive, all programs are developed jointly with the Maasai community on a knowledge-sharing basis—creating and implement holistic and comprehensive programs. More information about Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust can be found at <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\" target=\"_blank\">www.maasaiwilderness.org</a>.\r\n\r\nFeatured speakers will include:\r\n\r\nRichard Dreyfuss, Actor and Political Activist; <a href=\"http://www.apa-agency.com/talent/speakers/Richard_Dreyfuss.aspx\">http://www.apaagency.com/talent/speakers/Richard_Dreyfuss.aspx</a>\r\n\r\nLuca Belpietro, Ph.D.; Founder and Executive Director, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org/about-us/our-team/\">http://www.maasaiwilderness.org/about-us/our-team/</a>\r\n\r\nMaria Savoia, M.D.; Dean of Medical Education, U.C. San Diego School of Medicine <a href=\"http://www.hsi.ucsd.edu/about/team/Pages/savoia.aspx\">http://www.hsi.ucsd.edu/about/team/Pages/savoia.aspx</a>\r\n\r\nAnna Kulidjian, M.D.; Assistant Clinical Professor, U.C. San Diego School of Medicine  <a href=\"http://ortho.ucsd.edu/faculty/Clinical%20Profiles/KulidjianClinicalProfile.shtml\">http://ortho.ucsd.edu/faculty/Clinical%20Profiles/KulidjianClinicalProfile.shtml</a>\r\n\r\nAyelet Gneezy, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Marketing, Rady School of Management, UCSD <a href=\"http://management.ucsd.edu/faculty/directory/ayelet-gneezy/\">http://management.ucsd.edu/faculty/directory/ayelet-gneezy/</a>\r\n\r\nRSVP is required by <strong>January 17, 2014</strong>. Please visit: <a href=\"http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8\">http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8</a>. Limited hosted parking will be available on a first come, first-served basis. A parking map and directions will be emailed with an event confirmation one week prior to the presentation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','An Evening with Richard Dreyfuss & MWCT San Diego January 23, 2014','','inherit','open','open','','1040-revision-v1','','','2014-01-14 18:46:40','2014-01-14 18:46:40','',1040,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1040-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1092,2,'2014-01-14 18:43:46','2014-01-14 18:43:46','<strong>RSVP requested by this Thursday, January 17th.</strong> Please visit: <a href=\"http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8\">http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8</a>.\r\n\r\nPlan to attend a star-studded evening with U.C. San Diego faculty members, the founder of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT), and actor and activist Richard Dreyfuss as they share their perspectives, insights and experiences from visiting and working in Kenya.\r\n\r\nThe evening’s topic will focus on the Maasai living the Kuku Group Ranch. The Kuku Group Ranch is home to roughly 16,000 people and lies in an important migration corridor of around 280,000 acres that is at the base of Chyulu Hills, Hemingway’s, “Green Hills of Africa,” between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks.\r\n\r\nLearn first-hand about major Maasai threats and concerns including conservation, health care, education and energy access, and discover past, present and future MWCT programs focused on protecting the legendary ecosystems and astounding biodiversity of East Africa.\r\n\r\nIn line with the MWCT’s pioneering partnership between professional conservationists and dynamic young Maasai leaders dedicated to showing that the Maasai community can thrive, all programs are developed jointly with the Maasai community on a knowledge-sharing basis—creating and implement holistic and comprehensive programs. More information about Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust can be found at <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\" target=\"_blank\">www.maasaiwilderness.org</a>.\r\n\r\nFeatured speakers will include:\r\n\r\nRichard Dreyfuss, Actor and Political Activist; <a href=\"http://www.apa-agency.com/talent/speakers/Richard_Dreyfuss.aspx\">http://www.apaagency.com/talent/speakers/Richard_Dreyfuss.aspx</a>\r\n\r\nLuca Belpietro, Ph.D.; Founder and Executive Director, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org/about-us/our-team/\">http://www.maasaiwilderness.org/about-us/our-team/</a>\r\n\r\nMaria Savoia, M.D.; Dean of Medical Education, U.C. San Diego School of Medicine <a href=\"http://www.hsi.ucsd.edu/about/team/Pages/savoia.aspx\">http://www.hsi.ucsd.edu/about/team/Pages/savoia.aspx</a>\r\n\r\nAnna Kulidjian, M.D.; Assistant Clinical Professor, U.C. San Diego School of Medicine  <a href=\"http://ortho.ucsd.edu/faculty/Clinical%20Profiles/KulidjianClinicalProfile.shtml\">http://ortho.ucsd.edu/faculty/Clinical%20Profiles/KulidjianClinicalProfile.shtml</a>\r\n\r\nAyelet Gneezy, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Marketing, Rady School of Management, UCSD <a href=\"http://management.ucsd.edu/faculty/directory/ayelet-gneezy/\">http://management.ucsd.edu/faculty/directory/ayelet-gneezy/</a>\r\n\r\nRSVP is required by <strong>January 17, 2014</strong>. Please visit: <a href=\"http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8\">http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8</a>. Limited hosted parking will be available on a first come, first-served basis. A parking map and directions will be emailed with an event confirmation one week prior to the presentation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','An Evening with Richard Dreyfuss & MWCT San Diego January 23, 2014','','inherit','open','open','','1040-revision-v1','','','2014-01-14 18:43:46','2014-01-14 18:43:46','',1040,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1040-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1094,2,'2014-01-14 18:51:19','2014-01-14 18:51:19','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>RSVP requested by this Friday, January 17th.</strong></em></p>\r\nPlan to attend a star-studded evening with U.C. San Diego faculty members, the founder of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT), and actor and activist Richard Dreyfuss as they share their perspectives, insights and experiences from visiting and working in Kenya.\r\n\r\nThe evening’s topic will focus on the Maasai living the Kuku Group Ranch. The Kuku Group Ranch is home to roughly 16,000 people and lies in an important migration corridor of around 280,000 acres that is at the base of Chyulu Hills, Hemingway’s, “Green Hills of Africa,” between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks.\r\n\r\nLearn first-hand about major Maasai threats and concerns including conservation, health care, education and energy access, and discover past, present and future MWCT programs focused on protecting the legendary ecosystems and astounding biodiversity of East Africa.\r\n\r\nIn line with the MWCT’s pioneering partnership between professional conservationists and dynamic young Maasai leaders dedicated to showing that the Maasai community can thrive, all programs are developed jointly with the Maasai community on a knowledge-sharing basis—creating and implement holistic and comprehensive programs. More information about Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust can be found at <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\" target=\"_blank\">www.maasaiwilderness.org</a>.\r\n\r\nFeatured speakers will include:\r\n\r\nRichard Dreyfuss, Actor and Political Activist; <a href=\"http://www.apa-agency.com/talent/speakers/Richard_Dreyfuss.aspx\">http://www.apaagency.com/talent/speakers/Richard_Dreyfuss.aspx</a>\r\n\r\nLuca Belpietro, Ph.D.; Founder and Executive Director, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org/about-us/our-team/\">http://www.maasaiwilderness.org/about-us/our-team/</a>\r\n\r\nMaria Savoia, M.D.; Dean of Medical Education, U.C. San Diego School of Medicine <a href=\"http://www.hsi.ucsd.edu/about/team/Pages/savoia.aspx\">http://www.hsi.ucsd.edu/about/team/Pages/savoia.aspx</a>\r\n\r\nAnna Kulidjian, M.D.; Assistant Clinical Professor, U.C. San Diego School of Medicine  <a href=\"http://ortho.ucsd.edu/faculty/Clinical%20Profiles/KulidjianClinicalProfile.shtml\">http://ortho.ucsd.edu/faculty/Clinical%20Profiles/KulidjianClinicalProfile.shtml</a>\r\n\r\nAyelet Gneezy, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Marketing, Rady School of Management, UCSD <a href=\"http://management.ucsd.edu/faculty/directory/ayelet-gneezy/\">http://management.ucsd.edu/faculty/directory/ayelet-gneezy/</a>\r\n\r\nRSVP is required by <strong>January 17, 2014</strong>. Please visit: <a href=\"http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8\">http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&amp;invite=gb5mxujxuwmvj5vftzxxcw3caerve6zpdf3yxdunp460pku0nja8</a>. Limited hosted parking will be available on a first come, first-served basis. A parking map and directions will be emailed with an event confirmation one week prior to the presentation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','An Evening with Richard Dreyfuss & MWCT San Diego January 23, 2014','','inherit','open','open','','1040-revision-v1','','','2014-01-14 18:51:19','2014-01-14 18:51:19','',1040,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1040-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1096,2,'2014-01-15 01:03:08','2014-01-15 01:03:08','The most compelling evidence of animal/human communication demonstrated here between a man and stunning black leopard. Hard to refute the reality of telepathy and communication capabilities that we have with the animal kingdom if we allow and recognize it. Reminds me to always be careful how we speak about and to our animals in their presence. If you love animals or have a pet, a must watch. Thank you <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/terrylamb\" data-hovercard=\"/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1187597791&amp;extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D\">Terry Lamb</a> for sharing this.\r\n\r\n&lt;iframe width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/gvwHHMEDdT0?feature=player_embedded\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;','A Stunning Leopard Speaks.','','inherit','open','open','','1095-revision-v1','','','2014-01-15 01:03:08','2014-01-15 01:03:08','',1095,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1095-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1098,2,'2014-01-15 01:08:21','2014-01-15 01:08:21','','Screen Shot 2014-01-14 at 5.07.21 PM','','inherit','open','open','','screen-shot-2014-01-14-at-5-07-21-pm','','','2014-01-15 01:08:21','2014-01-15 01:08:21','',1095,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Screen-Shot-2014-01-14-at-5.07.21-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(1097,2,'2014-01-15 01:03:55','2014-01-15 01:03:55','The most compelling evidence of animal/human communication demonstrated here between a man and stunning black leopard. Hard to refute the reality of telepathy and communication capabilities that we have with the animal kingdom if we allow and recognize it. Reminds me to always be careful how we speak about and to our animals in their presence. If you love animals or have a pet, a must watch. Thank you <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/terrylamb\" data-hovercard=\"/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1187597791&amp;extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D\">Terry Lamb</a> for sharing this.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://iframewidth=640height=360src=//www.youtube.com/embed/gvwHHMEDdT0?feature=player_embeddedframeborder=0allowfullscreen/iframe\"><iframe src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/gvwHHMEDdT0?feature=player_embedded\" height=\"360\" width=\"640\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe></a>','A Stunning Leopard Speaks.','','inherit','open','open','','1095-revision-v1','','','2014-01-15 01:03:55','2014-01-15 01:03:55','',1095,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1095-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1099,2,'2014-01-15 01:08:36','2014-01-15 01:08:36','The most compelling evidence of animal/human communication demonstrated here between a man and stunning black leopard. Hard to refute the reality of telepathy and communication capabilities that we have with the animal kingdom if we allow and recognize it. Reminds me to always be careful how we speak about and to our animals in their presence. If you love animals or have a pet, a must watch. Thank you <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/terrylamb\" data-hovercard=\"/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1187597791&amp;extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D\">Terry Lamb</a> for sharing this.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=gvwHHMEDdT0\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=gvwHHMEDdT0</a>','A Stunning Leopard Speaks.','','inherit','open','open','','1095-revision-v1','','','2014-01-15 01:08:36','2014-01-15 01:08:36','',1095,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1095-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1100,2,'2014-01-15 01:09:38','2014-01-15 01:09:38','','Screen Shot 2014-01-14 at 5.08.59 PM','','inherit','open','open','','screen-shot-2014-01-14-at-5-08-59-pm','','','2014-01-15 01:09:38','2014-01-15 01:09:38','',1095,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Screen-Shot-2014-01-14-at-5.08.59-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(1102,2,'2014-01-15 01:12:21','2014-01-15 01:12:21','The most compelling evidence of animal/human communication demonstrated here between a man and stunning black leopard. Hard to refute the reality of telepathy and communication capabilities that we have with the animal kingdom if we allow and recognize it. Reminds me to always be careful how we speak about and to our animals in their presence. If you love animals or have a pet, a must watch. Thank you <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/terrylamb\" data-hovercard=\"/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1187597791&amp;extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D\">Terry Lamb</a> for sharing this.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=gvwHHMEDdT0\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=gvwHHMEDdT0</a>','A Stunning Leopard Speaks.','','inherit','open','open','','1095-revision-v1','','','2014-01-15 01:12:21','2014-01-15 01:12:21','',1095,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1095-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1101,2,'2014-01-15 01:11:53','2014-01-15 01:11:53','The most compelling evidence of animal/human communication demonstrated here between a man and stunning black leopard. Hard to refute the reality of telepathy and communication capabilities that we have with the animal kingdom if we allow and recognize it. Reminds me to always be careful how we speak about and to our animals in their presence. If you love animals or have a pet, a must watch. Thank you <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/terrylamb\" data-hovercard=\"/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1187597791&amp;extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D\">Terry Lamb</a> for sharing this.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=gvwHHMEDdT0\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=gvwHHMEDdT0</a>','A Stunning Leopard Speaks.','','inherit','open','open','','1095-revision-v1','','','2014-01-15 01:11:53','2014-01-15 01:11:53','',1095,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1095-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1103,2,'2014-01-17 00:03:52','2014-01-17 00:03:52','I am devastated and angered by watching the video of the tourists who were charged and injured by an elephant while in musth in Kruger National Park. These folks placed themselves and the future of this animal in harm\'s way because of ignorance. Musth is a right of passage for male elephants and ensures that they mate with females and hence we have baby elephants in this world. \r\n\r\nThis poor elephant was deemed unusually aggressive and killed because of this unfortunate circumstance by park authorities. Clearly from the video, he was not unusually aggressive until the tourists car invaded his rightful space and he then provided warnings not to approach any closer which seemed to go unheeded. You can see the immense power in the video that an elephant possesses - always remember this. \r\n\r\nShould you ever go on a self-guided safari or know anyone who plans to, please be sure they understand how to observe wild animals appropriately. There is a checklist in the article that teaches how to observe elephants in their natural environment. \r\n\r\nIt is UNFAIR that these animals are killed because of our obsession to be close or have amazing photos of them. These animals do not live in a zoo - it is called the wild and mother nature rules with an iron fist.\r\n\r\nEnd of rant for today. \r\n\r\n‪#‎elephantvoices‬ ‪#‎iWorry‬ ‪#‎SavetheElephants‬\r\n\r\nhttp://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113','Devastated.','','inherit','open','open','','1067-revision-v1','','','2014-01-17 00:03:52','2014-01-17 00:03:52','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1067-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1117,2,'2014-01-30 22:14:00','2014-01-30 22:14:00','The Humane Society of the United States today announced that pharmaceutical giant Merck &amp; Co. recently decided that it will no longer conduct or financially support biomedical research on chimpanzees for the foreseeable future and will favor alternative methods. <strong>Way to go Merck.</strong>\r\n\r\nIn recent years, several other pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk, have adopted similar policies prohibiting or severely restricting chimpanzee use.\r\n\r\nAnother good day for these beautiful and sensitive creatures. Be sure to read the full story from the HSUS.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2014/01/merck-stops-chimp-research-013014.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2014/01/merck-stops-chimp-research-013014.html</a>','Merck says No to Chimpanzees.','','publish','open','open','','merck-says-chimpanzees','','','2014-01-30 22:33:04','2014-01-30 22:33:04','',0,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/?p=1117',0,'post','',0),(1105,2,'2014-01-17 00:07:11','2014-01-17 00:07:11','I am devastated and angered by watching the video of the tourists who were charged and injured by an elephant while in musth in Kruger National Park. These folks placed themselves and the future of this animal in harm\'s way because of ignorance. Musth is a right of passage for male elephants and ensures that they mate with females and hence we have baby elephants in this world.\n\nThis poor elephant was deemed unusually aggressive and killed because of this unfortunate circumstance by park authorities. Clearly from the video, he was not unusually aggressive until the tourists car invaded his rightful space and he then provided warnings not to approach any closer which seemed to go unheeded. You can see the immense power in the video that an elephant possesses - always remember this.\n\nShould you ever go on a self-guided safari or know anyone who plans to, please be sure they understand how to observe wild animals appropriately. There is a checklist in the article that teaches how to observe elephants in their natural environment.\n\nIt is <strong>UNFAIR</strong> that these animals are killed because of our obsession to be close or have amazing photos of them. Remember, these animals do not live in a zoo - it is called the wild - and mother nature rules it with an iron fi\n\n‪#‎elephantvoices‬ ‪#‎iWorry‬ ‪#‎SavetheElephants‬\n\n<a href=\"http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113\">http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113</a>\n\nPhoto Credit: BBC News','Devastated.','','inherit','open','open','','1067-autosave-v1','','','2014-01-17 00:07:11','2014-01-17 00:07:11','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1067-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1106,2,'2014-01-17 00:06:36','2014-01-17 00:06:36','','_72276205_017747383-1','','inherit','open','open','','_72276205_017747383-1','','','2014-01-17 00:06:36','2014-01-17 00:06:36','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/72276205_017747383-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1110,2,'2014-01-17 00:11:14','2014-01-17 00:11:14','I am devastated and angered by watching the video of the tourists who were charged and injured by an elephant while in musth in Kruger National Park. These folks placed themselves and the future of this animal in harm\'s way because of ignorance. Musth is a right of passage for male elephants and ensures that they mate with females and hence we have baby elephants in this world.\r\n\r\nThis poor elephant was deemed unusually aggressive and killed because of this unfortunate circumstance by park authorities. Clearly from the video, he was not unusually aggressive until the tourists car invaded his rightful space and he then provided warnings not to approach any closer which seemed to go unheeded. You can see the immense power in the video that an elephant possesses - always remember this.\r\n\r\nShould you ever go on a self-guided safari or know anyone who plans to, please be sure they understand how to observe wild animals appropriately. There is a checklist in the article that teaches how to observe elephants in their natural environment.\r\n\r\nIt is <strong>UNFAIR</strong> that these animals are killed because of our obsession to be close or have amazing photos of them. Remember, these animals do not live in a zoo - it is called the wild - and mother nature rules it with an iron fist.\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113\">http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113</a></strong>\r\n\r\nPhoto Credit: BBC News','Devastated: Elephant Attack in Kruger National Park.','','inherit','open','open','','1067-revision-v1','','','2014-01-17 00:11:14','2014-01-17 00:11:14','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1067-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1107,2,'2014-01-17 00:07:49','2014-01-17 00:07:49','I am devastated and angered by watching the video of the tourists who were charged and injured by an elephant while in musth in Kruger National Park. These folks placed themselves and the future of this animal in harm\'s way because of ignorance. Musth is a right of passage for male elephants and ensures that they mate with females and hence we have baby elephants in this world.\r\n\r\nThis poor elephant was deemed unusually aggressive and killed because of this unfortunate circumstance by park authorities. Clearly from the video, he was not unusually aggressive until the tourists car invaded his rightful space and he then provided warnings not to approach any closer which seemed to go unheeded. You can see the immense power in the video that an elephant possesses - always remember this.\r\n\r\nShould you ever go on a self-guided safari or know anyone who plans to, please be sure they understand how to observe wild animals appropriately. There is a checklist in the article that teaches how to observe elephants in their natural environment.\r\n\r\nIt is <strong>UNFAIR</strong> that these animals are killed because of our obsession to be close or have amazing photos of them. Remember, these animals do not live in a zoo - it is called the wild - and mother nature rules it with an iron fi\r\n\r\n‪#‎elephantvoices‬ ‪#‎iWorry‬ ‪#‎SavetheElephants‬\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113\">http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113</a>\r\n\r\nPhoto Credit: BBC News','Devastated Over Elephant Attack in Kruger National Park.','','inherit','open','open','','1067-revision-v1','','','2014-01-17 00:07:49','2014-01-17 00:07:49','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1067-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1108,2,'2014-01-17 00:08:59','2014-01-17 00:08:59','I am devastated and angered by watching the video of the tourists who were charged and injured by an elephant while in musth in Kruger National Park. These folks placed themselves and the future of this animal in harm\'s way because of ignorance. Musth is a right of passage for male elephants and ensures that they mate with females and hence we have baby elephants in this world.\r\n\r\nThis poor elephant was deemed unusually aggressive and killed because of this unfortunate circumstance by park authorities. Clearly from the video, he was not unusually aggressive until the tourists car invaded his rightful space and he then provided warnings not to approach any closer which seemed to go unheeded. You can see the immense power in the video that an elephant possesses - always remember this.\r\n\r\nShould you ever go on a self-guided safari or know anyone who plans to, please be sure they understand how to observe wild animals appropriately. There is a checklist in the article that teaches how to observe elephants in their natural environment.\r\n\r\nIt is <strong>UNFAIR</strong> that these animals are killed because of our obsession to be close or have amazing photos of them. Remember, these animals do not live in a zoo - it is called the wild - and mother nature rules it with an iron fist.\r\n\r\n‪#‎elephantvoices‬ ‪#‎iWorry‬ ‪#‎SavetheElephants‬\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113\">http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113</a>\r\n\r\nPhoto Credit: BBC News','Devastated Over Elephant Attack in Kruger National Park.','','inherit','open','open','','1067-revision-v1','','','2014-01-17 00:08:59','2014-01-17 00:08:59','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1067-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1109,2,'2014-01-17 00:10:01','2014-01-17 00:10:01','I am devastated and angered by watching the video of the tourists who were charged and injured by an elephant while in musth in Kruger National Park. These folks placed themselves and the future of this animal in harm\'s way because of ignorance. Musth is a right of passage for male elephants and ensures that they mate with females and hence we have baby elephants in this world.\r\n\r\nThis poor elephant was deemed unusually aggressive and killed because of this unfortunate circumstance by park authorities. Clearly from the video, he was not unusually aggressive until the tourists car invaded his rightful space and he then provided warnings not to approach any closer which seemed to go unheeded. You can see the immense power in the video that an elephant possesses - always remember this.\r\n\r\nShould you ever go on a self-guided safari or know anyone who plans to, please be sure they understand how to observe wild animals appropriately. There is a checklist in the article that teaches how to observe elephants in their natural environment.\r\n\r\nIt is <strong>UNFAIR</strong> that these animals are killed because of our obsession to be close or have amazing photos of them. Remember, these animals do not live in a zoo - it is called the wild - and mother nature rules it with an iron fist.\r\n\r\n‪#‎elephantvoices‬ ‪#‎iWorry‬ ‪#‎SavetheElephants‬\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113\">http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113</a>\r\n\r\nPhoto Credit: BBC News','Devastated: Elephant Attack in Kruger National Park.','','inherit','open','open','','1067-revision-v1','','','2014-01-17 00:10:01','2014-01-17 00:10:01','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1067-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1111,2,'2014-01-17 00:11:53','2014-01-17 00:11:53','I am devastated and angered by watching the video of the tourists who were charged and injured by an elephant while in musth in Kruger National Park. These folks placed themselves and the future of this animal in harm\'s way because of ignorance. Musth is a right of passage for male elephants and ensures that they mate with females and hence we have baby elephants in this world.\r\n\r\nThis poor elephant was deemed unusually aggressive and killed because of this unfortunate circumstance by park authorities. Clearly from the video, he was not unusually aggressive until the tourists car invaded his rightful space and he then provided warnings not to approach any closer which seemed to go unheeded. You can see the immense power in the video that an elephant possesses - always remember this.\r\n\r\nShould you ever go on a self-guided safari or know anyone who plans to, please be sure they understand how to observe wild animals appropriately. There is a checklist in the article that teaches how to observe elephants in their natural environment.\r\n\r\nIt is <strong>UNFAIR</strong> that these animals are killed because of our obsession to be close or have amazing photos of them. Remember, these animals do not live in a zoo - it is called the wild - and mother nature rules it with an iron fist.\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113\">http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113</a></strong>\r\n\r\nPhoto Credit: BBC News','Elephant Attack in Kruger National Park.','','inherit','open','open','','1067-revision-v1','','','2014-01-17 00:11:53','2014-01-17 00:11:53','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1067-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1112,2,'2014-01-17 00:15:47','2014-01-17 00:15:47','I am devastated and angered by watching the video of the tourists who were charged and injured by an elephant while in musth in Kruger National Park. These folks placed themselves and the future of this animal in harm\'s way because of ignorance. Musth is a right of passage for male elephants and ensures that they mate with females and hence we have baby elephants in this world.\r\n\r\nThis poor elephant was deemed unusually aggressive and killed because of this unfortunate circumstance by park authorities. Clearly from the video, he was not unusually aggressive until the tourists car invaded his rightful space and he then provided warnings not to approach any closer which seemed to go unheeded. You can see the immense power in the video that an elephant possesses - always remember this.\r\n\r\nShould you ever go on a self-guided safari or know anyone who plans to, please be sure they understand how to observe wild animals appropriately. There is a checklist in the article that teaches how to observe elephants in their natural environment.\r\n\r\nIt is <strong>unfair</strong> that these animals are killed because of our obsession to be close or have amazing photos of them. Remember, these animals do not live in a zoo - it is called the wild - and mother nature rules it with an iron fist.\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113\">http://www.news24.com/Travel/Guides/Bush/Surviving-a-charging-elephant-20140113</a></strong>\r\n\r\nPhoto Credit: BBC News','Elephant Attack in Kruger National Park.','','inherit','open','open','','1067-revision-v1','','','2014-01-17 00:15:47','2014-01-17 00:15:47','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1067-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1113,2,'2014-01-17 02:30:08','2014-01-17 02:30:08','','ElephantKruger_large','','inherit','open','open','','elephantkruger_large','','','2014-01-17 02:30:08','2014-01-17 02:30:08','',1067,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ElephantKruger_large.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1115,2,'2014-01-18 16:27:17','2014-01-18 16:27:17','The most compelling evidence of animal/human communication demonstrated here between a man and stunning black leopard. Hard to refute the reality of telepathy and communication capabilities that we have with the animal kingdom if we allow and recognize it. Reminds me to always be careful how we speak about and to our animals in their presence. If you love animals or have a pet, a must watch. Thank you <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/terrylamb\" data-hovercard=\"/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1187597791&amp;extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D\">Terry Lamb</a> for sharing this.\r\n\r\nhttp://youtu.be/gvwHHMEDdT0\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=gvwHHMEDdT0\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=gvwHHMEDdT0</a>','A Stunning Leopard Speaks.','','inherit','open','open','','1095-revision-v1','','','2014-01-18 16:27:17','2014-01-18 16:27:17','',1095,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1095-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1118,2,'2014-01-30 22:12:18','2014-01-30 22:12:18','','images','','inherit','open','open','','images','','','2014-01-30 22:12:18','2014-01-30 22:12:18','',1117,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/images.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1119,2,'2014-01-30 22:14:00','2014-01-30 22:14:00','The Humane Society of the United States today announced that pharmaceutical giant Merck &amp; Co. recently decided that it will no longer conduct or financially support biomedical research on chimpanzees for the foreseeable future and will favor alternative methods. Way to go Merck.\r\n\r\nIn recent years, several other pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk, have adopted similar policies prohibiting or severely restricting chimpanzee use.\r\n\r\nAnother good day for these beautiful and sensitive creatures. Be sure to read the full story from the HSUS.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2014/01/merck-stops-chimp-research-013014.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2014/01/merck-stops-chimp-research-013014.html</a>','Merck says No to Chimpanzees.','','inherit','open','open','','1117-revision-v1','','','2014-01-30 22:14:00','2014-01-30 22:14:00','',1117,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1117-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1120,2,'2014-01-30 22:33:04','2014-01-30 22:33:04','The Humane Society of the United States today announced that pharmaceutical giant Merck &amp; Co. recently decided that it will no longer conduct or financially support biomedical research on chimpanzees for the foreseeable future and will favor alternative methods. <strong>Way to go Merck.</strong>\r\n\r\nIn recent years, several other pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk, have adopted similar policies prohibiting or severely restricting chimpanzee use.\r\n\r\nAnother good day for these beautiful and sensitive creatures. Be sure to read the full story from the HSUS.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2014/01/merck-stops-chimp-research-013014.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2014/01/merck-stops-chimp-research-013014.html</a>','Merck says No to Chimpanzees.','','inherit','open','open','','1117-revision-v1','','','2014-01-30 22:33:04','2014-01-30 22:33:04','',1117,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1117-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1213,2,'2014-03-07 14:35:28','2014-03-07 14:35:28','<strong>Appeals to improperly sentenced wildlife trafficking cases have the power to create change. Kenya has done it, now Uganda. What we need are \"wildlife enforcement legal teams\" hired by the head of state to review all current (and perhaps recently closed) cases of wildlife sentencing in county and other courts. They obtain and review current docket of wildlife incidents and cases to determine if the rulings are/were indeed proper.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>If the magistrate/judiciary in these counties failed or fails to uphold specific CITES or country specific wildlife laws, this team appeals the ruling and re-prosecutes to the letter of the law because they are authorized to do so by the head of government.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>This is an insurance policy to ensure that laws to protect wildlife are indeed followed. In addition, it also can generate additional sources of revenue based upon proper (larger) fines for harm to wildlife. I can only think that this effort could pay for a whole program initiative, as well as put some money back in toward conservation efforts. No need to sell ivory stockpiles here.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>This forces the magistrate to not only learn what the laws actually are, but to be responsible to uphold proper rulings based upon laws that are in effect. It is interesting to me that many magistrates aren\'t held accountable for their stake in the game. Perhaps they should be held liable or removed from position. Maybe even fined themselves for aiding in a crime. That\'s an interesting thought.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>The intent of an idea like this is focused on keeping the legal process \"clean\" and can decrease costs on military style anti-poaching brigades. If there is consistency in law enforcement, it becomes a strong deterrent for would be or known traffickers.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Unfortunately, we are spending so much time talking about what is out of our control when we have yet to fully manage what is in our control - the judiciary. We need to get a better handle on that. Let\'s just make sure the teams we put in place aren\'t corrupt in and of themselves.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Put The Judiciary to Work. ','','inherit','open','open','','1210-revision-v1','','','2014-03-07 14:35:28','2014-03-07 14:35:28','',1210,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1210-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1122,2,'2014-02-01 04:35:36','2014-02-01 04:35:36','','1622684_10202206755024652_1390585786_n','','inherit','open','open','','1622684_10202206755024652_1390585786_n','','','2014-02-01 04:35:36','2014-02-01 04:35:36','',0,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1622684_10202206755024652_1390585786_n.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1123,2,'2014-02-01 04:36:06','2014-02-01 04:36:06','','1619348_10202206755784671_1601348071_n','','inherit','open','open','','1619348_10202206755784671_1601348071_n','','','2014-02-01 04:36:06','2014-02-01 04:36:06','',0,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1619348_10202206755784671_1601348071_n.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1124,2,'2014-02-01 04:36:21','2014-02-01 04:36:21','','7555_10202206758584741_1627203424_n','Photo: Jamey Ponte','inherit','open','open','','7555_10202206758584741_1627203424_n','','','2014-02-01 04:36:21','2014-02-01 04:36:21','',0,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/7555_10202206758584741_1627203424_n.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1212,2,'2014-03-07 14:31:25','2014-03-07 14:31:25','<strong>Appeals to improperly sentenced wildlife trafficking cases have the power to create change. Kenya has done it, now Uganda. What we need are \"wildlife enforcement legal teams\" hired by the head of state to review all current (and perhaps recently closed) cases of wildlife sentencing in county and other courts. They obtain and review current docket of wildlife incidents and cases to determine if the rulings are/were indeed proper.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>If the magistrate/judiciary in these counties failed or fails to uphold specific CITES or country specific wildlife laws, this team appeals the ruling and re-prosecutes to the letter of the law because they are authorized to do so by the head of government.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>This is an insurance policy to ensure that laws to protect wildlife are indeed followed. In addition, it also can generate additional sources of revenue based upon proper (larger) fines for harm to wildlife. I can only think that this effort could pay for a whole program initiative, as well as put some money back in toward conservation efforts. No need to sell ivory stockpiles here.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>This forces the magistrate to not only learn what the laws actually are, but to be responsible to uphold proper rulings based upon laws that are in effect. It is interesting to me that many magistrates aren\'t held accountable for their stake in the game. Perhaps they should be held liable or removed from position. Maybe even fined themselves for aiding in a crime. That\'s an interesting thought.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>The intent of an idea like this is focused on keeping the legal process \"clean\" and can decrease costs on military style anti-poaching brigades. If you enforce the laws, they become a good deterrent for would be or known traffickers.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Unfortunately, we are spending so much time talking about what is out of our control when we have yet to fully manage what is in our control - the judiciary. We need to get a better handle on that. Let\'s just make sure the teams we put in place aren\'t corrupt in and of themselves.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Put The Judiciary to Work. ','','inherit','open','open','','1210-revision-v1','','','2014-03-07 14:31:25','2014-03-07 14:31:25','',1210,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1210-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1211,2,'2014-03-07 14:31:05','2014-03-07 14:31:05','','1658367_226180550908403_2012388668_o','','inherit','open','open','','1658367_226180550908403_2012388668_o','','','2014-03-07 14:31:05','2014-03-07 14:31:05','',1210,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1658367_226180550908403_2012388668_o.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1210,2,'2014-03-07 14:31:25','2014-03-07 14:31:25','<strong>Appeals to improperly sentenced wildlife trafficking cases have the power to create change. Kenya has done it, now Uganda. What we need are \"wildlife enforcement legal teams\" hired by the head of state to review all current (and perhaps recently closed) cases of wildlife sentencing in county and other courts. They obtain and review current docket of wildlife incidents and cases to determine if the rulings are/were indeed proper.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>If the magistrate/judiciary in these counties failed or fails to uphold specific CITES or country specific wildlife laws, this team appeals the ruling and re-prosecutes to the letter of the law because they are authorized to do so by the head of government.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>This is an insurance policy to ensure that laws to protect wildlife are indeed followed. In addition, it also can generate additional sources of revenue based upon proper (larger) fines for harm to wildlife. I can only think that this effort could pay for a whole program initiative, as well as put some money back in toward conservation efforts. No need to sell ivory stockpiles here.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>This forces the magistrate to not only learn what the laws actually are, but to be responsible to uphold proper rulings based upon laws that are in effect. It is interesting to me that many magistrates aren\'t held accountable for their stake in the game. Perhaps they should be held liable or removed from position. Maybe even fined themselves for aiding in a crime. That\'s an interesting thought.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>The intent of an idea like this is focused on keeping the legal process \"clean\" and can decrease costs on military style anti-poaching brigades. If there is consistency in law enforcement, it becomes a strong deterrent for would be or known traffickers.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Unfortunately, we are spending so much time talking about what is out of our control when we have yet to fully manage what is in our control - the judiciary. We need to get a better handle on that. Let\'s just make sure the teams we put in place aren\'t corrupt in and of themselves.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Put The Judiciary to Work. ','','publish','open','open','','put-judiciary-work','','','2014-03-07 14:35:44','2014-03-07 14:35:44','',0,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/?p=1210',0,'post','',0),(1136,2,'2014-02-15 19:28:27','2014-02-15 19:28:27','','SAM_4914','','inherit','open','open','','sam_4914','','','2014-02-15 19:28:27','2014-02-15 19:28:27','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1137,2,'2014-02-15 19:28:46','2014-02-15 19:28:46','','swim2','Boys at Naisula School','inherit','open','open','','swim2','','','2014-02-15 19:28:46','2014-02-15 19:28:46','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/swim2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1138,2,'2014-02-15 19:28:56','2014-02-15 19:28:56','','IMG_20140114_201849','Patrick with members of WCSG','inherit','open','open','','img_20140114_201849','','','2014-02-15 19:28:56','2014-02-15 19:28:56','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1139,2,'2014-02-15 19:31:46','2014-02-15 19:31:46','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education was the key to long-term understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nI had many important meetings during my trip, but while I was at Campi ya Kanzi, I had the fortunate experience to meet the Founder and a small group of teachers from Naisula School. The group had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro, to learn more about the camp, the <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, visit the children and schools, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the Naisula group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based international boarding school that caters to both boys and girls and is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education with a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate scholarships at Naisula for two students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the small group of teachers visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back and to help other Kenyan children have the same opportunities that he had. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates on the progress of our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from him and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission.\r\n\r\nAt Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with student from three surrounding area high schools to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue approaches.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group via Skype at St. Cloud for a keynote speech on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we discussed while at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out with a goal to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Now established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nAfter Patrick returned from Campi ya Kanzi, he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\nMost, if not all of the students answered real estate.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and a critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students;\r\n\r\nYear 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group;\r\n\r\nSenior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal and collaborative project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they chose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time!\r\n\r\nElizabeth\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-15 19:31:46','2014-02-15 19:31:46','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1140,2,'2014-02-15 19:40:35','2014-02-15 19:40:35','','Naisula WCSG','Naisula School WCSG','inherit','open','open','','boat','','','2014-02-15 19:40:35','2014-02-15 19:40:35','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Boat.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1141,2,'2014-02-15 19:40:47','2014-02-15 19:40:47','','Human Encrouchment','','inherit','open','open','','human-encrouchment','','','2014-02-15 19:40:47','2014-02-15 19:40:47','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Human-Encrouchment.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1142,2,'2014-02-15 19:42:10','2014-02-15 19:42:10','','fun time (2)','Paradise Lost (Kenya)','inherit','open','open','','fun-time-2','','','2014-02-15 19:42:10','2014-02-15 19:42:10','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1143,2,'2014-02-15 19:42:21','2014-02-15 19:42:21','','Fun Time.','A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)','inherit','open','open','','best-moments','','','2014-02-15 19:42:21','2014-02-15 19:42:21','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1144,2,'2014-02-15 19:53:58','2014-02-15 19:53:58','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education was the key to long-term understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nI had many important meetings during my trip as many of you know, but while at Campi ya Kanzi, I had the fortunate experience to meet the founder and a small group of teachers from Naisula School. The group had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro, to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, visit the trust\'s children and schools, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based international boarding school that caters to both boys and girls and is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education with a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video on the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate scholarships at Naisula for two students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the small group of teachers visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back and to help other Kenyan children have the same opportunities that he had. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates on the progress of our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from him and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission.\r\n\r\nAt Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with student from three surrounding area high schools to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue approaches.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group via Skype at St. Cloud for a keynote speech on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we discussed while at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out with a goal to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Now established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.<span style=\"font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-style: italic;\"> </span>\r\n\r\nAfter Patrick returned from Campi ya Kanzi, he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\nMost, if not all of the students answered real estate.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and a critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they chose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-15 19:53:58','2014-02-15 19:53:58','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1146,2,'2014-02-15 20:10:43','2014-02-15 20:10:43','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education was the key to long-term understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nI had many important meetings during my trip, but while I was at Campi ya Kanzi, I had the fortunate experience to meet the Founder and a small group of teachers from Naisula School. The group had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro, to learn more about the camp, the <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, visit the children and schools, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the Naisula group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based international boarding school that caters to both boys and girls and is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education with a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate scholarships at Naisula for two students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the small group of teachers visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back and to help other Kenyan children have the same opportunities that he had. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates on the progress of our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from him and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission.\r\n\r\nAt Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with student from three surrounding area high schools to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue approaches.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group via Skype at St. Cloud for a keynote speech on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we discussed while at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out with a goal to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Now established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nAfter Patrick returned from Campi ya Kanzi, he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\nMost, if not all of the students answered real estate.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and a critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students;\r\n\r\nYear 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group;\r\n\r\nSenior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal and collaborative project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they chose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time!\r\n\r\nElizabeth\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-15 20:10:43','2014-02-15 20:10:43','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1145,2,'2014-02-15 20:04:13','2014-02-15 20:04:13','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education was a key strategy to promoting long-term understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nI had many important meetings during my trip, but while at Campi ya Kanzi, I had the fortunate experience to meet the founder and a small group of teachers from Naisula School. The group had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro, to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, visit the trust\'s children and schools, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based international boarding school for Secondary education that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, 85 kilometers just outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education with a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video on the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate scholarships at Naisula for two students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the small group of teachers visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back and to help other Kenyan children have the same opportunities that he had. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates on the progress of our individual ideas and endeavors. Once back at home, I began to receive emails from him and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission.\r\n\r\nAt Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with student from three surrounding area high schools to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue approaches.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group via Skype at St. Cloud for a keynote speech on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December, and motivated by some of the topics we discussed while at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Now established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.<span style=\"font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-style: italic;\"> </span>\r\n\r\nAfter Patrick returned from Campi ya Kanzi, he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\nMost, if not all of the students answered real estate.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and a critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. There were zebra, ostriches, warthogs, many birds and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our wonderful cohort and friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster and fund projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting here about our progress as we grow each week. Until next time!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-15 20:04:13','2014-02-15 20:04:13','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1147,2,'2014-02-15 20:13:18','2014-02-15 20:13:18','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education was the key to long-term understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nI had many important meetings during my trip, but while I was at Campi ya Kanzi, I had the fortunate experience to meet the Founder and a small group of teachers from Naisula School. The group had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro, to learn more about the camp, the <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, visit the children and schools, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the Naisula group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based international boarding school that caters to both boys and girls and is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education with a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate scholarships at Naisula for two students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the small group of teachers visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back and to help other Kenyan children have the same opportunities that he had. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates on the progress of our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from him and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission.\r\n\r\nAt Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with student from three surrounding area high schools to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue approaches.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group via Skype at St. Cloud for a keynote speech on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we discussed while at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out with a goal to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Now established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nAfter Patrick returned from Campi ya Kanzi, he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\nMost, if not all of the students answered real estate.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and a critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students;\r\n\r\nYear 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group;\r\n\r\nSenior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal and collaborative project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they chose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time!\r\n\r\nElizabeth\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-15 20:13:18','2014-02-15 20:13:18','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1148,2,'2014-02-15 20:22:14','2014-02-15 20:22:14','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education was the key to long-term understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nI had many important meetings during my trip, but while at Campi ya Kanzi, I had the fortunate experience to meet the Founder and a small group of teachers from Naisula School. The group had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro, to learn more about the camp, the <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, visit the trust\'s children and schools, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the Naisula group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based international boarding school that caters to both boys and girls and is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education with a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate scholarships at Naisula for two students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the small group of teachers visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back and to help other Kenyan children have the same opportunities that he had. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates on the progress of our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from him and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission.\r\n\r\nAt Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with student from three surrounding area high schools to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue approaches.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group via Skype at St. Cloud for a keynote speech on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we discussed while at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Now established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nAfter Patrick returned from Campi ya Kanzi, he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\nMost, if not all of the students answered real estate.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week. Until next time!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-15 20:22:14','2014-02-15 20:22:14','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1149,2,'2014-02-16 21:33:32','2014-02-16 21:33:32','<strong>My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that the education of children would be a key long-term strategy to aid and protect the country\'s wildlife and the environment.</strong>\n\n<strong>While I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.</strong>\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">video</a> about Naisula and its approach is worth viewing.</strong>\n\n<strong>Cecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, it prompted Cecilia to donate three scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for students at Kanzi Academy. Two of the students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.</strong>\n\n<strong>Amongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.</strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\n\n<strong>Patrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States who helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.</strong>\n\n<strong>Once back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.</strong>\n\n<strong>Outside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.</strong>\n\n<strong>Working with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”</strong>\n\n<strong>In early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.</strong>\n\n<strong>In December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the <a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">B.L.Tezza Primary School for Orphans</a>. Established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000 KSh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more students, without funds to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is applying some last minute donations to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas for what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.</strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1164\" alt=\"Untitled\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\" width=\"900\" height=\"597\" /></a>\n\n<strong>Needless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.</strong>\n\n<strong>This new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.</strong>\n\n<strong>It all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”</strong>\n\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students, answered real estate.</strong>\n\n<strong>It was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an after school club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.</strong>\n\n<strong>There are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from nursery, through primary and now into secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive international schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by the IGCSE ratings. And it is truly an international group of students. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that just one of these children could have an impact in one of these countries listed.</strong>\n\n<strong>Having the experience to work directly with Naisula has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the the rest of the globe.</strong>\n\n<strong>Naisula is an excellent example of well-educated children from Kenya and different countries who were not yet fully aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that may rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.</strong>\n\n<strong>And so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.</strong>\n\n<strong>As an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, gazelle and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, that these animals were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals in America and in other places are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.</strong>\n\n<strong>The students became very quiet.</strong>\n\n<strong>“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”</strong>\n\n<strong>And they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.</strong>\n\n<strong>This small after school club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February, approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.</strong>\n\n<strong>The group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:</strong>\n\n<strong>Junior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.</strong>\n\n<strong>WCSG is a Naisula School after school club under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.</strong>\n\n<strong>An informal pilot project, I Skype each week with the group to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions together so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.</strong>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>We have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing and sharing knowledge with the group;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</strong></li>\n</ul>\n<strong>These are very small and early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate the understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – an elusive step if not critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.</strong>\n\n<strong>Information leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.</strong>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>I cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.</strong>\n\n<strong>It is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved and do they want to be?</strong>\n\n<strong>As project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.</strong>\n\n<strong>In addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids to get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group.</strong>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>In December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for an organization that would help fund and foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about our intended corporation status, both domestic and internationally. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Camera and Video Recorder;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for our Kenya Project Leader;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>An Illustrator or Graphic Designer to Help Us Create Important Logos;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking calendar of events and would like to add to it);</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Park Fee Donations/Discounts for National Park or other Sanctuary Visits;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>U.S. Junior High and/or High School Classroom Participation;</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Additional Ideas of Items of Choice.</strong></li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Lastly, the fateful meeting at Campi ya Kanzi has come full circle. How special it was for me to have Lazarus and Valentine from Kanzi Academy join our group and I was able to meet them last week during our Skype session. Now part of our Juniors team, I feel honored to be able to build upon their foundation of knowledge of the environment and wildlife that they received while at Kanzi Academy and MWCT. Now, we continue to move forward because of generouCecilia and Naisula School. Such a joy.</strong>\n\n<strong>It is fitting to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids and I look forward to sharing our progress with you as we grow each week. </strong>\n\n<strong>Until next time.</strong>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-autosave-v1','','','2014-02-16 21:33:32','2014-02-16 21:33:32','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1150,2,'2014-02-15 20:33:07','2014-02-15 20:33:07','','Student listening to Wildlife lecture','Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)','inherit','open','open','','student-listening-to-wildlife-lecture','','','2014-02-15 20:33:07','2014-02-15 20:33:07','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1151,2,'2014-02-15 20:33:36','2014-02-15 20:33:36','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education was the key to long-term understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nI had many important meetings during my trip, but while at Campi ya Kanzi, I had the fortunate experience to meet the Founder and a small group of teachers from Naisula School. The group had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro, to learn more about the camp, the <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, visit the trust\'s children and schools, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the Naisula group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based international boarding school that caters to both boys and girls and is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education with a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate scholarships at Naisula for two students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the small group of teachers visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back and to help other Kenyan children have the same opportunities that he had. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates on the progress of our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from him and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission.\r\n\r\nAt Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with student from three surrounding area high schools to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue approaches.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group via Skype at St. Cloud for a keynote speech on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we discussed while at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Now established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nAfter Patrick returned from Campi ya Kanzi, he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\nMost, if not all of the students answered real estate.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week. Until next time!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-15 20:33:36','2014-02-15 20:33:36','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1152,2,'2014-02-16 01:57:30','2014-02-16 01:57:30','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that the education of Kenya\'s children would be a key long-term strategy for the understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based international boarding school that caters to both boys and girls and is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education with a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate scholarships at Naisula for two students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the small group of teachers visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back and to help other Kenyan children have the same opportunities that he had. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates on the progress of our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from him and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission.\r\n\r\nAt Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with student from three surrounding area high schools to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue approaches.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group via Skype at St. Cloud for a keynote speech on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we discussed while at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Now established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nAfter Patrick returned from Campi ya Kanzi, he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\nMost, if not all of the students answered real estate.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week. Until next time!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 01:57:30','2014-02-16 01:57:30','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1153,2,'2014-02-16 02:00:53','2014-02-16 02:00:53','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that the education of Kenya\'s children would be a key long-term strategy for the understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children have the same opportunities that he had. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates on the progress of our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from him and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with student from three surrounding area high schools to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue approaches.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group via Skype at St. Cloud for a keynote speech on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we discussed while at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Now established as an annual fundraising effort each January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nAfter Patrick returned from Campi ya Kanzi, he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\nMost, if not all of the students answered real estate.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week. Until next time!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 02:00:53','2014-02-16 02:00:53','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1154,2,'2014-02-16 02:14:32','2014-02-16 02:14:32','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that the education of Kenya\'s children would be a key long-term strategy for the understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once Patrick knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” which is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with educated kids directly has taught me something vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country and the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week. Until next time!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 02:14:32','2014-02-16 02:14:32','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1155,2,'2014-02-16 02:22:28','2014-02-16 02:22:28','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that the education of Kenya\'s children would be a key long-term strategy for the understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that these could have an impact just in these few countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with well educated kids directly has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues that some of these species are currently faced with and perhaps what they can do about it.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside that classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals they see everyday, right outside that window, and importantly, theirs were in their natural environment. Animals in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students were very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday” I said. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd I believe they answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing quickly – from just 9 students in the beginning of January, to 46 students by the end of that month, and as of last week approximately 113 students with word that have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are provided by me for the students which include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories that are forwarded to them via email. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how that is relevant, and that this group is interested in really learning. More importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness to action – an elusive step that can be fueled by inspiration.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children on wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations making a difference and help to inspire these kids to do the same. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week. Until next time!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 02:22:28','2014-02-16 02:22:28','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1156,2,'2014-02-16 02:33:10','2014-02-16 02:33:10','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that the education of Kenya\'s children would be a key long-term strategy for the understanding and protection of wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that these could have an impact just in these few countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with well educated kids directly has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals such as these in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had just 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – it is an elusive step that is critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 02:33:10','2014-02-16 02:33:10','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1157,2,'2014-02-16 02:34:39','2014-02-16 02:34:39','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that these could have an impact just in these few countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with well educated kids directly has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals such as these in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had just 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – it is an elusive step that is critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 02:34:39','2014-02-16 02:34:39','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1158,2,'2014-02-16 02:35:19','2014-02-16 02:35:19','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the IGCSE system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that these could have an impact just in these few countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with well educated kids directly has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals such as these in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had just 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – it is an elusive step that is critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 02:35:19','2014-02-16 02:35:19','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1159,2,'2014-02-16 02:37:08','2014-02-16 02:37:08','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that these could have an impact just in these few countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with well educated kids directly has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the world.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, warthogs and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals such as these in America and in other places around the globe are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had just 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – it is an elusive step that is critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group of kids.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 02:37:08','2014-02-16 02:37:08','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1160,2,'2014-02-16 02:53:53','2014-02-16 02:53:53','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an afterschool club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that just one of these children could have an impact in one of these countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with directly with Naisula has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the the rest of the globe.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, gazelle and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, that these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals in America and in other places are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small afterschool club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February, approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very small and early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – it is an elusive step that is critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 02:53:53','2014-02-16 02:53:53','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1161,2,'2014-02-16 02:59:37','2014-02-16 02:59:37','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an after school club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that just one of these children could have an impact in one of these countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with directly with Naisula has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the the rest of the globe.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, gazelle and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, that these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals in America and in other places are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small after school club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February, approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very small and early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – it is an elusive step that is critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLastly, the important meeting at Campi ya Kanzi definitely has come full circle. How special it was for me to meet both Lazarus and Valentine last week during our weekly Skype session with the group. They are now part of the Juniors group of WCSG and I feel honored to be able to support these two as they participate with us in this incredible learning journey.\r\n\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 02:59:37','2014-02-16 02:59:37','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1162,2,'2014-02-16 03:03:18','2014-02-16 03:03:18','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an after school club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that just one of these children could have an impact in one of these countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with directly with Naisula has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the the rest of the globe.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, gazelle and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, that these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals in America and in other places are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small after school club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February, approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very small and early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – what can be an elusive step if not critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLastly, the important meeting at Campi ya Kanzi definitely has come full circle. How special it was for me to meet both Lazarus and Valentine last week during our weekly Skype session with the group. They are now part of the Juniors group of WCSG and I feel honored to be able to support these two as they participate with us in this incredible learning journey.\r\n\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 03:03:18','2014-02-16 03:03:18','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1163,2,'2014-02-16 03:05:48','2014-02-16 03:05:48','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an after school club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that just one of these children could have an impact in one of these countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with directly with Naisula has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the the rest of the globe.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, gazelle and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, that these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals in America and in other places are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small after school club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February, approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very small and early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – what can be an elusive step if not critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLastly, the important meeting at Campi ya Kanzi definitely has come full circle. How special it was for me to meet both Naisula scholarship students from MWCT, Lazarus and Valentine, last week during our weekly Skype session with the group. Now part of our Juniors team, I feel honored to be able to support these two as they participate with us in this incredible learning journey.\r\n\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 03:05:48','2014-02-16 03:05:48','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1164,2,'2014-02-16 03:07:57','2014-02-16 03:07:57','','Untitled','','inherit','open','open','','untitled','','','2014-02-16 03:07:57','2014-02-16 03:07:57','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(1165,2,'2014-02-16 03:08:12','2014-02-16 03:08:12','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an after school club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that just one of these children could have an impact in one of these countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with directly with Naisula has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the the rest of the globe.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, gazelle and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, that these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals in America and in other places are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1164\" alt=\"Untitled\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\" width=\"900\" height=\"597\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis small after school club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February, approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very small and early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – what can be an elusive step if not critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLastly, the important meeting at Campi ya Kanzi definitely has come full circle. How special it was for me to meet both Naisula scholarship students from MWCT, Lazarus and Valentine, last week during our weekly Skype session with the group. Now part of our Juniors team, I feel honored to be able to support these two as they participate with us in this incredible learning journey.\r\n\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 03:08:12','2014-02-16 03:08:12','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1167,2,'2014-02-16 03:10:40','2014-02-16 03:10:40','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1164\" alt=\"Untitled\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\" width=\"900\" height=\"597\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an after school club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that just one of these children could have an impact in one of these countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with directly with Naisula has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the the rest of the globe.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, gazelle and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, that these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals in America and in other places are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small after school club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February, approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very small and early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – what can be an elusive step if not critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLastly, the important meeting at Campi ya Kanzi definitely has come full circle. How special it was for me to meet both Naisula scholarship students from MWCT, Lazarus and Valentine, last week during our weekly Skype session with the group. Now part of our Juniors team, I feel honored to be able to support these two as they participate with us in this incredible learning journey.\r\n\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 03:10:40','2014-02-16 03:10:40','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1166,2,'2014-02-16 03:09:54','2014-02-16 03:09:54','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1164\" alt=\"Untitled\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\" width=\"900\" height=\"597\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an after school club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that just one of these children could have an impact in one of these countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work with directly with Naisula has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the the rest of the globe.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, gazelle and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, that these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals in America and in other places are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis small after school club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February, approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very small and early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – what can be an elusive step if not critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLastly, the important meeting at Campi ya Kanzi definitely has come full circle. How special it was for me to meet both Naisula scholarship students from MWCT, Lazarus and Valentine, last week during our weekly Skype session with the group. Now part of our Juniors team, I feel honored to be able to support these two as they participate with us in this incredible learning journey.\r\n\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 03:09:54','2014-02-16 03:09:54','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1168,2,'2014-02-16 03:46:47','2014-02-16 03:46:47','My trip to Kenya last October presented me with many subtle nudges that education of children would be a key long-term strategy in aiding and protecting the country\'s wildlife and the environment.\r\n\r\nWhile I had many important meetings during my trip, there was one at Campi ya Kanzi that was more important than I realized at the time. While there, I was fortunate to meet the founder and executive director of Naisula School along with a small but strategic group of the teachers. They had arrived at camp for just a couple of days to meet Antonella Bonomi, co-founder of <a href=\"http://www.maasai.com\">Campi ya Kanzi</a> along with her husband Luca Belpietro to learn more about the camp, The <a href=\"http://www.maasaiwilderness.org\">Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust</a>, to visit one of the schools and its classrooms, as well as take in a safari or two. In addition, the trip was a planning retreat for the group where important school objectives were discussed for the coming term.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.naisulaschool.com\">Naisula School</a> is a British curriculum-based, international Secondary boarding school that caters to both boys and girls. It is set on 25 acres in the serene plains of Maasailand near Kajiado, just 85 kilometers outside of Nairobi. The school is based upon the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education\">IGCSE</a> system of education and maintains a vision to educate its students to transform lives and communities. A wonderful video about the school can be viewed here: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47Df-8M5gg</a>.\r\n\r\nCecilia Muchemi, Executive Director &amp; Founder had read a newspaper story about Antonella and her experiences in founding Campi ya Kanzi, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Kanzi Academy for the gifted Maasai children. Impressed, the article prompted Cecilia to donate two scholarships - sight unseen - to Naisula for two of the students at Kanzi Academy. The students, a boy Lazarus and girl Valentine, were already in attendance at Naisula when Cecilia and the teachers group visited the camp.\r\n\r\nAmongst the group, one teacher named Patrick Rakiro stood out. Full of life and ideas, I found him to have many interesting perspectives into Kenya’s issues, children’s viewpoints and what steps may be necessary in order to create lasting change to protect the land and its wildlife.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"SAM_4914\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SAM_4914.jpg\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\nPatrick discussed his experience growing up in an impoverished village in Kenya and how fortunate he was to be sponsored by a married couple in the United States that helped finance his education to completion. This experience helped him realize the importance to give back to the community in which he was raised and to also help other Kenyan children realize the same fate. I was moved by his story and his passion and we agreed to keep in touch to provide updates as we moved forward on our individual ideas and endeavors.\r\n\r\nOnce back at home, I began to receive emails from Patrick and learned many more interesting facts about his life and mission. At Naisula, Patrick teaches History and Geography and also participates with the school as the head of Curriculum Development/Implementation and Discipline, as a Boarding Master and a Class Teacher for the Year 9 students.\r\n\r\nOutside of activities with the school, Patrick is a member of <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&amp;v=-WPAfs9OnLM.\">Communicating Common Ground</a> (CCG), a service and learning program created by Dr. Eddah Mutua-Kombo, a professor from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. From early February to mid-April each year, a group of the university’s communications students meet every-other week with students from three high schools in the surrounding area to teach them about cultural understanding using dialogue techniques.\r\n\r\nWorking with the group, Patrick has written essays on “Kenyan Cultural Diversity” and the “African Traditional Way of Peace.” Both essays focus on research and reconciliation of the root causes of constant ethnic and tribal clashes in African contests. He is currently working on a third essay entitled “Oil in Turkana Kenya: Is It a Necessary Evil?”\r\n\r\nIn early February, he was invited by CCG to address the group in a keynote speech via Skype on “Peace and Cultural Appreciation.” Humbled, he mentioned to me how wonderful it was to see so many students in the room.\r\n\r\nIn December and motivated by some of the topics we had discussed while we were at Campi ya Kanzi, Patrick founded “The Helping Hand Program” and set out to raise enough money to send approximately 50 students to Primary school at the B.L. Tezza Primary School for Orphans (<a href=\"http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html\">http://www.karungu.net/tezza/tezzaen.html</a>). Established as an annual fundraising effort for January, Patrick donated approximately $850,000ksh (about $9,700 dollars) to the school last month and ensured that approximately 40 or more orphans, who were unable to pay for this year’s tuition fees, were able to indeed go to school. This weekend, he is supplying some residual donated funds to pay for much-needed clothes and shoes for the children – something he wishes he had more time and money to accomplish for this year. Already, he has big ideas on what can be accomplished for next. I don\'t doubt that he will achieve them.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1164\" alt=\"Untitled\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Untitled.png\" width=\"900\" height=\"597\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNeedless to say, Patrick is a man of manifest, a champion of change, and supporter and protector of the children and the natural world of Kenya. It is an honor that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. And now together, we have partnered on a project that seems have created something spectacular – a group of children who are empowered to create a change in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThis new project, called the “Wildlife Conservation Student Group” or WCSG, is a joint, collaborative effort between Patrick and myself that intends to inspire Secondary age school children to defend and protect Kenya’s environment and wildlife.\r\n\r\nIt all started after Patrick had returned to Naisula from his trip to Campi ya Kanzi and he thought it might be interesting to poll his students with a strategic question. “Given a choice, which do you think is more important real estate or wildlife?”\r\n\r\n<strong>Most, if not all of the students answered real estate</strong>.\r\n\r\nIt was a shocking revelation to Patrick (and of course to me when we discussed it) and at once he knew that wildlife deserved a place in the student’s curriculum. With much thought, he found an appropriate outlet in forming an after school club originally named the “Wildlife Group” and is now known as the WCSG after some strategy and planning around the group’s intentions.\r\n\r\nThere are important points to make here. Naisula students are educated children. They are not considered kids that come from economically challenged families. And they are not impoverished kids from the bush unless they have received a scholarship. Most have attended formal schooling all the way from Nursery, through Primary and now into Secondary school at Naisula. The school is ranked as one of the most expensive International schools (not by Kenyan standards) as well as a best performing and disciplined school by IGCSE standards. Just within the WCSG, we have students from Kenya, but also from England, Italy, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. So remarkable it is to think that just one of these children could have an impact in one of these countries listed.\r\n\r\nHaving the experience to work directly with Naisula has taught me something very vital. It is simply not enough to send Kenya\'s (and the world\'s) children to school. We must also teach them about the value of wildlife and what that value brings not only to them as an individual, but also to the wealth of their community, their specific country as well as the the rest of the globe.\r\n\r\nNaisula is an excellent example of well-educated children who were not yet aware of the value of the wildlife that surrounds them everyday and the critical threat to that wildlife that would rob them of their cultural heritage and for the Kenyan students, their natural birthright.\r\n\r\nAnd so because of this, Patrick and I have set out to help them understand the issues the land and animals are faced with and perhaps inspire them to do something to help.\r\n\r\nAs an exercise one day during a Skype call, I asked the children to look outside the classroom window and take in what they saw. Chances are there were zebra, ostriches, gazelle and other wild creatures within their view. I asked them to consider that most American children have to go to a zoo to see the animals that they were looking at right outside that window, and importantly, that these were currently in their natural environment. I clarified that many animals in America and in other places are behind bars, in cages, or are in enclosures that are not native to their genetic and natural understanding.\r\n\r\nThe students became very quiet.\r\n\r\n“I believe that every child in America would like to have what you have, the ability to look outside the window and see these animals freely roaming everyday.” I told them. “These animals need your wisdom, your energy and your care. They are yours to defend and protect, not only for yourselves, but also for your children and all of us around the world. Will you connect your hearts to your voices and speak for them?”\r\n\r\nAnd they have answered that question with a resounding yes because indeed they have begun.\r\n\r\nThis small after school club is growing so quickly and in such a short period of time. Just at the beginning of January, we had 9 students, then by mid-January, approximately 46 students, and now by mid-February, approximately 113 students with a word from Patrick that we have a few more to add.\r\n\r\nThe group is naturally forming leaders and sub-groups based on ages and understanding ability. We have been able to account for the students by school year as follows:\r\n\r\nJunior Group: Year 7 &amp; 8 (11-13 years of age) = 21 students; Year 9 (14-16 years of age) = approximately 60 students and now are largest group; and Senior Group: Year 10 &amp; 11 (17-18 years of age) = 32 students.\r\n\r\nWCSG is under the direction of Patrick and myself along with help and assistance from our friend “Professor George” who teaches English and Literature at Naisula. Professor George has proven himself not only a faithful attendee to our discussions, but also a miracle worker when it comes to our Internet connectivity needs. Many thanks are due to him for keeping all of us connected during our weekly Skype sessions.\r\n\r\nAn informal pilot project, we Skype each week to discuss assignments that are formulated and provided by me via email for the students and include videos, specific articles, materials or news stories. We also spend quite a bit of time conducting question and answer sessions so that the students may ask and debate certain facts or ideas and concepts.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1138\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1280\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1138\" alt=\"Patrick with members of WCSG\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_20140114_201849.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" /></a> Patrick with members of WCSG[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe have already achieved some amazing milestones within less than two months:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Our group member numbers continue to increase each week as the children share their experiences and the importance of caring for wildlife with other students at the school;</li>\r\n	<li>On a recent field trip, the students were quite concerned with encroachment of a real estate development within the limits of a sanctuary park they were visiting. This was key as these were the same students who had previously stated real estate was a priority for them;</li>\r\n	<li>Desire to participate in more field trips to garner more understanding of the issues Kenya faces;</li>\r\n	<li>Requests for industry experts to come to speak the group at Naisula. The group is also committed to promoting the speaking events to the remainder of the student population and help to guarantee an audience of approximately 160 children for those interested in discussing in sharing knowledge with the group;</li>\r\n	<li>Two of the students planned to visit national parks during this week’s mid-term break – one specifically mentioned wanting to go to The Sheldrick Trust mud-bath viewing to view the elephant orphans;</li>\r\n	<li>One of our Senior group members has indicated that she intends to become a wildlife conservationist;</li>\r\n	<li>They have a strong desire to create a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) after viewing the recent WildAid call to action videos for decreasing demand of rhino horn and elephant ivory in Asia.</li>\r\n	<li>We have secured our first wildlife conservationist speaker for March.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are very small and early milestones, but hugely important ones. They indicate understanding of key pieces of information, how this information is relevant, and that the group is interested in learning much more. Importantly, we are at that critical juncture of taking awareness into action – what can be an elusive step if not critically fueled by inspiration and conviction of beliefs.\r\n\r\nInformation leads to learning. Learning leads to awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1143\" alt=\"A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Best-moments.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> A fun moment on field trip to Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nI cannot begin to tell you how excited Patrick and I are about what these kids might do or how much more they will want to get involved. I can only say that it is best not to predict greatness because you might limit the result of what these kids can really do.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to state that we are not imposing an agenda or global concept with these children about wildlife. Patrick and I are dedicated to presenting the facts, the news, actions of governments around the world, and the relevant statistics to the children and to ask them how they interpret that information. What do they conclude from it? What are the positive and negatives? What needs to be done? How can change be accomplished? How do they feel they can be involved are do they want to be?\r\n\r\nAs project leaders, we want to empower the children to have enough information so they can make their own informed decisions. And when they as a group make those decisions, to support their conclusions and the actions that they decide is important to take or perhaps not to take. This is not about getting a group of kids to do what we want them to do. It is about empowering these kids with the ability to understand important issues, take in all sides of an argument, make informed conclusions and then feel confident enough to take appropriate action if they choose to make a difference.\r\n\r\nIn addition, it is our job to connect the group with the people and organizations already making a difference and help to inspire these kids get involved. How fortunate they are to be surrounded by some of the world’s top conservationists, photographers, political activists, and wildlife management organizations. They are indeed a very lucky group.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Student-listening-to-Wildlife-lecture-.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Listening to Wildlife Lecture at Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn December of last year, I filed trademark applications for naming conventions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an organization that would help foster projects such as this. We are currently awaiting our approvals and once received, will be making decisions about profit or non-profit corporation formations. In the interim, our group indeed has a wish list and should you be able to help us with it, we would be so very grateful. Please contact me directly at <a href=\"mailto:elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com\">elizabethalkhas@yahoo.com</a>. Asante sana!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Camera and Video Recorder;</li>\r\n	<li>Laptop (with latest version of Windows 8) for Kenya Project Leader;</li>\r\n	<li>Distance Learning Expert Kenya (technical setup and development);</li>\r\n	<li>Video Production Company Kenya (PSA development);</li>\r\n	<li>Speakers and Speaking Topics (we currently have a speaking schedule in development); speakers interested in traveling to Naisula to address the school directly;</li>\r\n	<li>Donations or discounted for National Park or other sanctuary visits;</li>\r\n	<li>Sister classroom or classrooms in the US that might be interested in connecting and partnering with our group endeavor;</li>\r\n	<li>Any ideas or other items you might feel is pertinent for our group to learn, understand or have.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLastly, the important meeting at Campi ya Kanzi definitely has come full circle. How special it was for me to meet both Naisula scholarship students from MWCT, Lazarus and Valentine, last week during our weekly Skype session with the group. Now part of our Juniors team, I feel honored to be able to support these two as they participate with us in this incredible learning journey.\r\n\r\nIt is appropriate to close this post with the definition of Naisula which means means “something beautiful” in local dialect. I believe we are in the midst of creating something quite beautiful with these kids. And I look forward to posting about our progress as we grow each week.\r\n\r\nUntil next time.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1142\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<a href=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"Paradise Lost (Kenya)\" src=\"http://elizabethalkhas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fun-time-2.jpg\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a> Paradise Lost (Kenya)[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My First Project in Kenya: Naisula Wildlife Conservation Student Group','','inherit','open','open','','1135-revision-v1','','','2014-02-16 03:46:47','2014-02-16 03:46:47','',1135,'http://elizabethalkhas.com/1135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0);
