A&K PHILANTHROPY

IMPACTING LIVES & LIVELIHOODS

While travel has been restricted this past year, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has remained committed to bettering lives and livelihoods in the communities in which it operates. Here are some of the inspiring initiatives which have been implemented.

Learning aids in Zambia

AKP has been working in partnership since 2010 with the Nakatindi Primary School in Zambia which sits beside Mosi-oaTunya National Park near Victoria Falls. The latest initiative has been the supply and installation of 16 computers along with two printers, a projector and four back-up power supply machines. This is the last major milestone to completing this project and the official handover ceremony is scheduled before the end of the year.

Much-needed medical supplies

Earlier this year, AKP shipped two containers of medical supplies to Bwindi Community Hospital in

Uganda. And before year’s end, another will be on its way to Peru, where hospital beds and PPE supplies will be split between AKP’s partner school in the Sacred Valley, Children of the Rainbow, and a small hospital in the countryside.

More Bikes to Africa

While much of the world remained locked down, many took the opportunity of spending time outdoors engaging in active pursuits. The locals in Nakatindi Village, Zambia and Bwindi, Uganda were no different. For the women in AKP’s bike shops in both locations, bike sales remained robust and more bikes were requested. Consistent with the AKP model, these shipments were paid for with proceeds from the women’s bike sales. The bike shop in Uganda – located in one of the world’s most isolated regions – will receive 470 bikes and the shop in Zambia 450.

Sishemo Beads

The lack of visitors to Sishemo Beads in Zambia because of the pandemic has made life particularly difficult for the women who run this enterprise. Recently, though, things have started to look up. As part of a partnership with the ABANYA artisan collectives, Sishemo has had a brand refresh and the ladies love the new logo as it really captures how unique every bead is. The business has also been awarded a WWF grant to help promote the project, and the studio visit, as a ‘must-do’ activity for all visitors to Livingstone. Some of the funds will also go to emergency salary support for the ladies. And happily, guest visits are starting to resume with the reopening of nearby luxury lodge, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma.

To learn more about projects supported by AKP visit akphilanthropy.org