Rusinga Island sits on the shores of Lake Victoria — one of Africa’s greatest freshwater lakes and the lifeblood of our community. The health of our land, our water, and our ecosystem is not a distant concern. It determines whether our children eat, whether our fish survive, and whether this island has a future worth building.
Why it matters here
Our fish farming project depends entirely on the health of Lake Victoria. Pollution, deforestation, and poor waste management on the island flow directly into the lake — threatening the water quality our ponds rely on, the fish stocks our community eats and sells, and the livelihoods of everyone on the island. Environmental conservation is not separate from economic development here. It is the foundation of it.
What we are doing
- Tree nursery — we are establishing a nursery to raise 5,000 seedlings of diverse species. Seedlings will be sold to community members to generate income for the project, and donated to local schools and churches to build a culture of planting and stewardship across the island
- Beach clean-up — we work with local authorities to mobilise young women and youth in regular clean-up activities at our fishing beaches, providing waste bins and practical infrastructure to keep the shoreline clean
- Environmental education — we run awareness sessions and health talks in the community, teaching the values and practical measures needed to protect our shared environment for future generations
- Community mobilisation — partnering with local government to organise collective action, making environmental responsibility a shared community commitment rather than an individual burden
The bigger picture
When our fish farming project reaches full capacity — producing up to 40,000 kg of fish per year and serving 5,000+ people across the region — a healthy Lake Victoria will be what makes it possible. Every tree planted, every beach cleaned, every young person taught to care for this ecosystem is an investment in the long-term success of everything we are building here.
A clean island. A healthy lake. A thriving community. These are not three different goals — they are one.
Get involved
Whether you want to sponsor seedlings, support a beach clean-up, or fund environmental education sessions — every contribution makes a difference. Visit our donation page or contact us directly to find out how you can help protect Rusinga Island.