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Overview


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Overview


 

The Samburu people of Northern Kenya live in one of the poorest and most marginalized parts of the world. Their nomadic pastoralist way of life is thousands of years old, but it is rapidly changing as they face the challenges of the twenty-first century. 

In 2002, when we met the Samburu people, they had a dream—
to get more of their children to go to school.

Today, we help the Samburu people to provide education for their children from PRESCHOOL through COLLEGE.

WE establish scholarships for high school, technical school and college, and offer mentoring and support targeted toward sustainable employment. 

Together, we are making their dream a reality.

 
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2002-2022


2002-2022


Thanks to all of you who were able to join us in celebrating our 20 year anniversary in New York.

 
 
 
 
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The Samburu


The Samburu


 

For years, the Samburu in the Sereolipi area have been isolated from the rest of the country. Where they live there is limited access to telephones, electricity, running water, roads, transport or prenatal care. 

However, with a new government in kenya committed to development, it was clear this was going to change and they realized they needed to be better equipped as the modern world came to them.

 
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Our Team


Our Team


OUR TEAM IN THE US

Jane Newman - Founder

SEREOLIPI NOMADIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC. BOARD


Linda Pagan - President
David Ashen
Clodagh
Gerard Govaerts   
Lori Lum Ali Nagle
Tucker Robbins
Maja Serdarevic
Ellen Sweeney

AUXILIARY BOARD

Michael Adams Bobby Contini Sabrina Fierman Iva Kravitz Wiena Lin Steven Sehm

ADVISORY BOARD

Ann Miles
Tracy Nixon

EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD

Rob Cousins


































 

The Thorn Tree Project is run and managed by a dedicated community of volunteers based in New York City and paid education experts in northern Kenya in close partnership with Chief George and the Samburu tribe.

We send money to Kenya on a project-by-project basis and visit the schools at least twice a year to evaluate activities. The program directors, parents, teachers, and students in Samburu are very committed to improving their education. Our dedicated directors and teachers work long hours and weekends to make sure the students have the best possible education.

 

OUR TEAM IN KENYA

SEREOLIPI NOMADIC EDUCATION TRUST BOARD          

George Lemerketo - Chairman

Ambrose Lekoitip - Vice Chairman

Angela Ng’ang’a - Secretary

Josephine Yongo - Treasurer

Gerard Govaerts

SEREOLIPI NOMADIC EDUCATION TRUST TEAM 

 Micah Rayrus - Acting Operations Director

Monicah Kimani - Scholarship Manager & Mentor

Andrick Liaison Lesiokono - Scholarship Mentor

 Dorothy Mmbarizi - Finance Manager

Gadaffi Lenkiremishoi - Logistics Manager

Vivian Wandeyi - Education Assistant 

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Our Work


Our Work


 

In 2001, there were only 130 children at school.

Today, thanks to The efforts of the Thorn Tree Project and its supporters in combination with the commitment and hard work of the Samburu people, over 1,500 children attend school.

 
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How to Help


How to Help


 

by Sharing our photographs and story on social media you can make a huge difference and it doesn't cost a thing!

Just remember to link to our website www.thorntreeproject.org.