We were told that this excursion will be talked about for years to come, and we’re already thinking about how we can do it again, but do it better, “For years I’ve been concerned by the problem of poaching and conservation in Africa, and by what I could do to help,” says Denis. “As children are the key to a bright future, I decided it would be best to work with school students. A good education will generate more opportunities for the children in future and hopefully negate any desperate need to poach.” Lyn went on safari to South Africa, Rwanda, Botswana and Zimbabwe with Denis in 2017 and fell in love with the continent. “It gets in your blood,” she says. When Denis mentioned he would undertake a community program the following year, she immediately offered to volunteer. Lyn was one of six Australians on the trip, including Denis, a couple from Tamworth, another volunteer from Inverell, and photographer Ian Carlson. The owners and operators of a local tourist destination, Mara Explorers Camp, have an established connection to the Ole Keen School, through the Porridge Project they established after seeing local children scavenging for food for lunch. Many families had no food to provide, so the Porridge Project was born. For around US$160 per month, the Mara Explorers Camp provide enough porridge, and a cook, to feed the 250 children a cup of porridge every day, which encourages parents to send their children to school, safe in the knowledge they get a decent meal. Denis has supported this project for several years and continues to raise funds in Australia. The success of the latest community project – the park visit – has inspired him to repeat it at the end of 2019. To be a part of it, or to donate, contact Denis via africawithgrace@live.com or on Facebook by searching for @ africawithgrace2012. DESTINATION 33