Hi friends,

Many of you know that I have worked for Thomson Safaris for quite a while and have supported community causes in the rural countryside of Tanzania via the affiliated non-profit Focus on Tanzanian Communities (FOTZC). In March, I am heading back to Tanzania with a wonderful group of friends and family. As part of our journey, we have an opportunity to help an exciting women's empowerment program in rural Maasailand.

The Engipai Women's Collective came together in 2006 to earn revenue via various craft projects so they could cover school fees, provide healthier meals, and improve living conditions for their families. What started out primarily as a beaded jewelry market has expanded to include leather goods, maize grinding services, and even microfinancing to other Maasai in the area. These women exemplify courage, resilience, innovation, hard work, and care for their families. They have become an immense force for positive change in this remote corner of Tanzania.

Recently, Engipai and FOTZC teamed up together on an exciting beekeeping project which has already yielded excellent earnings and has proven effective as a poverty reduction tool, providing stronger futures for the community.

The women of Engipai have asked us for help by raising funds to cover costs needed to expand their product line to include other beeswax products like lip balm, salves, and candles. The total estimated cost is $5,200, which will cover training, equipment, and labeling. Any additional funds over the $5,200 will go toward new hives and stands for neighboring villages who have asked for help onboarding their own beekeeping projects. Pretty cool, ehh?

I know there are so many causes that need support right now, but if you would like to donate to a cause that has proven to impact sustainable, positive change, we would really appreciate the help. My friends, family, and I will meet with Engipai while on our journey, and I know they will appreciate the help as well.

Any funds gathered via this GoFundMe will be earmarked specifically for this project, so please donate here if you want to help Engipai with their bees!

To learn more about Focus on Tanzanian Communities or to donate to other amazing projects, please feel free to visit www.fotzc.org

Ashe Naleng! (Thank You! ~KiMaasai language)

Andrew Doherty and Friends