2 0 2 4 ANNUAL REPORT
TSP Executive Director, Linda Hooper, enjoying clean water at Sulubei Well
THE YEAR IN REVIEW FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends:
As The Samburu Project heads into our twentieth year, I am filled with an abundance of pride for all we have accomplished. Since our founder set out for Kenya in 2005, hoping to start an organization that would impact women and girls in a remote and forgotten part of the world, we have drilled 165 wells, providing clean water to over 100,000 women and girls. We have worked with 65 schools on a variety of projects, empowered over 10,000 women with menstrual education and empowerment workshops, built new classrooms, helped install toilets and showers, taught people how to grow food, and so much more. In addition to launching new projects every year, our staff works diligently to maintain existing projects It bears mentioning that our very first well drilled in 2006 is still providing clean water to the Lendadapoi community. These accomplishments are only possible thanks to the dedication of our small staff and the support of donors like you who believe in TSP
Over the years, we have met so many people committed to making a difference. From students who are walking for water and holding lemonade stands to titans of business who are committing resources to fund wells and social programs, our supporters are making ripples of change felt around the world The most profound inspiration came at the end of 2024 from Luke Knudson, a young man whose passion and legacy lives on in the programs that are being funded by his friends and family. Each of these people engaged their community to help others in Samburu
Heading into our next twenty years, we are excited to deepen our commitment to our partner communities, both those we serve in Samburu and those who support our work around the world. Through partnerships with other organizations, the support of the Kenyan business community, and passionate donors like you, the future in our well communities is shining bright.
Thank you to all our friends and supporters for continuing to aid our efforts in this small, beautiful part of the world. We could not do this work without each and every one of you.
With gratitude,
Executive Director
Mothers gather at the Ndonyo Wasin well
8 | Girl collects water from the community kiosk at Kiltamany village
WATER
In 2024, The Samburu Project deepened its impact in Samburu, Kenya by funding the drilling and installation of 10 new wells and building two community kiosks.
To ensure success, we once again engaged Kariuki Waruinge of Ground Water Max Ltd., whose hydrogeology surveys were essential in identifying the most reliable and sustainable drilling sites Once the sites were selected, we partnered with OSB Africa, who drilled the boreholes, capped the wells, and constructed animal troughs so that both people and livestock could benefit
Through these efforts, we continue to reduce the burden of water collection, improve health outcomes, and build resilience for the communities we serve
Ndonyo Ng’iro Pledge to Humanity
Murda/Murit The Wasserberger Family
Ndikir Sharon Fisher & John Cannon
Lekalaile Friends & Family of Lucas Knudson
Woman filling jerry cans at Ndonyo Wasin well
Ndonyo Wasin
Karania Foundation
Lekukuyie
Friends & Family of Lucas Knudson
Nkutoto Elerai
Mamen Saura & Rita Goldstein
Nendia/Sirata
The Pacos Family
Lolgirai
Nkaroni Community (kiosk under construction)
The Horan Family
Albright, Benson, Perlov & Lainer Families
Kiltamany Community Kiosk
Friends & Family of Lucas Knudson
Westgate Community
The Safari Collection Footprint Trust
12 | Madhvi Dalal teaches yoga stretches for cramp-free periods at our Menstrual Hygiene Day event
HEALTH
Building on our partnership with PadMad Kenya, and with corporate support from Kapa Oil Refineries and AirKenya, TSP hosted a menstrual hygiene workshop for over 2,056 Samburu girls in and around Maralal The students were taught the biology of menstruation, the importance of personal hygiene, and yoga postures to help with cramps. We distributed reusable menstrual pads, underwear & soap. For the first time, the program included boys into the workshops. This co-ed program is breaking social barriers and taboos, and creating a new normal in Samburu when discussing menstruation.
|Young girl learning to write at Nalutake School
EDUCATION
The Samburu Project is proud to engage in various educational programs From supporting bright students with school fees to providing supplies to start up schools in our well communities, we know that education starts with water In Wamba, our staff is providing guidance and computer support for students who qualify for scholarships through the Spanish charity, Africa Digna Through this partnership, four young women have secured college scholarships, opening doors to higher education and new opportunities. With The Thorn Tree Project, we also support five primary school students with scholarships, mentorship, and tutoring to strengthen their academic foundation and prepare them for the next stage of their
Women of Lower Sordo well attend a Samburu Sisters Workshop
EMPOWERMENT
In December, we conducted another Samburu Sisters Workshop, this time with the women of the Lower Sordo well community Since drilling a well in this community in 2007, the women here have been asking for educational workshops
We were happy to be able to conduct this two-day workshop to inform women about HIV/AIDS, women’s rights under the Kenyan law, harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), beading, early marriage of their girls, and emphasize the importance of educating their children to meet the challenges of a changing world.
| Proud gardeners of Ndonyo Wasin show off the bounty of their garden
GROWTH
Ndonyo Wasin, part of our 2024 well drill funded by the Karania Foundation, has become the foundation for a thriving garden led by the Ramati Sericho Women’s Group Now 22 members strong, the group has transformed clean water into food security, income, and community
What began with four women protecting seedlings with mosquito nets has grown into rows of kale, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and chiles Members share daily duties of hauling water, maintaining the greenhouse, and harvesting crops Surplus produce is sold at the local market, with income recorded and savings managed collectively. Their first priority is feeding their families, while also planning for future investments.
20 | TSP staff, Board of Directors,
auctioneer Nick DeNieri, and special guest Madhvi Dalal at Splash Bash 2024
TSP EVENTS
22| Friends of The Samburu Project at Runnymede Hike for Clean Water in Woodside, CA
COMMUNITY EVENTS
GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS OF CLEAN WATER
Our team in California and Kenya represented TSP at a number of events in 2024. While our Kenya team participated in the first ever Maa Cultural Festival in Archer’s Post, Samburu, Executive Director Linda Hooper presented at the ESRI Conference in San Diego Her presentation told the story of how global mapping technology is changing the way we collect data from our well communities and document our work.
Our supporters in Northern California gathered once again at Runnymede Farm for a day of art, music, and food at our annual Hike for Clean Water We ended the year by joining our Los Angeles friends at Helms Bakery for our Giving Tuesday / Holiday party. 2024 ended with our annual Board Retreat at the offices of Mayer|Brown where we took time to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and plan for the next.
Board Vice Chair, Doretta Bonner (far right), and friends at Splash Bash 2024
SPLASH BASH 2024
REUNITING OUR COMMUNITIES OF IMPACT
In October, we welcomed supporters to our annual Splash Bash gala at The Proper Hotel in Santa Monica. The evening opened with cocktails, conversation, and a silent auction before guests gathered for an inspiring program.
We were honored to hear from Madhvi Dalal, who flew from Kenya to update us on her work that is changing period poverty in rural Kenya and from Mark Johnson of Playing for Change, whose musicians energized the room with Afro-beat performances.
The night concluded with a lively Fund-A-Need paddle raise and live auction bidding upport our mission.
Eileen Wallace reading to the children of Nalutake village.
DONOR LEAD FUNDRAISERS
2024 saw a vast variety of communities around the world who joined together to support TSP. We celebrated World Water Day with the students of the Millbrook School in Connecticut with a Walk for Water. Calvin Darling organized his yoga community in Palo Alto, California to Flow for Water again this year. Eileen and Sean Wallace gave their birthdays to raise funds to drill a well, along with other supporters, Terry, Arti and Rita The year ended with a massive outpouring of love and support for Lucas Knudson His friends and family memorialized his untimely passing by supporting his dream to drill a well in Kenya.
We are grateful for these individuals, their communities, and their acts of kindness and generosity that are fueling positive change in Samburu.
28 | Splash Bash Safari winners, the Eugene Family, visiting a traditional Samburu boma.
In the 2023/2024 school year, TRIBE Club at Mira Costa High School in Hermosa Beach, CA was reconstituted, reigniting its mission to educate youth on water conservation, sustainable development, and community mobilization. Originally established over ten years ago, the club draws parallels between local water issues in the U.S. and TSP’s work in Kenya.
After a pause during COVID, TRIBE is back in action - this year, they organized a plastic water bottle drive at their school and volunteered at our Splash Bash event, amplifying their voices and spreading awareness about TSP’s impact once again.
TRAVELLERS
ADVENTURES THAT GIVE BACK
Through travel, TSP connects with global citizens eager to explore new places and different cultures - many seeking to make a meaningful impact. Partnerships with several local travel agencies, luxury lodges and educational institutions, including The Safari Collection and AirKenya, have allowed TSP to welcome countless travelers to Samburu to connect with the vibrant communities, experience the remarkable landscape and wildlife, and share the life-changing work we do
Whether you are a TSP supporter, a well donor, or an avid adventurer, we welcome you with open arms Special thanks to friends this year - Stanford Travel Group, Rita Goldstein, the Allen Family, the Kapa Oil Refineries team, Sean and Eileen Wallace, Sharon Fisher, and more - who keep exploring, supporting, and making a difference.
| The Gladwell family visit Ldupai well
2024 WELL DONORS
FUNDING OUR WATER PROJECTS
WELL DONORS
Albright, Benson, Perlov & Lainer Families
Sharon Fisher & John Cannon
Karania Foundation
Friends and Family of Lucas Knudson
The Pacos Family
Pledge to Humanity
The Safari Collection Footprint Trust (funded by the Geggus Family and Kelly and Sam Bronfman)
Mamen Saura & Rita Goldstein
The Wassergerber Family
MAJOR DONORS
DONATIONS OVER $20,000
Robert & Martha Falkenberg
Sharon Fisher & John Cannon
Ann Hoff
John & Andrea Horan
Greg & Catherine Pacos
Pledge to Humanity
Simon Wasserberger
DONATIONS OVER $10,000
Zelda Benson & George Wagner
Rita Goldstein
Gardner Grout
Alec Hsu
Liz Jamieson-Dunne
Alice & Nahum Lainer
Jerry Licari
Robert Rozek
Carmen Saura & Manish Kothari
Marc Tarpenning
DONATIONS OVER $5,000
CGI Charitable Giving Fund
Sandra and Andrew Edmondson
Handly Eugene
Darshana Jhaveri
Chadwick Knudson
Menemsha Foundation
Sonja Moro
Jay Nibbe
Judith & Russel Patterson
Diane Perlov
Quail Roost Foundation
Ray & Wyn Ritchie Evans Foundation
Brittany Rosen
Halley Harrisburg & Michael Rosenfeld
Jackie Silverman
Douglas Smith
Mark Taylor & Jay Strozdas
Angelica Swan & Nathan St. John
Melissa McMullen Swiler
Eileen Lynch Wallace
Tom Wellington
Debbie Yaghmaie
34 | Kapa Oil Refineries team Stella Njeri and Jaivin Shah visit Sulubei well.
MAJOR DONORS
DONATIONS OVER $2,000
Impact Giving
Helen Albright
Eden Alpert
Doretta Bonner
Scott Campbell
Calvin Darling
Adeline Dougherty
Jeff Erickson
Tommye Flemming & Pat Arnall
Carla Francalangia
Anne Fricker
Phillip Gall
Garry Gekht
Gibson Dunn Tax
James Givens
Eric Harlander
Maxwell Harrington
Stephen Kenny
Kenya Irish Society
Kirkland & Ellis Foundation
Brandon LeBlanc
Scott Luecke
John Mattioli
Millbrook School
Bob & Gail Pacos
Diane Perlov
Taryn Reuter
Vera & Stephen Schlesinger
The Romita Shetty & Nasser Ahmad Foundation
Rose & Greg Smith
Jenny & Paul Tennen
Barbara Timmer & Catherine Benkaim
Janet Truncale
Franny Wang
Harold Zagunis & Tamara Krautkramer
Total # of Cash Donations – 2,314
Total # of In-Kind Donations – 180
Total Donations – $951,440.
CORPORATE SUPPORT
In 2024, The Samburu Project received generous financial support and in-kind donations from the following companies.
AirKenya
Helms Bakery Complex
Kapa Oil Refineries, Ltd
PadMad Kenya
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Water from Wine
The Safari Collection
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Splash Bash Auction Donors
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
TSP BY THE NUMBERS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
TOTALINCOME
ProgramExpenses
WellDrilling&Maintenance
CommunityPrograms
AllOtherProgramExpenses
FundraisingExpenses
AdministrativeCosts
TOTALEXPENSES
NETINCOME
Assets
Liabilities
$823,558
$500,701
$361,855 $124,802
$14,044 $79,251 $53,860 $633,812 $189,746 $530,514 $163,099 79 OF EACH DOLLAR goes
| TSP
members
staff
Aldo, Christina, Linda, Sandra, Paul, and Eric in Samburu.
OUR TEAM
|
TSP Well Maintenance team, Paul Lekuuk and Aldo Lesutia, working at Lpetlpet well
STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
US STAFF
Linda Hooper, Executive Director
Victoria Pacos, Project Coordinator
Christina Vento, Communications Coordinator
KENYA STAFF
Eric Lekolii, Project Manager
Naom Kemunto, Community Programming
Christine Leserogol, Office Administrator
Sandra Lelemoyog, Office Administrator
Paul Lekuuk, Well Maintenance Specialist
Aldo Lesutia, Well Maintenance Technician
Ezekiel Lalaishimi, Intern
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, KENYA
Bob Falkenberg, President
Ndung'u Muchane, Treasurer
Eric Lekolii, Secretary
Linda Hooper
Josephine Leruk
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, US
Doug Smith, Board Chair
Doretta Bonner, Vice Chair
Harold Zagunis, Treasurer (not photographed)
Cynthia Campoy Brophy
Bob Falkenberg
Linda Hooper
Diane Perlov
Mamen Saura (not photographed)
Brittany Vaughan
Simon Wasserberger (not photographed)
Interns & Volunteers - 30
MISSION
Our mission is to provide access to clean water and continue to support well communities with initiatives that promote health, education, women’s empowerment and general well-being.
VALUES
We are driven by respect for, and the needs of, the Samburu communities we work within We focus on projects that generate tangible, meaningful, and sustainable results. We invest in building life-long learning, self-reliance, and community trust. We improve the lives of women and children, beginning with providing access to clean water.
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Hartog, Tamara Krautkramer,
Rangard, Mamen Saura, Solomon Solz, Nick Spollin, and Moses Thurania.
