At Kinasi Lodge, our passion for hospitality extends far beyond the walls of our tranquil retreat on Mafia Island. We believe in the power of community, and one of the most meaningful ways to give back is by investing in education – the cornerstone of progress and opportunity.
In November 2024, Kinasi Lodge had the privilege of facilitating an inspiring project, A Gift of Education, which brought together families, tourists, and local authorities in a heartwarming effort to support the schools of Mafia Island.
The Journey of Generosity
It all began with the compassionate initiative of Corrin and William Wrenn, young visitors who collected donations from families at The English School in Kuwait. Their enthusiasm was infectious, inspiring their sisters and peers to contribute school supplies, educational materials, and stationery for the children of Mafia Island.
Under the guidance of Emily Neve, Nigel, Lalia Hatami, and the entire Wrenn and Hatami families, the team at Kinasi Lodge played a pivotal role in coordinating this project. Seven large boxes filled with essentials like pencils, pens, rulers, paints, sharpeners, and notebooks were carefully packaged and distributed.
Reaching the Unreachable
Delivering these materials was no small feat. Mafia Island’s schools are spread across 23 villages, some of which are difficult to reach. By Land Rover and boat, Kinasi Lodge ensured that supplies reached even the most remote schools – from Kilindoni in the south to Bweni in the north, and as far as Jibondo Island.
The schools that benefited include:
• Kilindoni Primary School
• Kirongwe Secondary and Primary Schools
• Kifinge Primary School
• Sharaza Secondary School
• Bweni Primary and Secondary Schools
• Kitomondo Secondary School
• Kiegeani Primary School
• Jibondo Primary and Secondary Schools
• Aladdin Nursery School
A Ripple of Joy and Gratitude
The response from students and teachers was humbling. For many of these schools, basic supplies like notebooks and pencils are a rarity. The donations not only equipped classrooms but also ignited excitement and hope.
As one teacher expressed:
“It was a great help for teachers and students to have these kinds of teaching materials because they can significantly increase pupils’ achievement and support learning.”
Another heartfelt message from the students read:
“We would like to thank you truly from our hearts and send you a big hug with love.”
Looking Ahead
While the initial distribution took place in late 2024, Kinasi Lodge is committed to continuing this initiative. A stock of supplies has been reserved for the upcoming school year, ensuring that even more schools can benefit in the future.
At Kinasi Lodge, we believe that travel has the power to transform lives – not just through the experiences we offer our guests but also by uplifting the communities we call home. A Gift of Education is a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact, shaping the future for generations to come.
If you’re planning your next adventure to Mafia Island, we invite you to be part of this journey. Your visit can contribute to ongoing projects like these, ensuring that the spirit of giving continues to flourish in this beautiful corner of the world.
