Nguuni Nature Sanctuary - For The Community
At the heart of Haller Kenya's incredible initiatives lies the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary. A beacon not just for global eco-tourists but as an indispensable community hub.
This year, we’re excited to unveil new facilities alongside a nomination in the World Sustainable Travel & Tourism Awards!
About Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Kenya, the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is more than just a tourist destination. It embodies Haller’s vision of sustainable ecological balance and community integration. The sanctuary is a living classroom, demonstrating regenerative agricultural practices and conservation efforts that are shaping generations.
This years transformative upgrades:
Expanded School Access: We've broadened the scope for educational engagement by introducing bi-annual School Open Days. These events provide students from primary and secondary schools across the region with hands-on learning experiences in sustainable farming techniques.
Enhanced Health & Education Centre: The upgraded facilities now include spaces specifically designed for youth health education talks and counselling sessions, addressing the holistic needs of our young visitors.
Highlights in numbers
Our first School Open Farmers Day on May 17th marked a milestone in actively engaging local schools in the theme "Empowering Youth with Practical Skills in Organic Agriculture & Technology". The day saw enthusiastic participation from 347 students, learning about everything from aquaponics to composting. Following this, Memon Academy organised a focused 3-day tour for 90 of its students, further deepening their practical knowledge!
The newly constructed banda auditorium provides a serene environment for students to connect with nature, while the renovated Nguuni Nature Pavilion now hosts vital youth health education talks. These sessions are not just informational but are instrumental in fostering a profound connection with the environment and personal well-being.
Impact on Youth Mental Health and Engagement in Agriculture
Recent statistics indicate significant mental health challenges among Kenyan youth, with a reported 44.3% experiencing mental health problems within the past year. Anxiety and depression rank highly, exacerbated by societal pressures and economic uncertainties (APHRC).
Our initiatives at Nguuni aim to provide a 'third space' where young people can find respite and support. These safe spaces are critical, especially given that many schoolchildren in Kenya lack access to structured mental health education and self-care practices.
Furthermore, our educational programs in farming not only teach sustainable practices but also show young people the potential of agriculture as a viable career path. By integrating these programs into our daily operations, we can reinforce the value of ecological stewardship and community resilience.
As we celebrate these new developments and our eco-tourism award nomination, we look to you, our community, to support us. Your votes not only recognise our efforts but also bolster our mission to provide enduring educational and ecological benefits to the communities we serve.
It only takes 2 minutes to register and vote, your support means the world to us and allows us to continue our work on the ground.
If you would like to donate to Haller, here are some ways that you support will youth agriculture initiatives at Nguuni:
£10 can supply essential educational materials such as booklets and stationary.
£50 could sponsor a one-day workshop. This hands-on opportunity for a visiting youth cohort will teach them advanced farming techniques and sustainable practices.
£100 can provide 'Healthy Habits' workshops for outreach community schools, focusing on hygiene, dental care, and nutrition.
