Over the years SUN N SAND has tried to incorporate philanthropy as an integral part of the business in order to improve the quality of life of the community (approx 20,000 people), that live in and around the area.
The SUN N SAND TRUST was formed by Sun N Sand Beach Resort on 21st March 2006, where the Trust’s mandate is to facilitate and oversee all the ‘Responsible Tourism’ projects in the following main areas:
• Economic development
• Health and environment
• Education
• Water
• Faith
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Income Generation: Policy to purchase produce, dairy, fish and poultry from local subsistence farmers.
Job Creation: SUN N SAND’s expansion has also brought about growth and creation of various types of self-employment opportunities in the area neighboring the resort.
Vocational Training: The resort is a placement center for students in Tourism.
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Health Clinic: In 2001, commemorating the 30th anniversary of SUN N SAND, the SUN N SAND Community Health Centre was inaugurated, which provides primary health care services (including child immunization, pre and post natal support, baby clinic, etc.).
To date, over 40,000 patients have benefited who otherwise would have no access to affordable health care in the area. Overall, over 80,000 consultations have been administered so far.
Eco-Tourism Development
• The resort’s organic waste is recycled to create BIO-GAS
• Installation of a boiler and calorific system to produce steam to heat water for the rooms
• Energy saving lights are being used in the resort
• Energy saving devices installed in the rooms
• Garbage recycling is being practiced
• Water treatment plant has been installed
• A tree planting policy is in place
EDUCATION
Nursery School: In 1998, SUN N SAND built a pre-primary school, SUN N SAND NURSERY SCHOOL. To date over 600 children have benefited from this initiative.
WATER, Safe Water Provision: Due to an acute shortage of portable water in the area, in 1994, the resort established a water access point providing approximately 5000 litres of drinking water to the community per day, through the Municipal water source (when available). In addition, well-water is provided to the villagers, and this water is used for bathing and washing purposes.
Kikambala Primary School (a Government run Primary School with over 2100 students): SUN N SAND together with guests introduced support projects for the above school located close to the resort and has facilitated building of class rooms, administration block, a library, donated a water pump, desks and roofing material, regular repainting of classrooms etc.
In the recent past, over 15 new classrooms, a new kitchen and a shaded sitting area for students to have their meals has been built.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SUN N SAND together with guests have continued to provide merit based scholarships to outstanding students. To-date, 150 students have benefited from this program.
SUN N SAND together with guests have managed to provide numerous sponsorships (on an annual basis) to needy students. Over 3000 students have benefited from such sponsorships of over $200,000.
Faith: In 1998, a place of worship was built.
Other initiatives: Providing Support to Needy Homes SUN N SAND regularly donates discarded items to needy homes.
Sponsorships for meals, mosquito nets, shoes, uniforms, school supplies and literature
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
Protection of Children – MOU between SUN N SAND & UNICEF
• SUN N SAND signed a MOU with UNICEF, KENYA towards protection of children from trafficking, prostitution, abuse and child labor.
• The objective of this MOU is to establish an ethical policy to promote, support and train staff and community members against commercial sexual exploitation of children.
• Looking to introduce a clause in contracts with suppliers stating the common repudiation of commercial sexual exploitation of children, the resort provides information to travelers, local ‘key contacts’ at destinations by means of posters, stickers and brochures etc.
E-Learning – SUN N SAND & MICROSOFT CONSORTIUM
In 2006, SUN N SAND partnered with the Microsoft Consortium to install the E-School project initiative by NEPAD and the Government of Kenya at the Kikambala Primary School, which was launched by His Excellency, The President of Kenya, Hon Mwai Kibaki.
Kikambala Primary School has now become a pioneer in information, communication and technology (ICT) and is the first Government primary school in Africa to have the state of the art e-learning facilities.
A 100% of financial donations received go towards the beneficiaries and the resort finances the total administrative costs of running the SUN N SAND TRUST.
For those interested a tour of the SUN N SAND COMMUNITY CENTRE and the KIKAMBALA PRIMARY SCHOOL can be organised for guests of the Resort.
We would like to thank all our well wishers and donors for their constant support that the SUN N SAND TRUST continues to receive from them.
In recognition of the work that SUN N SAND has undertaken, the following awards have been accorded to the hotel:
• FIRST CHOICE RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD
• UFADHILI AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
• KENYA ASSOCIATION OF HOTEL KEEPERS AND CATERERS FOR CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
• DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AWARD – BEST PRACTICE CERTIFICATE
Today, a thriving and peaceful society with access to basic health care, education and a vibrant mini economy is being established creating an enabling environment filled with hope and opportunity for the future.
