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.
OUR VISION
We envision a thriving Samburu community where access to clean water is a consistent reality and all people are happy, healthy and educated.
OUR VALUES
Female Empowerment - We improve the lives of women and children, beginning with providing access to clean water.
Community Engagement - We are driven by respect for, and the needs of, the Samburu communities we work within.
Impactful Projects - We generate tangible, meaningful results.
Reliable Partners - We focus on enduring projects that foster self-sustainability and community trust.
Pumping Water from Supalek
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
Dear Friends,
I know it sounds cliche but - what a year! In May, when our annual Walk for Water was canceled, we couldn’t imagine how the rest of the year would unfold. 2020 was challenging for a multitude of reasons but I am proud to say that TSP kept our doors open, our staff employed, and continued to fulfill our mission during a global pandemic.
Despite the chaos and uncertainty in Kenya, including a continued locust infestation and a country-wide shut down, I am proud to report that The Samburu Project was able to drill 6 new wells (with one more still to be completed) and conduct hygiene & sanitation workshops for those partner communities.
In addition to increasing water access, we launched new programs to inform and protect Samburu families from COVID-19. We distributed masks and flyers to educate the community on disease prevention, and constructed tippytap hand washing stations at our well partner communities. We also funded the installation of a solar power and rain catchment system at Lengusaka Health Clinic, improving their ability to provide services to a community with very little access to healthcare.
We ended the year with an epic menstrual hygiene workshop for 1,000 girls. Together with PadMad Kenya we distributed reusable sanitary napkins, underwear and soap. The event culminated in a community-wide run through Samburu National Reserve, led by Kenyan world-record marathon holder, Eliud Kipchoge.
Meanwhile, in California, our staff began working remotely, our board grew, and we made use of our new-found time by getting to work on an updated 3-year strategic plan - outlining how we will expand our programs in the Samburu region and benefit the community for years to come. Despite being remote, we were able to engage 3 cohorts of interns who worked on “back burner” projects like photo archiving, media outreach, and well mapping. And in the fall, as the world shifted back into quarantine, our annual Splash Bash went virtual, allowing us to share videos and stories from Samburu with our global community. The evening was a huge success and raised over $200,000 for clean water.
As I reflect on the past year, I am in awe of both the diligence of our team and the support we received from our global community. To our advocates, volunteers, interns, supporters and friends around the world who helped The Samburu Project survive and thrive through the pandemic, thank you! We could not do this life-changing work without your support and I share these accomplishments with you.
I am grateful for the TSP community that shares a global vision and spreads their arms around the world to make it a better place.
With gratitude for your continued support,
Linda Hooper Executive Director
A LETTER FROM OUT-GOING BOARD CHAIR,
Alan Leavitt
Dear Friends and Supporters,
After five years of serving as the Chairman of our Board, I would like to share a few thoughts on TSP’s growth and also introduce our new Board Chair, Doug Smith.
I joined the Board in 2012 and became Chairman in 2016 when Linda Hooper transitioned from Board Chair to Executive Director. This occurred as TSP’s founder, Kristen Kosinski, was ready for a new adventure. At that time, TSP had drilled 82 wells, and the Board engaged in a healthy debate about the future direction of our organization. We determined that our core capability is serving the Samburu communities in an authentic and holistic manner. Rather than seeking only to drill as many wells as possible and perhaps expanding geographically, TSP decided to continue drilling 8-12 wells per year while expanding our ancillary services to enhance lives in the Samburu region.
Over the past several years, we have: expanded our board from 4 to 12 members from coast to coast fleshed out a strategic plan to guide our priorities and future efforts modernized our approach to digital marketing improved our community survey and data collection protocols, thus allowing TSP to measure our impact more clearly expanded our annual walk for water event from Hermosa Beach to include multiple satellite walks worldwide undertaken partnerships with the Pastoralist Child Foundation; Rotary Club International; Give A Child Life Kenya, King Kaka, Always, PadMad, and the Government of Kenya built 2 schools; conducted 10 women’s empowerment workshops; implemented agricultural initiatives for schools and family farms, provided menstrual hygiene products to more than 4,000 girls, sponsored secondary education to four students
And most importantly, I am proud that between 2016 and 2020 we drilled 45 new wells, providing access to clean water to approximately 40,000 people.
As I transition out of the Chairman role, I will remain on the Board and have the utmost confidence that Doug Smith will be an excellent steward moving forward. Doug joined our Board in 2017. He is an accomplished corporate attorney and educator, in addition to being the co-founder of the nonprofit Global Playground. Doug visited Samburu in 2018, and he is a passionate advocate for our cause.
I would like to thank my fellow Board members for honoring me with the Chairmanship; our team in the US and Kenya who work tirelessly to move TSP forward day in and day out; and of course all of our donors. Without your amazing support, none of this would be possible.
PROGRAMS
WATER
The Samburu Project has now successfully drilled 126 wells, and number 127 is currently underway! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, 7 of these were funded in 2020 amidst a global pandemic. For remote communities in Samburu, TSP wells provide the only access to clean water. Now, more than ever, our work is saving lives!
For the 10th year in a row, The Samburu Project engaged the services of Kariuki Waruinge, of Ground Water Max, Nairobi to conduct our hydrogeology studies and to determine site selections.
After the sites were marked, AquaMax Nairobi was contracted to conduct the drilling of each borehole. Their crew of six technicians moved from site to site over the course of several months, doing the hard and tedious work of drilling, installing the pumps, and constructing the masonry slab and livestock trough.
Well committees were established in each partner village to serve as liaisons to the TSP staff and ensure the well is properly maintained. Finally, Hygiene & Sanitation workshops were conducted for each partner community by a county health representative who disseminated information on how and why to keep the well clean, proper water storage at the home level, the importance of hand-washing, and general improved health and hygiene practices.
The Samburu Project staff collaborated with all these stakeholders to ensure the success of Well Drill 2020. Thank you to the following well donors:
***Each well provides access to clean water to between 600 - 1,000 people.
2020 WELLS
Nesilim
Donated by the Eugenia Cizewski Trust
Loigama
Donated by the Eugenia Cizewski Trust
Lechur
Donated by Bailard Foundation & Water from Wine Foundation
Kiltamany
Donated by Mamen Saura & Manish Kothari in memory of Indu Kothari
Kerikeri
Donated by The Horan Family of Denver, CO
Nagoroworu
Donated by Zelda Benson & George Wagner, Manny & Jackie Silverman, Alan & Jenni Leavitt, Bob & Judy Swanson and guests of Splash Bash 2020
Lekia
Donated by David Kamari and Sammy Githegi and their Families
WATER IS HEALTH
COVID-19 Response
In April 2020 the Kenya government mandated a strict curfew and a country-wide lock down on travel in and out of the capital Nairobi. In an effort to keep Samburu communities informed, we immediately designed Covid educational flyers in both Samburu and Swahili languages and began distributing them along with masks. We also implemented a Tippy-Tap Hand Washing program, installing touch-less handwashing stations in our well communities and provided soap as a first line of defense against COVID-19. While the number of cases in Samburu remained relatively low, the lack of tourism had a devastating impact on the economy. Recovery in this area has been slow but signs of progress are starting to show as people begin to return to beautiful Kenya.
Lengusaka Health Clinic
In December, TSP continued our support of healthcare in Samburu by dedicated our #GivingTuesday campaign to raise funds for Lengusaka Health Clinic. Located a mile from a TSP well, the clinic provides the only healthcare for miles in a very rural area. Without electricity, they were unable to refrigerate medication or serve patients at night. With the closest TSP well still a short walk away, they also lacked convenient access to clean water. Thanks to our supporters, we were able to deliver both a solar electrical system and a rain catchment system along with some much needed furniture.
During a global pandemic, masks and handwashing with soap and water are the only lines of defense against disease in Samburu.
WATER IS EDUCATION
Completion of Lempaute Pre School
At the beginning of 2020, TSP was able to complete a new classroom for the Lempaute Pre-School. With clean water now available in the Lempaute community, families started a pre-school under a tree, complete with a fence around it to guard these young learners from any predators nearby. Our #GivingTuesday campaign not only supplied these students and their teachers with supplies they desperately needed, we also built a classroom for them. Now these future leaders of Samburu have a proper classroom to learn their ABC’s and 123’s.
Sponsored Students
The Samburu Project continues to support four special students for their secondary school education. While the pandemic kept Gideon, Salome, Ann and Zeitun home for most of 2020, they are all scheduled to graduate at the end of 2021.
“We now have piped water directly to our school. The students have gained much time for their studying. Also, I wish to thank TSP and my sponsors for paying my school fees. You have changed my life.”
— Gideon Lemasulani, Form 4, Wamba Boys Secondary School
WATER IS EMPOWERMENT
Menstrual Hygiene
For most of 2020 schools were closed and a nation-wide travel ban due to Covid19 greatly challenged everyone in Kenya. In addition to these challenges, we knew girls in Samburu needed menstrual hygiene products - because periods do not stop for pandemics - but without being in school, how could we reach these girls?
In June, our Kenyan team began a grassroots outreach campaign to assemble 200 girls from Archer’s Post, Wamba and Sere Olipi who were able to attend workshops on menstrual hygiene. Through masks and students staying socially-distanced, we conducted our first workshop of 2020. Not only did we distribute reusable menstrual hygiene kits, but underwear and soap as well.
Later, in December Madhvi Dahal of PadMad came to Samburu and brought world record marathon runner, Eliud Kipchoge with her. The Samburu Project was able to conduct a mega, outdoor workshop for another 300 girls outside of the Samburu National Reserve. Not only were we able to distribute products to all the girls, but also educate and inspire them as the day culminated in a run with Kipchoge through the reserve with their hero.
Only with access to clean water are reusable menstrual products a viable solution to this problem for Samburu girls.
“Attending the menstrual hygiene workshop and meeting Eliud Kipchoge was a great day for me. I loved learning yoga and am grateful for the sanitary towels. Thank you.”
— Ellyjoy Nachuch, Class 7, Girgir Primary School
WATER IS GROWTH
The Ndiritu Manjiru Chicken Project
2020 was a big year for Chris Saidimu and the Ndiritu Manjiru Chicken Project. Chris has been involved with TSP since 2011 when he became acquainted with our photographer, Rudi Dundas. With TSP and Rudi’s support of his education, Chris has gone on to be a teacher at Simwoto Primary School in Rumruti.
The school has 420 young learners. While school is free for primary school, there are always supplies and uniforms to pay for. As a way of supporting the neediest of students, Chris had the idea to start a poultry farm.
Over the course of the year and with continued support from Rudi and TSP, the chickens have multiplied and the eggs are now plentiful. The farm has grown into a professional enterprise, recognized by county officials. Now that the children have gone back to school, they are not only the caretakers of these feathered charges, they benefit from the egg sales and have an entrepreneurial role model to look up to.
The school enjoys clean water through a local water point that allows the children and chickens to thrive.
“Students of Simwoto Primary School collect eggs and tend chickens at Ndiritu Manjiru Chicken Farm to pay for uniforms and school supplies. Because we have access to water and support from Rudi and TSP, this project is possible.”
— Chris Saidimu, Teacher at Simwoto Primary School
EVENTS
Walk for Water
As announcements of the impending pandemic broke across the US, TSP’s annual Walk for Water in Hermosa Beach was canceled and -in less than a week- we put together our first ever virtual event. On March 22, World Water Day, supporters came together for a nation-wide walk for global health. Walkers from all over the country posted their walks and hikes on social media and raised over $20,000 for clean water
#GetSoapy
As people around the world battled the unprecedented effects of COVID-19, community unity was more important than ever. That is why TSP worked harder than ever to serve both our well communities in Kenya and our global community of supporters around the world. The average bathroom faucet releases 1.5
gallons of water per minute. This might not seem like a lot, but if you leave the sink water running for the 20 seconds the CDC recommends while washing your hands, you will use a total of 8 cups of water each time you wash. To combat water waste, we asked our supporters to be mindful of this little fun fact and turn off the tap while hand washing - and spread the word by posting their efforts on social media to #getSOAPY.
Water from Wine
In January, The Samburu Project received a grant of $10,000 from the Water From Wine Foundation to fund half of a well for the Lechur community. A self professed “non-profit winery” Water From Wine grows their grapes on a beautiful vineyard in Leavenworth, Washington. They partner with water charities like TSP to support water initiatives in the developing world. In September, as the Covid lockdown continued, TSP was able to hold a virtual wine tasting to learn more about their work and sample the goods! You can still go to their website and buy a bottle or two.
#GIVE22 Fundraisers
Our new virtual reality gave birth to more personal fundraisers that we call #GIVE22 - because it only takes $22 to give someone clean water and change their life forever! In March, Matthew Cole climbed Mt Kenya for clean water. Later in the year Lily Slepoy gave her Bat Mitzvah so Samburu girls her age could give up walking for water and go to school instead.
CLIMBING MOUNTAINS FOR CLEAN WATER
After spending 8 months in Wamba with the TSP team, in March 2020, as his farewell gift to his new friends in Samburu, Minerva Fellow, Matthew Cole climbed Mt Kenya for clean water. He spent five days climbing the second highest peak in Africa to raise funds and awareness for the plight of Samburu women who are tasked with this chore every day. When his climb was finished, he descended the mountain to learn that his school was calling home all students. His #GIVE22 campaign was a bittersweet end to his fellowship in Samburu. Matt later retold the story of his speedy exit from Kenya to TSP supporters on a special zoom happy hour.
“Mountains are there to be climbed. A challenge to be overcome. And they are an easy analogy for hardship in life. I saw how much Samburu women had to trek for water in some areas, and I realized the least I could do to relate to their struggle was clime that big mountain staring me in the face every time I drove south. Those women’s mountain to climb is raising a family in an environment where water is scarce, mine was a 17,000 foot extinct volcano.” - Matt Cole
SHARING YOUR BAT MITZVAH WITH GIRLS IN SAMBURU
When Lily Slepoy contemplated a project to do for her Bat Mitzvah she looked no further than The Samburu Project. Knowing that girls her age in Samburu were spending their days walking for water instead of going to school, she was compelled to action. Lily galvanized her school and temple community to walk in solidarity with girls in Samburu. Her Bat Mitzvah was also impacted by the pandemic but her community walked so other girls don’t have to.
“I first heard about The Samburu Project when I was in middle school. I was struck by how different life was for a girl my age in another part of the world. While she walked for miles each day just to find fresh water for her family, I was going to school, spending time with my friends, and just being a kid. If I wanted a drink of water, I walked to our kitchen sink. When I learned how a well that brings clean water to a village could profoundly change the life of those girls, I immediately wanted to help. If we all raise even a little bit of money, together we can make a huge difference.”
- Lily Slepoy
Splash Bash
In October our annual Splash Bash gala went virtual. Thanks to our team of tech wizards, we were able to virtually transport supporters to Kenya to meet our team, visit communities who now have easy access to clean water, and see how that resource is positively impacting the lives of thousands.
The work of Kenyan DJs, MidiMinds, entertained our supporters with highlights of their documentary, Sounds of Sasaab that features the traditional songs of Samburu people mixed with a techno beat. The beautiful views from Samburu paired with the innovative sounds of their collaboration with the Samburu people provided a spectacular backdrop to the event.
The event also featured videos from our well communities and spotlighted the profound impact water has on women’s lives - women who are now educated, others who are working to eradicate FGM, and becoming role models in their communities for future generations.
Our supporters were inspired by the stories of Joy, Elizabeth and others. Together they raised over $200,000 for clean water.
While we missed gathering with our supporters for our traditional gala, taking Splash Bash into the virtual space was a huge success because it allowed us to reach supporters from around the world and bring Samburu right into their living rooms.
— Linda Hooper, Executive Director
The Samburu Project
PRESS
The Samburu Project in the News
OUR TEAM
Kenya Staff
Eric Lekolii, Project Manager
Paul Lekuuk, Well Maintenance Technician
Joel Lenkupae, Office Manager
THE SAMBURU PROJECT KENYA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Falkenberg, Board Chair
Ndung’u Muchane, Board Treasurer
Eric Lekolii, Board Secretary
Linda Hooper, Board Member
Josephine Leruk, Board Member
VOLUNTEERS
Winfred Mulwa, Intern
Matthew Cole, Minerva Fellow Posted to TSP Kenya
Number of Volunteers and Interns during 2020
From left: Joel Lenkupae, Paul Lekuuk, Eric Lekolii
Tara Manoogian, Electronic Marketing & Video Editing
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alan Leavitt, Board Chair
Adeline Dougherty, Treasurer
Kiki Swanson, Secretary
Rini Bhatt
Doretta Bonner
Bob Falkenberg
Rohini Gupta
Linda Hooper
Mamen Saura
Douglas Smith
Jenny Tennen
Nekesa Wanjala
YOUNG LEADERS BOARD
Not photographed:
Victoria Alonso
Annalise Durant
Jennifer Liao
Ben Low
Sara Tores
Wendie Yeung
VOLUNTEERS
Dana Berejka
Connie Chan
Sonja Moro
Roberta “Ro” Schreiner
Scott Thomas
Elizabeth Wells
From left: Priyanka Harania, Linda Hooper, Victoria Pacos
From left to right & top to bottom: Linda, Victoria, Bob, Mamen, Alan, Rohini, Doug, Kiki, Nekesa.
From left: Sonja Moro, Dana Berejka, Lisa Wells
CORPORATE SPONSORS & IN-KIND DONORS
THE SAMBURU PROJECT RECEIVED GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES IN 2020:
AAmerican Storage
AirKenya
Art Services Melrose
Boxed Water
Cadogan Tate
Four Corners Conservation Framing
Kabaki Kenyan Purple Tea
Kapa Oil Refineries Ltd
Latham & Watkins
Walter Marks Realty
Metropolitan Water District
Rossi
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Wells Fargo Advisors
ART DONATIONS
The Samburu Project received generous donations of fine art for the Splash Bash Art Auction by the following artists, galleries, publishers and collectors:
David Blumenkrantz
David Coleman
Taryn Curiel
Rudi Dundas
Ron Herman
Richard & Judith Lang
Lapis Press
Paloma Lucas
Dan Lythcott-Haims
Kim McCarty
Dan McCleary
Sandeep Mukherjee
Jacque Rupp
Analia Saban
Mamen Saura
Iris Schneider
Todd Squires
Mary van de Wiel for Black Line Crazy
Alwy Visschedyk
Axel Wilhite
Robert Wilhite
WELL FUNDERS
1. Estate of Eugenia Cizewski
2. Mamen Saura & Manish Kothari
3. Bailard Foundation
4. Water From Wine Foundation
5. Jackie & Manny Silverman and Guests of Splash Bash 2020
6. Horan Family
7. David Kamari and Sammy Githegi and their Families
Splash Bash Fund-A-Need Donors
Jenna Ahmed
Andrea and John Horan
Jo Kenney
Mamen Saura and Manish Kothari
Jenni and Alan Leavitt
Christi Matthews
Bruce and Marsha Noble
Carlye Rosen
William Schumann
Jackie and Manny Silverman
Douglas Smith
Sharon and Todd Squires
Bob and Judy Swanson
Kiki Swanson
Zelda and George Wagner
Nekesa Wanjala
Nagoroworu Well, donated by Guests of Splash Bash 2020
Major Donors
$40,000 AND ABOVE
Irvin Sather
$20,000 AND ABOVE
John and Andrea Horan
Carmen Saura & Manish Kothari
Leslie & Frank van Veenendaal
$10,000 AND ABOVE
Ann Hoff
ABAR Foundation
Zelda Benson & George Wagner
Manny & Jackie Silverman
Robert & Martha Falkenberg
Kevin Fenlon
Adeline Dougherty
Gardner Grout
Bailard Foundation
$50,000.00
$37,635.00
$24,486.16
$21,165.00
$16,740.00
$15,045.00
$14,196.71
$11,503.00
$11,072.80
$11,000.00
$10,739.32
$10,405.00
$10,000.00
Water from Wine Foundation $10,000.00
$5,000 AND ABOVE
Rudi Dundas
Judith & Russel Patterson
Jeanette Lomboy-Blossom
Doretta Bonner
Jerry Licari Family Foundation
Oliver Glenn
Ronald & Cece Nudelman
Alice & Nahum Lainer
$9,768.20
$7,936.04
$7,136.76
$7,117.77
$6,000.00
$5,967.90
$5,590.00
$5,500.00
Sandra and Andrew Edmondson
$5,500.00
Barbara Timmer & Catherine Benkaim $5,260.00
James & Jan Hansford
$5,048.00
Ray & Wyn Ritchie Evans Foundation $5,000.00
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
$5,000.00
$2,000 AND ABOVE
Halley Harrisburg & Michael Rosenfeld $3,630.00
Nathan St. John & Angelica Swan $3,208.60
Alan & Jenni Leavitt
$3,094.36
Bob & Judy Swanson $3,045.00
Taylor Cain
$2,900.00
Tommey Flemming & Pat Arnall $2,727.14
Greg & Catherine Pacos
Doug Smith
Metropolitan Water District
$2,460.60
$2,107.68
$2,000.00
OVER $ 462,00 0 DONATED
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
( Unaudited as of December 31, 2020)
310.881.7265
www.thesamburuproject.org
8800 Venice Blvd, Suite 208, Los Angeles, CA 90034
