Medina Palms has a policy to recruit as much local staff from the community as it can, currently approximately 60% of its permanent labor force. We buy supplies from Malindi and local towns where practical, especially fruits, vegetables and dry goods.
Medina Palms has been instrumental in numerous local initiatives, including:
In partnership with Kenya AIDS NGOs Consortium (KANCO) UK based football club Brighton & Hove and TACKLE AFRICA, Medina Palms developed a football coaching and HIV/AIDS awareness program in Watamu. The youth are trained to develop their skills in football coaching, leadership and understanding HIV/AIDS prevention using football.
The Local Ocean Trust (LOT) and Medina Palms have over the years worked together on different projects, including planting over 10,000 indigenous mangrove seedlings in a section of Mida Creek that was deeply in need of restoration. For 2015, Medina Palms has sponsored 3 rehabilitation tanks at the LOT turtle hospital.
Medina Palms has provided support to a number of community based conservation projects in Kenya aimed to protect local marine life through community involvement in habitat conservation and environmental education activities through the LOT in Watamu. We have also contributed to lion conservation efforts in Kenya through the Born Free Foundations Pride of Kenya Project, building predator proof Bomas for local communities.
Medina Palms is a believer in sound healthcare for all. It has since inception supported the Watamu Community Hospital through the building of a new ward and provision of medical equipment. Medina Palms provides instrumental support to the local ambulance service. Its vehicle can normally be found in the Medina Palms parking lot.
Medina Palms believes that a strong foundation in education is a key element in childrens lives. It has supported Watamu Primary School through the renovation of classroom blocks, the school playing field, providing desks and chairs, stationary, sporting equipment, as well as food.
At the nearby Sawa Sawa Academy, we sponsor several pupils through tuition support. In addition, we have contributed to infrastructure improvements, donated library books and educational materials, and provided teaching and tutorial resources.