Sandra Vaughn (center) with scholarship student Jacob (right), who lost all his possessions in a plane crash this past August.
Grand Circle Foundation supports 38 scholarship students in Kenya and Tanzania who are at different stages in their academic careers—and we are especially proud to have six at the university level. Sandra Vaughan, Foundation Project Manager for East Africa, oversees this thriving program. For the many students that she supports, she is "Mama Sandra" as she guides them, chides them, and wholeheartedly "mothers" them from near and far.
Sandra with scholarship recipient Kelvin.
In August of 2025, during a routine visit to Amboseli village in Kenya, Sandra sought out updates on her students. Two stood out as success stories. Toilan, who saved his own pocket money to supplement his scholarship, put himself through four years of computer courses and now works as a bank teller. Kelvin joined Kenya Wildlife Services after completing college and now works full time as an Amboseli park ranger. One update, however, immediately sent Sandra into action.
The remnants of Jacob’s housing block following the crash.
She was already aware that on August 7, a medical aircraft tragically crashed in Nairobi, killing all onboard and causing additional fatalities and injuries on the ground. Jacob, one of Sandra’s "kids" since 2017, was taking exams at university at the time of the crash. When he returned home, he discovered that the plane crashed directly into the housing block where he was renting a room. He lost all his possessions, but told Sandra he considered himself fortunate to be alive, and had already found alternative accommodation.
Together with past donors who supported Jacob, Sandra and the Foundation got to work helping Jacob with the supplies he needed to rebuild his life. In gratitude, he sent the following:
Dear Sandra,
Greetings from Jacob,
I extend my deepest and most sincere gratitude to you and your esteemed organization for the compassionate support you have provided during one of the most difficult times in my life.
Jacob’s treasured laptop was among the possessions he lost in the crash.
After the tragic accident involving the AMREF aircraft, which struck the place I called home, I was left in a state of shock, loss, and uncertainty. The incident not only displaced me but also robbed me of essential belongings, including a treasured laptop that had been gifted to me and held great personal and professional value. Its loss is deeply regrettable, but I take comfort in knowing that I am not alone in this recovery journey.
Your timely assistance with house rent, clothing, bedding, and other necessary expenses has been a lifeline. It is through the generosity of people like you that I have been able to begin rebuilding, both physically and emotionally. Your support has made a significant difference, not just in my circumstances but in restoring hope during a time of despair.
I now have a house to call home, a mattress to sleep on, and even a pair of shoes. I appreciate everything you have done for me.
My heartfelt thanks for your kindness, empathy, and unwavering support. I am truly humbled and will forever remain grateful.
With warm regards,
Jacob
Jacob is currently studying forensic accounting. With help from the Foundation and our generous travelers and donors, he can now focus on his schoolwork and hopes for the future. Thanks to Sandra for her unwavering commitment to all her "kids," and to all our travelers who have been moved to lend their support.
You can learn more about Grand Circle Foundation at www.grandcirclefoundation.org, or donate to our Kenya scholarship fund (or the project of your choice) here. Visit Amboseli and see the impact of our work firsthand during Kenya & Tanzania: Masai Mara to the Serengeti.
