We are pleased to report a full success of the first phase of the distribution of relief food and teacher salaries to the pre-schools in the Magadi area, covering Olkiramatian, Shompole, Olkeri and Oldonyionyokie group ranches, as well as the Namanga region.

The relief food will enable many school children to return to school. Many of whom would not have been able to do so without this assistance.

The people of the South Rift send their heartfelt thanks to all of you who donated so generously to send $15,000 to Kenya; a special thanks to the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Zoological Society, Angel Fund and all the wonderful people who work hard to raise significant funds - Daniel Grigson's seventh grade environmental club at Lee Burneson Middle School in Westlake, Ohio (who raised an impressive $3,000);  Karen Glum's science class in Cincinnati; and Marissa Ahlering's efforts through Facebook.

Cincinnati Zoo and Ohio's Miami Univeristy run the Earth Expeditions teacher training program, which began running courses in the South Rift in 2008. The dozens of teachers who have learned community conservation issues from their Maasai counterparts and community members were so moved by the tragedy facing the people of the South Rift that they and their students rallied together to raise most of the $15,000 sent to aid the schools - teachers and students holding bake sales, special events, and more. A true example of a global community working together.

Maize was purchased from local farmers in Nguruman, the only source within the entire Kajiado district, and beans from Nairobi were distributed to the local leaders of the four group ranches in the Magadi area. In total 80 bags of maize and 16 bags of beans were given out to be distributed to 16 pre-schools. Each school will receive 6 bags, 5 of maize and 1 of beans. A similar distribution was set for Namanga.

Images from the first distribution in November: