In their neighborhoods and across the world, efforts of Geneseo alumni transform individuals, communities and generations. We recently shared the stories in the Scene magazine of several alumni who demonstrate the power we each have to make a difference, in large or small ways.
We will highlight these stories in the coming weeks. Know someone who is having an impact? Tell us at scene@geneseo.edu.
It gets pretty quiet in the Mfuwe lodge and the elephants are so silent you don’t hear them coming, says Sarah Early ’93.
“These huge, mammoth creatures walk into and across the lobby, and down three steps into the courtyard,” she remembers. “It’s a mother and her babies, going to eat the mangoes. They’ve been walking those routes for probably hundreds of years. I’ve seen an elephant lie down and nap on the lobby floor. It’s incredible.”
Early and her friends went on their first safari to Mfuwe in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia and were in awe.
They were touched by the beauty of the park, the animals, the other-worldly feel of the area and the warmth of everyone they met.
They also saw how few resources the people, guides, animal scouts and others had to keep it all going.
“We wanted to start a grassroots project to help in the ways the people of Mfuwe village wanted,” says Early, “and to have the community involved.”
Early and her friends formed Dazzle Africa, a nonprofit organization that marries an ever-growing trend of people who desire to go on vacation while making a difference.
The price of Dazzle Africa’s safaris in the park includes a donation to fund improvement projects in two main areas — conservation and education.
“People are much more conscientious nowadays about wanting to do something fun, and make a difference,” says Early. “With us, they can go on a spectacular safari and do something that fulfills that. We fill that niche.”
The women started Dazzle Africa in 2012, with tangible results. Their 2016 safaris sold out.
In partnership with the Bushcamp Company, Mfuwe Lodge and Conservation South Luangwa, Dazzle Africa and their clients have provided a total of 19 scholarships for young and university students.
In the conservation area, donors support several efforts, including sponsoring school attendance for children of wildlife protection scouts, and purchasing scout equipment and aerial surveillance tools used for anti-poaching and research efforts.
They also were able to secure one of the few veterinarians in the country who can dart such large, wild animals with tranquilizers to provide assistance from wounds inflicted by people.
They co-fund the vet’s salary with the Zambian Carnivore Program. Dr. Mwamba Sichande saves animals who have been caught in or are injured by poachers’ snares, says Early.
“His presence is not only saving wild animals daily, but he also provides vet care including spay and neutering to village dogs and cats,” she says.
Three Geneseo alumni (all Arethusa Sorority sisters) serve on the Dazzle Africa board: Early, Heather Maldonado ‘94 and Hilary Banker ’93.
“The people in the village are so appreciative,” says Banker. “It makes a difference. It’s the ripple effect.”
Student scholarship recipient Philimon Sakala demonstrates that. The first recipient to graduate from college, with nursing and midwife degrees, he is now working as a midwife.
In creating Dazzle Africa, the friends chose to change one area, where they can band with local organizations, clients and Mfuwe villagers.
“Look at what one person can do,” says Early. “You can go on a safari, and make a difference. It’s the Mother Teresa conversation. If you look at the masses, it’s overwhelming. But if you look at one person, you can help that person. That’s what we are trying to focus on.”