Service Learning
KENYA
8 days/7 nights | Full Board | Up to 20 participants | From $1595pp
Revitalize an abandoned youth center on the scenic shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya. Contribute to empowering local youth through hands-on refurbishment and engaging with organizations focused on improving youth healthcare and fostering self-sustainability through entrepreneurship. Exchange ideas with inspiring leaders, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Cap off your experience with a thrilling safari adventure through the breathtaking African wilderness.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kisumu and enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to the hotel for check-in, rest, and freshen up. Attend an orientation talk to review the schedule and tips for a successful trip. Gather for a memorable group dinner to share expectations and set the tone for your journey, followed by leisure time.
Day 2
Arrive at the project site and start with an introduction to leaders of the local community. Learn about the community’s history, challenges, and goals. After a group lunch, engage in ice-breaking and team-building activities to strengthen connections and foster open communication. Conclude the day with a reflective session to discuss experiences and insights.
Day 3
Begin with an introduction to the partnering organizations, gaining insights into their mission and impact. Explore their facilities and meet the passionate individuals involved. Transfer to a health center for a session on sexual and reproductive health advocacy, focusing on HIV management and stigma reduction. Enjoy a group lunch before beginning a technical workshop for the project, where you'll learn skills for refurbishing the youth center.
Day 4
Depart for the project site and start with an interactive health session with local adolescent girls, focusing on abstinence, pregnancy prevention, and self-esteem. Dive into the project work at the youth center, engaging in tasks such as repairs, painting, installing windows and computers, gardening, and constructing fences.
Day 5
Depart for the partnering organizations' offices, splitting into two groups for the day. Group A meets with local female entrepreneurs to discuss business empowerment and support for women. Group B connects with teen mothers to learn about their challenges and aspirations. After lunch, both groups transfer to the project site to finalize the youth center's refurbishment.
Day 6
Depart for the project site to celebrate the launch of the refurbished youth center, joined by community leaders and members for the unveiling. After a group lunch, transfer to Rusinga Island for a cultural immersion experience. Engage with the Luo Culture through local beaches, a visit to the mausoleum, and enjoy a stunning sunset over Lake Victoria.
Day 7
Depart for Ruma National Park for a full-day safari adventure. Experience the thrill of encountering giraffes, zebras, and impalas in their natural habitat, with the excitement of spotting roan antelope and buffalo adding to the adventure. In the evening, gather for a celebration dinner to reflect on the week’s achievements, share stories, and bid farewell to the leaders from partnering organizations.
Day 8
Check out from the hotel and take a scenic drive to the airport. Bid heartfelt farewells as you embark on your journey home, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and connections made.
Meals & Accommodation
Victoria Sands Lodge | Twin/triple rooms for students | Single rooms for staff | Full board
Locations
Included
7 nights accommodation
All meals and soft drinks
Transportation
All activities
Park fees
Certificate of completion
Program management
Not included
International flights
Visas
Tips/gratuities
Laundry service
Alcohol
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Partners
Activate Action is a youth-led organization empowering young people living with HIV and disabilities. It offers mentorship, mental health support, and leadership training, while promoting sexual and reproductive health and inclusion. Activate Action fosters social change and advocates for marginalized youth.
CYAN Kenya is a youth-led organization founded in 2016, dedicated to empowering rural Kenyan youth. It focuses on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and economic empowerment, advocating for youth rights and access to critical services. CYAN promotes sustainable development and well-being through community engagement and support.