Giving back

At African Environments we feel its important to put something back into the community (read more about what we do here). We are often asked for advice by clients who want to do the same. Its understandably hard to choose as there is a confusing array of local organizations seeking help. For an outsiders is sometimes hard to decide what's a worthwhile and sustainable cause, thats why we have carefully selected several local initiatives which we support directly.

Carbon Tanzania This is a ground breaking Tanzanian initiative that focuses on conservation of natural habitats, economic development for rural communities and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. It is a registered not for profit organisation governed by a small group of professional conservationists and scientists dedicated to channelling funds for offsetting carbon emissions towards the regeneration of critical natural habitats while creating economic benefits for local communities. You can choose to support their work by using their Carbon Calclator to calculate the carbon emissions resulting from your flight and safari, and making a payment to them to offset it.

Plaster house Selian Hospital is Arusha's largest and newest hospital. SOI’s rehabilitative surgery programme provides corrective orthopaedic, plastic and neurosurgery to children with disabilities at a heavily subsidised rate. The parents/caregivers are assessed for their contribution and the remainder of the cost for a two-three month stay is subsidised by donations. SOI’s Plaster House was opened in rented accommodation in April 2008 to provide low cost, high quality care to children in the rehabilitative surgery programme who are in ‘plaster’ and then have a period of rehabilitation. The centre is staffed by house mothers who care for the children in a healthy, clean and loving environment. You can donate to plaster house through African Environments

Mkombozi Street Mkombozi (meaning "liberator, emancipator" in Swahili) works to stem the tide of Tanzania's street children through housing, education, research, advocacy, and outreach. Initially established in 1997 as a live-in residential center and safe haven for street children, Mkombozi has expanded its vision and mandate significantly over the years -- in addition to working with children already on the streets, Mkombozi works to end the abuse and neglect of children, to ensure that children's dignity and rights are recognized, and to identify opportunities for intervention before a child migrates to the street. Today, Mkombozi is one of the leading child-focussed agencies in northern Tanzania, working with over 1,000 vulnerable children and families a year in Kilimanjaro and Arusha Regions. You can find out how to support Mkombozi's work here.