Like father, like son. That’s how the saying goes and that’s exactly how Preston Mutinda and his son, Ken, approach life in Kangundo, Kenya. Ken is currently living in Troy while he works on an internship at Brukner Nature Center. The internship is partially funded by the Hartstein Favorite Vocation Grant overseen by the Troy Rotary Club, the same internship his father had in 1998. Members heard an update from the younger Mutinda during their weekly meeting on July 5^th.

Having completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 2012 at Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, Ken is now working alongside his father as a tour guide and teacher at the Mutinda Wildlife Education Center in Kangundo. He leads nature walks and workshops on Kenyan wildlife appreciation, preservation and management, focusing on the need to protect and nurture it. At the same time, he stresses the dangers that some wildlife can represent if not taken seriously.

The wildlife education center was founded in the early 2000s with support of Troy Rotary. Designed in the spirit of the Kamba tribe, it is a circular building without corners and includes a comprehensive library and computer technology. The center hosts children after school and teaches them about the Kamba tribal culture, dances and songs. The children often walk or ride for hours to reach the center but have free-of-charge access to all programs, walks, displays and technology. In addition, the center provides educational programs on tree management. The tribe uses wood for cooking, cleaning and power every day so the center asks villagers to plant two new trees to replace every tree cut down. The center is supported by grants and donations to cover its operating costs, and Troy Rotary has contributed funds to provide for two community wells near the facility. The water from these wells is used by villagers for cooking, cleaning and washing. The remarkable story of the center, and Troy Rotary’s support of it, was featured in the February 2016 issue of “The Rotarian” international magazine. To learn more about the Mutinda Wildlife Education Center, visit http://www.prestonsafaris.com/communitycenter.htm.

Troy Rotarians and the Troy Rotary Foundation support several community projects annually. During the 2015-16 Rotary year, over $23,000 in scholarships and community aid was distributed from the fund, including support for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, Rotary’s annual Shoe Project, academic and community service scholarships, and sponsorships to summer camps at Brukner Nature Center and WACO Air Museum. The Troy Rotary Club is a member-involved, goal-oriented service club focused on socio/economic issues that have an impact both locally and internationally. Follow their activities on Facebook at Troy Rotary Club. To learn more about Rotary and membership, please visit www.troyohiorotary.org.