WRESTLING The World (WTW), a non-profit entity based in Wisconsin, is developing an International Village concept in Barut, Kenya.


Scheduled to open its doors in June, 2009, The village will serve as an educational resource for the local community and a volunteer center for tourists. International Villages-Hopewell in Barut, Kenya is the first of four such projects that WTW plans to launch around the world. WTW is now seeking business partners for International Villages-Hopewell.


Community owned and operated eco-lodges support local livelihoods and economies but do not always facilitate interaction between guests and the local people, according to a WTW spokesperson.


The International Villages-Hopewell takes the eco-lodge concept one step further by serving as a locally managed and operated safe lodging haven for travellers and as a hub for facilitating connections between tourists and the locals.


 International Villages-Hopewell is located in Barut, an economically-challenged area within Nakuru. It will provide job sourcing and vocational training to help the locals improve their life situations. By offering travellers access to meaningful volunteer projects in the area, engagement with the local people, and cultural immersion opportunities it will also make an important contribution to Kenyan tourism.


International Villages-Hopewell was born out of collaboration between WTW, Barut political leaders, and the local residents, making it a true community effort.


“The International Villages-Hopewell will serve as a base of operations for international guests traveling to Kenya and as a vocational training and educational center for the locals,” said WTW president Phill Klamm. “International Villages-Hopewell’s corporate partners will have significant opportunity to align their brands with a conscientious consumer base that has proven to be passionately supportive of businesses who share their values for improving lives in the world’s developing economies.”


Contact Klamm at wrestlingtheworld@yahoo.com or see http://www.wrestlingtheworld.org/