Our Durango & Denver social work class had the opportunity to visit The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. This organization and refuge for giraffes all started with a vision by Jock Leslie-Melville, a Kenyan citizen of British descent. His vision was to create an "educational institution in conjunction with rescuing the endangered Rothschild giraffes resulted in the present day Giraffe Centre that has become a World famous Nature Education Centre."
I respect their values:
Their vision is "A Kenyan Population in harmony with nature and living sustainably". Their mission is "To promote sustainable environmental conservation through education for the youth in Kenya."
Their Core Values:
Integrity - Honesty and Respect
Quality service
Commitment to sustainability in social, economic and environmental aspects
Through education they are acting in their vision and mission. It was apparent when we were there what exactly their vision and mission is. As non-profit organizations it reminded me how we always need to be looking and progressing with our mission statement in mind so we align with the vision and intent of the organizations long term goals. How nice it is to understand their intent within the first 15 minutes of being there. We sat through an educational class while at the center, and got to visit with the giraffes, including being licked in the face by a giraffe! Apparently they have really clean mouths…
Jock and Betty understood passing information on conservation to the youth was vital as they were to become the future leaders. They needed to be well versed with environmental issues. The founders of the centre decided to open the facility free of charge to all local school children visiting the centre on weekdays from morning to midday.
I am reminded in our local communities a question: What information do our youth need to be informed on so they can create sustainable futures and lead with integrity, quality service, and commitment to bettering our communities?
Lastly, what opportunities are we providing to them? The Giraffe Centre opened their facility free of charge to local school children, so they could have the opportunity. We are the leaders today making present decisions, and the opportunities we create are the foundations we lay for our future leaders. It really is that important, and our decisions matter.
