We believe in applying the best business practices to the management of our programs. We are focused on the end results of our goal and on accountability.

We work closely with local Samburu leaders to create clear objectives for all of our initiatives. We analyze problems together, generate solutions, create effective strategies, and identify measurements by which to monitor our progress.  

In 2001 there were no preschools for the nomadic children. 

Today, there are 11 nomadic preschools with 350 students

In 2001 there were only 130 children in grades 1 to 8.

Today, there are about 1,500 students in three elementary schools.

Since 2022 we have been actively supporting two newly built government high schools: Narasha Boys’ High School in Ndonyo Wasin and Sereolipi Mixed Day School in Sereolipi.

In 2005 not a single student graduated from high school, technical school or college.

Today, we have about 120 students in the Scholarship Program.

There were no college graduates in 2021 due to the disruptions caused by COVID19 pandemic.

In 2007 average mean grades across classes 1 to 8 were 200.

Three years later we increased mean grades to over 300 and it has held at this level.

In 2023 the highest KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education) scores in the three elementary schools that we support were 389 and 386, achieved by a male and a female student respectively!

EMPLOYMENT AFTER EDUCATION

In 2013 the first students who had started school at the Thorn Tree preschools in 2002 graduated from trade schools and colleges. These students were the first person in their families to ever go to school. They all have jobs and send part of their wages home. They have a great sense of duty and responsibility and they are very proud to be able to do this. Many are helping to put their younger siblings through school. By 2024 a total of 340 students have graduated from high schools, trade schools, colleges and universities. Among them are carpenters, plumbers, tour guides, cooks, conservancy rangers, nurses and teachers.

 

OUR GRADUATES INCLUDE:

  • Local motor bike taxi driver who is able to ferry old and sick community members

  • Local mason constructing houses

  • Restaurant and shop owner

  • Ndonyo Wasin grade school math teacher

  • Administrative Assistant at Ndonyo Wasin grade school

  • Chef at Sarara, a 5 star lodge

  • National Youth Service member

  • Security Manager at one of Nairobi's largest shopping malls

  • Local nurse at Ndonyo Wasin clinic

  • First female ranger at Samburu National Park with a degree in tourism

  • Associate of BOMA, a micro-finance organization helping women to start small businesses

  • A local high school English teacher

  • Mechanic at Kenya's largest grain farm

  • Ranger at the Rhino Sanctuary in Sera

  • IT manager in Nairobi

  • A local high school history teacher