IN SUPPORT OF
KISARUNI BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL NGULOT CAMPUS OPENING TRIP 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4. JAMBO!
22. SIGNATURE SERVICE
3 . KISARUNI ITINERARY
24. HEALTH & SAFETY
12. BOGANI C OTTAGES AND TENTED CAMP
26. FAQ
14. COSTS AND INC LUSIONS
28. TESTIMONIALS
16. CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP: SAFARI
32. ABOUT KISARUNI BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL NGULOT CAMPUS
18. CU STOMIZE YOUR TRIP: TORIANA
JAMBO! We invite you to join us on an exclusive adventure to Kenya to commemorate the grand opening of Free The Children’s first all-boys high school, Kisaruni Boys Secondary School Ngulot Campus. Meet the new students and join community members for a momentous celebration. You will also have the chance to honour the next generation of female leaders while celebrating alongside the community as two classes of Kisaruni Girls Secondary School learners graduate from Milimani and Oleleshwa Campuses.
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TR IP DATES: D EC 27, 20 1 6 - JA N 2 , 2 01 7
KISARUNI BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL NGULOT CAMPUS OPENING 2016
DAYS 1-2
Pl ea s e not e t ha t t his it inera r y is s ubje ct to ch an g e . De tai ls o f spe ci fi c tri p inc l us ions /exc l us ions a r e l ist ed b elow wi th co sti n g . Acco mmo dati o n i n Na ir ob i may c ha nge s ub j ec t t o ava ilabi li t y.
TUESDAY, DEC 27 EVE N I N G A R R I VA L I N NA I R O B I
Collect your luggage and proceed through customs, where you will be welcomed by your in-country facilitator in the arrivals hall. Enjoy a comfortable ride to your boutique hotel.
into the Great Rift Valley. Once you descend into the Maasai Mara, watch for circular shapes that characterize Maasai bomas, and look for herds of local wildlife and cattle. ARRIVE AT BOGAN I COTTAGES AN D TEN TED CAMP
Settle into your new lodgings at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp. The bespoke cottages and tents are a serene place to relax and reflect after an invigorating day of volunteering. Each accommodation is complete with C HECK I N AT H E M I NGWAYS Located at the foot of the Ngong Hills in the historic suburb of Karen, hot and cold running water, flush toilets and comfortable beds, and is furnished with unique African fabrics and art. Hemingways is a beautiful boutique hotel. This plantation-style hotel is spacious and warm, and is the perfect place to begin your INT RODU CTION AN D ORIEN TATION volunteer adventure. Walk Bogani’s winding paths under yellow acacia groves, and get
WEDNESDAY, DEC 28 FUL L B R E A K FAST AT H E M I NGWAY ’ S
Enjoy your breakfast on the hotel’s outdoor patio or in the comfort of your room.
acquainted with the camp, learning some Swahili along the way. Enjoy lunch on the veranda overlooking the savannah.
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Quality primary education Health care services Alternative income projects Safe, clean drinking water and sanitation systems Agriculture and food security
CON N ECT W I T H LEAR N ER S AT K I SAR U N I GI R LS S ECON DARY S CH OOL MILIMAN I CAM PU S
Go on a guided tour of Free The Children’s first all-girls secondary school and connect with the girls who are completing their high school education. Milimani Campus focuses on community, and provides empowering curriculum that gives girls the skills and opportunities to excel. The school also strives to build on cultural values, promote leadership, value diversity and encourage active learning.
LE ARN ABOU T FREE THE CHILDREN ’ S ADOPT A VILL AGE PROGRAM
Learn about Free The Children’s unique Adopt a Village (AAV) model. Free The Children developed the AAV model with its five key pillars to break the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term community development:
MOR N I N G FL I G H T F R O M NA I R O B I TO T H E M AASAI M ARA
From Wilson Airport in Nairobi, take a short flight that will descend 6
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TR IP DATES: D EC 27, 20 1 6 - JA N 2 , 2 01 7
KISARUNI BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL NGULOT CAMPUS OPENING 2016
DAYS 3-5
Pl ea s e not e t ha t t his it inera r y is subje ct to ch an g e . De tai ls o f spe ci fi c t r ip inc l us ions /exc l us ions a r e l iste d be low wi th co sti n g . Acco mmo dati o n in Na ir ob i may c ha nge s ub j ec t t o avai labi li t y.
THURSDAY, DEC 29 COMMU N I T Y WAT E R WA L K
Join local mamas for a special walk through the community and learn more about daily life in a Kipsigis family. Fetch water alongside the mamas, a task the women perform daily. VISIT T HE BA RA K A H E A LT H C L I NI C M AT E RNIT Y WARD AND MED I CI N A L GA R D E N
Visit the Baraka Health Clinic and its newest addition, the Maternity Ward. Baraka serves over 30,000 community members, promoting healthy living and providing preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to the most vulnerable segments of the Kenyan population. These services enable individuals and communities to enhance their health. Next, learn about the medicinal plants grown in the shamba (garden), including moringa, aloe vera, thyme, spider plant, and many more. This shamba supplements the food program in Free The Children schools, as well as helps to decrease malnutrition in the communities by providing supplements to both pregnant mothers and their children.
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M E ET THE FU TU RE LEARN ERS OF N GU LOT CAMPU S
Gather with some of the future learners of Ngulot Campus to have tea and talk about their future studies.
FRIDAY, DEC 30 SC HOOL BU ILDIN G AT N GU LOT CAMPU S
Roll up your sleeves and grab some tools to work alongside Maasai and Kipsigi community members as you help to build Ngulot Campus. C E LEBRATE THE OPEN IN G OF KISARU N I BOYS SECON DARY SCHOOL NGU LOT CAMPU S
Gather with the first class of hardworking, dedicated students of Kisaruni Boys Secondary School, and join community members for a momentous celebration as the school officially opens its doors. KISARU N I GRADUATION DAY
It’s graduation day for Milimani and Oleleshwa Campuses! Attend the Kisaruni Girls Secondary School Graduation Ceremony. Join the educators, parents, and families of the learners as they celebrate their graduation from high school. It is the first graduating class from Oleleshwa Campus! Witness this authentic celebration and amazing accomplishment with their families and closest friends.
SATURDAY, DEC 31 MORNING SAFARI WITH THE KISARUNI GIRLS SECONADRY SCHOOL LEARNERS
As a graduation gift to the learners from Milimani and Oleleshwa Campuses, we are taking them on a safari! Sit alongside the learners as many of them experience their first Safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Spend the morning looking for giraffes, lions, elephants, hippos and buffalos, and some of our favorites, the more common Thomson’s gazelle and resident zebra herds. SCHOOL B U I LDI N G AT N U GLOT CAM PU S
Roll up your sleeves and grab some tools to work alongside Maasai and Kipsigi community members as you help to build Ngulot Campus. ME TO WE DU K A AT B OGAN I
Visit the Duka, our on-site shop, which offers locally sourced gifts, Kenya exclusive products, and Me to We Artisans beaded accessories and home wares made by local Maasai women. CELEBRAT E N EW Y EAR ’ S EVE U N DER T H E K EN YAN S K Y
A number of special surprises await you! 9
TR IP DATES: D EC 27, 20 1 6 - JA N 2 , 2 01 7
KISARUNI BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL NGULOT CAMPUS OPENING 2016
DAYS 6-7
Pl ea s e not e t ha t t his it inera r y is s ubje ct to ch an g e . De tai ls o f spe ci fi c t r ip inc l us ions /exc l us ions a r e l ist e d be low wi th co sti n g . Acco mmo dati o n in Na ir ob i may c ha nge s ub j ec t t o avai labi li t y.
SUNDAY, JAN 1 PRIM A RY SCHO O L A ND C O M M UNI T Y V ISIT
Visit one the community schools where some of the Ngulot Campus learners went to elementary school. The learners will show you around their Primary School. OL ELESHWA CAM P US A ND FA R M V ISIT
Visit Oleleshwa Campus and meet the learners! Enjoy a cup of chai with the students while you hear their stories, hopes and dreams for their future. BEA DI N G I N SI K I R A R
Spend the afternoon beading with mamas in the community of Sikirar. Learn more about how their work as artisans ties into the Alternative Income and Livelihood pillar of the Adopt a Village model. MA A SA I WA R RI O R O LY M P I C S A ND M E D IC INE WALK
Enjoy a leisurely hike as you learn about medicinal herbs from a local Maasai warrior. You will also have the chance to train and compete in the art of Maasai weaponry as you enjoy a cup of chai or a glass of wine on the hillside. 10
E NJOY N YAMA CHOMA DIN N ER
Relax and enjoy a traditional Nyama Choma dinner—Kenya’s barbecue. M AASAI ELDER CIRCLE
Meet with Maasai elders and learn about traditions firsthand.
MONDAY, JAN 2 D E PART FROM BOGAN I
Take a short flight back to Wilson airport in Nairobi. V ISIT TO ME TO WE ARTISAN S ATELIER
Visit the nearby Atelier to see the bespoke pieces being created by Me to We Artisans in our workshop. Travel via Limuru through lush and serene countryside dotted with small towns and tea farms before reaching the Atelier in Rosslyn. Enjoy a high tea lunch while browsing through the latest jewellery collection, handmade with love in Kenya, fair trade crafts from across the continent, and other special items curated by Roxanne Joyal, founder of Me to We Artisans, during her travels around the world.
elephants that have lost their mothers. Get an up-close look at the babies on a private visit and learn from their keepers how with love and care, these elephants are able to return to Kenya’s National Parks when they feel ready. CHECK-IN AT H EM I N GWAYS FOR A DAY R OOM DIN N ER AT H EM I N GWAYS
Hemingways Brasserie serves European classics with a twist. Enjoy sizzling steaks in the Josper oven—the only one of its kids in Kenya. Other favourites include steak tartar, bouillabaisse and omelette a choix. DRIVE TO J OM O K EN YAT TA I N T ER N AT I ON AL AI R PORT FOR YOU R FLIGHT HOM E
Kwaherinina safari jemma! OR BEGIN YOU R CU STOM I Z ED EXT EN S I ON !
V ISIT TO DAVID SHELDRICK ELEPHAN T ORPHAN AGE
The David Sheldrick Elephant orphanage offers a safe haven for baby 11
KISARUNI BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL NGULOT CAMPUS OPENING 2016
TRIP COSTS $4,450 USD PP
$200 USD PP
$500 USD PP
$500 USD PP
Bogani Tented Camp (based on double occupancy)
Single supplement – Bogani and Nairobi
Reduction for youth 16 and under
Upgrade to Bogani Cottages (minimum of 3 guests)
INCLUSIONS
► ► Me to We professional facilitator ► ► Ground transportation throughout the duration of the trip ► ► Hotel accommodation in Nairobi (1 night) ► ► Entrance fees to sights in Nairobi ► ► Meals as indicated in Nairobi ► ► Return airfare from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara ► ► Accommodation at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp (5 nights)
►► All meals and drinks at Bogani, including purified water, sodas, beer and wine ►► One safari game drive ►► All activities as outlined in the itinerary ►► Access to a day room on the final day of the trip ►► Dinner and welcome drink at Carnivore Restaurant. ►► Flying Doctors Insurance (evacuation in-country)
EXCLUSIONS
► ► International airfare to and from Nairobi ► ► Kenya Entry Visa: This must be obtained upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, at a cost of $50 USD per person in cash ► ► Evening snack in Nairobi upon arrival ► ► Additional alcoholic beverages at Jiko Restaurant ► ► Travel Insurance: out-of-country medical, trip cancellation & interruption insurance ► ► Gratuities are not expected but appreciated, and are shared among all staff. We humbly suggest $5-10 per adult per day *Please note that arrival and departure transfers are included in your trip cost. Pick- up time at the airport begins at 2:30 p.m. on your arrival day, to accommodate check-in at the hotel, which begins at 3:00 p.m. Should you decide to extend your stay by arriving earlier or departing later than the scheduled times of your Me to We Volunteer Adventure, airport pick-up and drop-offs can be arranged at an additional cost.
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BOGANI COTTAGES After a full day of volunteering, escape to your home away from home. Cottages offer a variety of Mara-inspired spaces, including fireplaces, bedrooms, and gathering spaces for you and your family to recharge and refresh.
SEE 360 TOUR
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BOGANI TENTED CAMP Traditional safari tents offer a truly authentic experience, tempered with modern conveniences including hot water, electricity, and en-suite washrooms. Enjoy authentic African decor, stone flooring and fully screened and paneled windows and doors.
SEE 360 TOUR
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CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
IN CLU SION S
SAFARI EXTENSION FROM $1195 USD PP BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
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► ► 2 night full board accommodation ► ► Twice daily game drives ► ► All meals ► ► Conservation fees
OPTION AL U PGR ADES
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Exclusive use of vehicle Scenic flights Hot Air Balloon Safari Lengthen or shorten stay Private guide
If you’d like to extend/shorten your stay, please ask for more details.
FROM $1915 USD PP BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
FROM $2360 USD PP
BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB
RICHARD’S RIVER CAMP
MAHALI MZURI
The well-appointed resort is situated by the Mara River at the foot of the Aitong Hills in the Ol-Choro Oiroua Conservation Area bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The exclusive tented safari camp features a veranda overlooking the hippo-filled river. Each tent is furnished with its own private, three-piece bathroom and comfortable pillow-topped beds.
Designed with privacy, exclusivity and adventure in mind, Richard’s River Camp is located on the banks of the Njageteck River and surrounded by 70 acres of private land in the Olare Orok Conservancy. The camp allows for total privacy and exclusivity with a total of only seven tents. The Ngoyanai springs provide permanent water, drawing in large numbers of animals to the area around camp.
Newly opened, this highly exclusive safari camp is owned by Sir Richard Branson. The elite camp is located in the Motorogi Conservancy, just north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, and is committed to respecting the local community and environment with the key priority of leaving as minimal a footprint as possible on the land.
Includes transfer from Bogani. Excludes all beverages.
Includes alcoholic beverages, guided bush walks and cultural visits, sundowners, laundry services and transfer from Bogani. Excludes champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines.
W W W . FA I R M O N T . C O M
W W W . R I C H A R D S C A M P. C O M
Includes alcoholic beverages, guided bush walks and local market visits and laundry services. Excludes champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines.
W W W. M A H A L I M Z U R I . C O M
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CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
TORIANA EXTENSION
FROM $1795 USD PP BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
DAY 1
DAY 2
D EPART FOR KI L I F I F R O M T H E M A ASAI M ARA
RECHARGE OR DISCOVERY DAY
Fly from an airstrip near Bogani and make your way to the beautiful Kenyan coast. C HEC K I N TO TO R I A NA
Graceful arches and authentic detailing welcome you home to Toriana after a short drive from the Vipingo Airstrip. Discover Swahili culture and history from the comfort of our coastal beach house. Sited on four waterfront acres near Kilifi, we encourage you to enjoy fresh meals served on the vast terraces, inspiring Swahili and Moroccan architecture, and the white sand and blue waters of Bofa Beach footsteps away. S U N SE T ST R OLL
Continue to relax by the pool, explore the coastline and indulge in the serenity of Toriana. Or, if you are craving some more action, take a look at some of our optional activities and discover all that coastal Kenya has to offer, from scuba diving to golfing nearby. RE L AX AN D RECHARGE
As the local people say, “There’s no rush while you’re in paradise.” Reward yourself after a week of volunteering and spend the afternoon unwinding on a breezy lanai terrace or exploring the beach.
DAY 3
Walk along the beach to take in the breeze and experience a sunset over YO GA BEATS the Indian Ocean. Take some time to treat your body and mind with a private yoga class. Whether it’s early morning by the beach or on the rooftop BEAC H- SI DE WE LC O M E patio at sunset, our instructor will lead you through a fun and casual Warm yourself by our beachside firepit under the stars as you enjoy a session to invigorate your body! From beginner to advanced, all complimentary drink. levels are welcome. 20
DHOW BOAT EXCU R S I ON
The best way to experience Kenya’s beautiful coast is from the deck of a dhow boat. These traditional sailing vessels have been used for hundreds of years to transport goods up and down the coast, and on your excursion they will grant you access to a unique view of the coast and the beautiful wildlife that surrounds you. HOLIDAY DI N N ER
Spend your last night at Toriana celebrating the holidays with a special feast!
IN CLUS I ON S
EXCLU S I ON S
► ► Accommodation at Toriana Beach House (3 nights) ► ► Domestic airfare (Mara to the Coast & back to Nairobi) ► ► All activities as identified in the itinerary ► ► All meals ► ► Special holiday supplement (where applicable)
►► Optional activities while at Toriana ►► Beverages at Toriana ►► Gratuities are not expected but appreciated, and are shared among all staff. We humbly suggest $5-10 per adult per day
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CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
TORIANA OPTIONAL UPGRADES
SINK INTO COASTAL CULTURE Experience coastal Kenya’s rich history of diverse peoples, EXPLORE GEDI RU IN S Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore the partially languages and customs. We welcome you to add any of these excavated ruins of once-vibrant Gedi, a vast trading city abandoned optional activities to personalize your stay at Toriana: more than 200 years ago.
SN ORKEL I N WATAM U M AR I N E R ES ERVE
VISIT A FR E E T H E C H I L D R E N C O M MUNIT Y
Experience the acclaimed Baobab Golf Course, a short drive from Toriana. Sweeping views to the Indian Ocean in the east and the sunsets in the west make this a stunning experience.
Step into local life in Mavueni, a community on the coast, and the first in this unique area to embrace the Adopt a Village education pillar.
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D IVE THE REEF
Explore the Indian Ocean’s underwater landscape—our water sports diving experts can create the perfect experience, from earning your certification to advanced diving adventures.
A favourite destination of Ernest Hemingway, discover this special reserve and its ecosystem in a glass-bottom boat. GOLF AT VI PI N GO R I DGE
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ME TO WE
SIGNATURE SERVICE Whether you’re preparing for your trip or experiencing the real deal on the ground, we take care of it all! Leave the planning to us— including flight arrangements, packing lists and information about vaccines and visas. While in country, we encourage you to focus on what’s really important: being in the moment with your family. That’s why we ensure every detail is accounted for—from world-class accommodations and meals, to in-country transportation and excursions with your local guide. WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! Don’t worry about the details; our team is on call to provide: IN TE R N ATI ON AL A ND D O M EST I C F LIG H TS O N WO RLD -C L ASS AIRLINES
IMMU N IZATION IN FORMATION
Our Me to We Travel Team are experts at buying the best flights and finding you the top sales on international airfare. Whether you want to fly first class, or snag the most cost-effective deal, our team can book
At Me to We, our participants’ health is our top priority. We always recommend visiting a travel doctor a minimum of six weeks before your departure date. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, we are happy to
your travel from door-to-door.
recommend a travel doctor that is familiar with Me to We Trips.
TR AVEL I N SU RA NC E
O N-THE-GROU N D TRAN SPORTATION AN D LOCAL GU IDE
Me to We has partnered with RBC to provide you with the insurance plan that will work for you. Whether it is medical, cancellation or lost baggage (or any combination of the above), we are able to create and
Once you arrive in Kenya, we take care of all your transportation, so you can sit back and enjoy the vast rolling plains of the Mara unfolding in front of you. Your experienced local guide will welcome you into the communities and be an invaluable resource for in-depth information
purchase the plan that will give you and your family peace of mind. PA SS PORT A N D V I SA I NFO R M AT I O N
If you are unsure on what is needed to enter Kenya, we will walk you through any and all special requirements and make sure you have everything you need to begin your journey worry-free! 24
about the places and people you visit. T RAVEL RECOMMEN DATION S
From the Mara, you are at the perfect gateway to explore either safari or sand options—both of which we are more than happy to arrange for you. 25
ME TO WE
HEALTH & SAFETY
Your safety is our top priority! We take care of all the details to ensure you stay safe and healthy throughout your trip, including: Flight, luggage and medical insurance Airport arrival assistance 24-hour security staff Canadian registered nurse on staff Filtered water available at all times
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The water we will drink is filtered. The food is prepared by their own kitchen, their own chef. We have these wonderful facilitators around us that are fountains of knowledge, but they also make sure that everything is seamless.
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DON N A M ACFAR L AN E
Founders and Friends Trip 2014
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Q: ARE TOILETRIES PROVIDED AT BOGANI?
A: Yes, shampoo, conditioner and soap will be provided.
KISARUNI BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL NGULOT CAMPUS OPENING 2016
FAQ
Q: WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN KENYA IN DECEMBER?
A: In December and January, the temperatures tend to hover around 25C (71F) during the day and drop dramatically to 9C (48F) at night. Bring your sweater for those cold nights! Q: WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHILE IN THE MAASAI MARA?
A: Dress will be casual for the majority of the time; however, there will be a few opportunities for semiformal evening dinners. There will be laundry service available during your trip, so there is no need to bring along more than the necessities. Kenyan nights can be cool, so bring a lightweight jacket and heavy wool sweater with you. We have found that 100% cotton clothes are the coolest and most comfortable. Q: IS THIS A GOOD TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT?
A: Absolutely. Around this time, the ‘short rains’ will have just passed, leaving the landscape a vibrant, lush green. With it, cooler temperatures will allow for a more comfortable day of volunteering in Free The Children communities! Q: WHAT TIME ZONE IS KENYA IN?
A: Kenya is on EAT (East African Time), and is 7 or 8 hours ahead of EST. Q: CAN I BRING A L APTOP, IPOD, EXPENSIVE CAMERA, ETC?
A: We suggest traveling as lightly as possible to minimize the risk of damage or loss to your possessions. For essential items, Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp provides a small safe in every tent and cottage.
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Q: IS THERE FILTERED WATER?
A: We provide filtered water for our guests to drink. We bring huge jugs full of clean drinking water to our camps and then recycle them after each trip. We recommend bringing along a good reusable bottle that you can fill up as you head from our camp for your day trips to the community. Q: WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO PHONE AND INTERNET WHILE IN KENYA?
A: Both phone and email communication is easily accessible in Nairobi. Cell phone service is intermittently available while you are staying at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp. If you would like to have access to the Internet while staying in the Maasai Mara, we suggest getting in touch with your network provider to purchase a data plan. Q: HOW IS THE FOOD AND WATER AT BOGANI?
A: Filtered water is always available. Food is prepared fresh daily by our chefs and adheres to highest safety standards. Q: WILL THERE BE ELECTRICITY WHILE AT BOGANI AND WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE?
A: At Bogani we believe conservation is key to our mandate in being eco-friendly. For that reason, our centre is powered by solar energy and we have electricity from 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. only. During this time, you can charge your camera batteries and iPods. The voltage in Kenya is 240 V, and the electrical plugs are Britishstyle with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade. Please make sure to bring a converter with you. Q: IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR THE TRIP PARTICIPANTS GOING TO KENYA?
A: No. We welcome guests of all ages! Whether young or old, there is something for everyone. Parents of a young one? You’re in luck. Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp happily offers daycare services for your little one upon request. Q: CAN I BRING GIFTS FOR THE KIDS?
A: We ask that you do not. Me to We and Free The Children work in solidarity with the communities we are partnered with. Put simply, your gift is your presence. We ask that our trip participants do not bring candy, toys or presents for community members, as we would like to promote fairness for all children. On your trip, a portion of your trip cost will be used to provide the new graduates with brand-new home-starter kits. As well, a percentage of your trip cost goes to in-country communities to help support sustainable development projects. 29
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ROBERT’S STORY
My name is Robert Koech. I’m 14 years old and I have always loved education since I was a small boy. My parents are small scale farmers and the current climatic conditions have led to lack of food in my family. Besides that, we rely on farming to get our basic needs, hence it has been very hard to get the basic school items like uniforms and books.
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I am very hopeful that despite the challenges, I will be able to complete Grade 8 this year and join Kisaruni Boys Secondary School next year. My hope is that if I am given this chance, I will work very hard and be a role model to many other boys facing the same challenges as me in our community.
RO BE RT KO EC H
Student 30
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JUSTUS’ STORY
For the last six years, I have been very privileged to work with the communities within the Maasai Mara region. One of my most exciting roles is working with primary schools because I have seen many young boys graduate and develop a lot of hope as they face the future. I am very excited about the upcoming all-boys high school as it is an answer to a need in the community, where many have told me: ‘We hope you are thinking about the boys.’ The countdown to the school opening has begun and I see the school transforming the community through graduating young men who will lead and bring innovative ideas to the community. Kisaruni Boys Secondary School will give many boys a chance to continue their educaation beyond Grade 8, as many of them have been dropping out after primary school.
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JUST U S M W EN DWA
Associate Director Alternative Income Programs and Primary School Education Free The Children 32
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ABOUT KISARUNI BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL NGULOT CAMPUS
Kisaruni Group of Schools continues to grow, and as of January 2017 will encompass three thriving campuses. First, Milimani Campus opened its doors in January of 2011 for the first incoming class of students. Oleleshwa Campus, its sister school, welcomed its first group of learners in January of 2012. We will gather to celebrate the first all-boys campus, Ngulot, for this milestone trip. Building off of the incredible success of Milimani and Oleleshwa, the new all-boys high school will provide a stimulating, safe environment for up to 200 students, allowing students to explore subjects that are in line with Kenya’s national curriculum. With guidance from schools, educators, and community members, Free The Children prioritizes building Kenya’s Maasai and Kipsigis cultural values into the existing curriculum. The school will also provide opportunities for academic extension focused on agriculture and health, to ensure that students have both the academic and practical skills that they need to be successful upon completing secondary school. The all-boys secondary school will also emphasize building and fostering leadership and community among the students. 34
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KENYA Photographs courtesy of Scott Ramsay and V. Tony Hauser
roxanne@metowe.com
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