Progress Report for April, 2018

Dear Friends of Elephant Havens,

A lot has happened since my last update. Our electric fence is completed and it is fully operational. We’ve built a guard house that also houses the batteries for the solar power system. We also hired a guard. His name is BK and he is thrilled to be working at the property. The best news of all is that we have an architect who is donating all the architectural design for Elephant Havens! We now have the plans for an interactive reception area with a classroom for students. We are thrilled with the kindness we have been shown. At times it is overwhelming. So many people have been so generous.

On the community front, we have a researcher visiting all the local areas. He is compiling data for us to determine the most effective ways we can help with the wildlife-human conflict. There are many ideas WE have, but we want the input and participation of the local community. Nothing works unless everyone is part of the decision-making process. We also started an initiative for weekly litter pickup. Volunteers are now picking up litter in and around the local communities and villages. Scott and I have noticed in our visits to Botswana that the Bush is spotless. There is not even a gum wrapper in the wild areas, but the villages and towns have lots of litter. I think it is very important to teach the children that discarding trash properly is very important. Bee and Taps have had t-shirts made and are giving them out to volunteers that are helping with “Trash Tuesday”. We hope to instill pride in their communities.

Please continue to consider donating to Elephant Havens. We are busy doing plenty of good things even while we’re raising the funds to get the orphanage built. We can’t do it without you!

– Debra