$14,500 Raised for Twala Women’s Cooperative!

Back in September, we shared the resilient struggles of our long-time conservation partner, Twala Tenebo Cultural Manyatta, a cooperative of over 200 women who coexist with wildlife in the key semi-arid ecosystem of Laikipia in northern Kenya. Twala women engage in the commercial production of aloe and honey, beadwork—and up until the onset of COVID-19—ecotourism, offering guests traditional Maasai accommodations, conference facilities, and indigenous plant and baboon walks. The women’s enterprises support their families as well as abused girls, elderly women with no income, and girls’ education.

While Twala lost revenues from an estimated 3,000 ecotourists this year, Twala’s Manager, Rosemary Nenini and the community rallied, stretching meager resources so families had food and young women stayed in school. Hearing their plight, ACC’s supporters stepped up with contributions from 9 donors totaling $14,500. These generous contributions will fund the salaries of Ms. Nenini and her staff and ensure Twala’s vital community-based conservation efforts continue in 2021. ACC, ACC-US and the wonderful Twala ladies are deeply grateful for such significant support. We look forward to sharing Twala’s progress in the new year!

Photos (Left – Right): Student in school, tourists visiting Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project near Twala, Twala beadwork, Twala women with safari guests, Rosemary Nenini (Twala Manager). Photos © Tom Hill & ACC