GlobalGiving Climate Action Fund

2020 has been a year like no other. But in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and severe natural disasters, we find hope in the unstoppable champions of our Climate Action Fund. No matter the obstacles, these local leaders continue to protect our planet, uplift their communities, and change lives. 

But don’t take it from us—take it from Lekita. 

Lekita lives in a small village called Nengerpus in Samburu, Kenya, with his wife, their five boys, his mother, and his brother’s family. In his youth, Lekita earned his living as a herder and did not have the opportunity to go to school. Nonetheless, he was able to make a modest living by opening a small restaurant and farming beans and corn.  

When Climate Action Fund cohort leader Sadhana Forest Kenya arrived in the area in 2014, volunteers brought business to his restaurant, and Lekita was able to expand. Lekita’s wife took over the restaurant, and Lekita began working alongside volunteers and community members to cultivate regenerative food forests. 

When COVID-19 hit, travel restrictions meant that Sadhana Forest Kenya had fewer volunteer staff to plant trees—despite the fact that economic shutdowns made this sustainable nutrition all the more vital. It was local leaders like Lekita who made it possible for Sadhana Forest to continue supporting the community—and curbing climate change from the ground up. 

Today, Lekita continues working alongside other members of Sadhana Forest to support families and individuals across Samburu, equipping them with long-term food sources that will sustain them through this and future challenges. Lekita’s home is now one of many surrounded by trees that provide protection from the elements, and he is better able to care for his family and plan for the future. In spite of the challenges faced this year, Lekita is full of gratitude and hope—and determination that efforts to protect our planet continue, no matter what it takes. When asked what message he would like to spread in this report, Lekita said:

“If I could say one thing to everyone reading this, it would be to respect the trees!  Wherever you are, plant trees!”

Thanks to your generosity and the perseverance of the innovative leaders of the Climate Action Fund, Lekita’s story of transformation and hope is only one of many. With your support, community-led nonprofits like Sadhana Forest Kenya can continue tackling global climate change from the ground up for months and years to come. Now, you heard Lekita—it’s time to get out there and plant a tree! 

With gratitude, 

Nicole + the GlobalGiving Team