Job created: 41
Children attending: 7.209
The school lunch programme promoted by A&K Philanthropy is a vital initiative to combat malnutrition and support the education of young people living in rural communities near major nature reserves and national parks in Kenya, Namibia, Uganda and Zambia.
Launched in 2017, the project is based on a principle that is as simple as it is powerful: ensuring that pupils receive a hot, nutritious lunch every day so that they can attend lessons regularly and with the necessary concentration. Since its inception, the programme has gone on to serve daily meals to over 12,000 pupils in 16 schools spread across a vast area, stretching from the Maasai Mara to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and from Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to the Puros Nature Reserve.
The programme’s impact is widespread and directly addresses the needs of individual local communities. At the schools in Enkereri and Partakilat, near Olonana, the programme provides lunch for 943 pupils every day. In the area surrounding the Gorilla Forest Lodge in Bwindi, as many as 4,800 children receive daily meals. Similarly, in the village of Nakatindi, near the Sussi & Chuma Lodge, 1,300 pupils are served daily, whilst a further 166 children receive their daily meal at the school in Purros, near the Okahirongo Elephant Lodge.
As well as safeguarding children’s health and education, the initiative acts as a powerful driver of economic development for the adult population. Thanks to the support of visitors and the local network, AKP has built 19 fully equipped school kitchens and employed over 60 catering staff recruited directly from the local community. The involvement of local chefs and staff in the preparation and distribution of meals has made it possible both to modernise school infrastructure and to create stable, decent jobs, which were sorely needed in the host communities.
This project is run in partnership with: Olonana Lodge – Kenya; Kitirua Plains Lodge – Kenya; Sussi & Chuma Lodge – Zambia; Okahirongo Elephant Lodge – Namibia
Olonana is an exclusive safari lodge, suspended over a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya's legendary Masai Mara reserve. Located at the foot of a escarpment near the Tanzanian border, the lodge occupies a privileged position for observing the Great Migration of wildebeests, one of the world's most extraordinary natural spectacles, which takes place between July and October. Thanks to its proximity to the river, guests can also admire a large population of hippos in their natural habitat.
This lodge offers 14 elegant and spacious suites, designed to blend in perfectly with the surrounding environment. Large panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of unspoilt nature, while the carefully finished interiors reflect the elegance and richness of the local wildlife. For an even more exclusive stay, the Geoffrey Kent Suite is the ultimate in luxury: a private retreat with two elegant bedrooms, a large bathroom, a dining room, an infinity pool and personalised service that includes a private jeep and a dedicated guide.
The Olonana Lodge experience is enriched by an extraordinary range of activities: exciting safaris among the wonders of the savannah, cultural immersions in the life of the Maasai people, scenic flights and spectacular hot air balloon excursions to admire the immensity and beauty of the African landscape from above.
What makes this lodge truly special is its commitment to fostering authentic connections with the local Maasai community. Guests can discover ancient traditions, participate in meaningful encounters and enjoy an engaging cultural experience that further enriches their journey.
The lodge warmly welcomes children of all ages, offering tailor-made activities for the little ones, including dedicated safaris, nature treasure hunts, cultural workshops and visits to Maasai villages. Babysitting services are also available on request, as well as personalised menus for children, ensuring a unique and tailor-made experience for every family.
