Children attending supported schools: 7209
Job created: 41
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
The Sussi & Chuma lodge takes its name from the two faithful companions of explorer David Livingstone, who brought his body back to England after his death in Zambia. Nestled in the heart of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, the resort is an exclusive retreat on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River, surrounded by unspoiled nature and an extraordinary variety of wildlife.
Famous for being home to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, the park offers lodge guests the chance to admire them up close. In addition to this natural wonder, the resort offers a wide range of activities: walking or 4x4 safaris, visits to local villages, fishing trips, sunset cruises, and much more, guaranteeing unforgettable experiences.
The lodge has 12 elegant Tree Houses overlooking the river, connected to the main building by wooden walkways. Surrounded by imposing ebony trees and spread over two levels, the main building offers an intimate and refined atmosphere. After a day immersed in nature, guests can relax in the panoramic swimming pool or enjoy a rejuvenating treatment in the wellness centre.
For those seeking greater privacy, the lodge offers two Chuma Houses, independent villas with two bedrooms, a private terrace, and a swimming pool. These exclusive residences include a dedicated chef and butler, for a personalized luxury stay.
A stay at Sussi & Chuma is a unique experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and comfort in the heart of one of Africa's most fascinating places.
