Honor Your Loved Ones by Planting a Legacy Tree in Olmoti, Kenya

Global Linkages is raising $100,000 to bring clean water to Olmoti, Kenya.

Click here to view total funds raised to date.
(Visit this page if you wish to donate less than $50).

About the Program

The Global Linkages Water Project is bringing a deep borehole well to Olmoti, a Maasai community near Amboseli, Kenya.

This community was recently affected by a 3-year drought which decimated livestock herds and pushed water points farther away. While on a trip to East Africa, Global Linkages travelers met an Olmoti community leader, Samy Twarari. Samy shared the concern of clean water with GL travelers, and they decided to help. The GL community began supporting Olmoti with a school supply and shoe distribution during their trip in 2023. They then committed to solving their water problem.

In 2023, a partnership was formed between Global Linkages and Water is Life Kenya, a US-based nonprofit that has been supporting Maasai communities in this region for over 17 years. An agreement was made: Global Linkages would provide funding for the project, and Water is Life Kenya would implement the project on the ground.

Since October of 2023, a dedicated group of Global Linkages Fundraising Ambassadors have been mobilizing their friends, families, and networks to support the cost of this borehole, which is $100,000. Once completed, this borehole will provide a sustainable, reliable water supply to the Olmoti community, transforming their lives decades to come. To learn more about this project, visit their campaign page at https://waterislifekenya.org/global.

Acacia trees are popular trees in this region. They provide shade to people, homes for birds, and food for giraffes. Full of medicinal benefits, these native trees are cherished by the Maasai.

Olmoti's Ambitious Tree-Planting Initiative

Bettering their own lives isn't the only thing Olmoti plans to do when they have fresh, clean water. They also plan to plant trees.

Throughout Kenya, re-greening efforts have taken effect as communities do their part to mitigate the effects of climate change, drought, and deforestation. With the borehole water, Olmoti plans to sustain thousands of trees around their surrounding area. This initiative will quell the negative effects of climate change and restore Olmoti's natural enviornment.

Here's what the Olmoti community says about their tree-planting initiative:

"Our community is taking bold and proactive steps in the fight against climate change by initiating a widespread tree-planting campaign within our schools and health centers. This initiative underscores our commitment to creating a greener, healthier environment for current and future generations."

"By focusing our efforts, we are creating green oases that benefit everyone. This initiative is a testament to our community's dedication to climate action and our belief in the power of collective effort to bring about positive environmental change. Join us in making our community a model of sustainability and a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change."

Supporting the Trees for Olmoti Campaign

To raise funds for the borehole, respect Olmoti's initiative, and honor your loved ones in the process, we developed the Trees for Olmoti campaign. When water becomes available, a Global Linkages grove of trees will be planted near the borehole by the Olmoti community. A dedication ceremony will be held when Global Linkages travelers visit in October 2025.

When a donation is made, each donor will receive an honorary postcard to recognize that a tree will be planted. Photos of your legacy tree(s) and their caretakers will be provided upon completion.

Each tree will be dedicated to one person, either living or deceased, and honoree names will be displayed at the site of the borehole. Please share your loved one's name(s) in the Donor Scroll box when making your donation (additional space available after clicking "Donate").

Ways to Donate

• Click "Donate" on this web page.
• Donate via PayPal by clicking here.
  • If using PayPal, please allow us to see your name and email so we can acknowledge you.
• Send an ACH wire transfer (contact us).
• Send us a check with your honoree names to our mailing address:
  
  Water is Life Kenya
  314 E. Main St.
  Kelway Plaza, Suite 2
  Newark, DE 19711

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the trees be planted?
Trees will be planted by Olmoti community members when water is available, with the first planting happening in the fall of 2024.

Where will the trees be planted?
The trees will be planted in a designated Global Linkages grove near the Olmoti Community Borehole. Olmoti is located just south of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, East Africa.

Who will take care of the trees?
The trees will be taken care of by members of the Olmoti community. The Water Management Committee, mothers, and their children will determine who is responsible for which trees.

What kind of trees will be planted?
The Olmoti community will decide which types of trees will be planted. They know best which trees will help their community and the local environment thrive.

How will the trees be dedicated?
A formal Global Linkages dedication ceremony will be held in October of 2025. Honoree names will be displayed at the site of the well. Each tree will be dedicated to one person.

What is the actual cost of the trees?
The actual cost of a tree, transport, planting, and dedication display is roughly $10 per tree. All additional proceeds will support the Global Linkages Water Project.