The purpose of this trip is to take students back to the cradle of humanity - not just to civilizations past, but to where humanity began - East Africa, part in Kenya. By being involved in this particular trip, students will not only view the people and lifestyles of one of the most vibrant countries in East Africa, they will have the chance to view one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To expose students to a part of planet Earth that they, or their parents, would probably never think of going.

2. To take students out of their comfort zone (safely), and into the realm of where almost 50 per cent (maybe more) of the world's population live in - day-to-day survival.

3. To expose students to the beauty of Africa - the people, the ecosystem, and the ability to be happy with few of the material comforts in life.

4. To experience a cultural exchange with the Kenyans by visiting a mission school where the students have been orphaned through the AIDS epidemic in Kenya, and later to visit a Teachers' College of young hopeful Kenyans who are training to be teachers.

5. To experience a Farm stay so that students get to experience a life on a farm on a large estate in which the enterprising farmers today use modern agricultural methods to work on the land and who also supplement their living with evening safari tours.

6. At the end of the trip, to be able to empathize with those - anywhere in the world, including your home country - who, through no direct fault of their own, are not able to enjoy the same comforts as people in the 'developed world'.

7. Perhaps, somewhere down the line and when this trip's participants are decision makers with financial resources at their disposal, they will contribute to help people in Africa, to save endangered species, and to give groups of people less fortunate than themselves a chance to survive.

8. The objectives above are not necessarily curriculum related - they transcend formal education and deal with education about the real world.

SPS 66 – 11 Days Educational Tour

ACTIVITIES OUTLINE

Day 1

Nairobi - City tour of Nairobi's rich history, culture and art. Visit the museum, Snake Park, and botanical garden

Day 2

Entrance to the Great Rift Valley - evening game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park - to see in their natural environment: flamingoes, zebras, elephants and gazelles.

Day 3

Lake Bogoria and a Farm Stay

Bird life, hippos and crocodiles; along with stunning geothermal activity.

Day 4

Bogoria - Naivasha

The Lake Bogoria ecosystem and biodiversity in East Africa.

Day 5

Hells Gate and Elsmere Field Centre

The site of BORN FREE (about Elsa, the lioness), and conservation efforts in this part of the world.)

Day 6

Mount Longonot Climb, Boat Ride, then hike through the Great Rift Valley. Visit to hippo colonies, and local villages to meet with its people.

Day 7

Crater Lake Sanctuary - Nairobi - wild-life sanctuary

Day 8

Nairobi Sheldricks orphanage, Giraffe center . Shopping in local markets selling East African Arts & Crafts

Day 9

Leave for Lake Elementaita for a walk around the lake, breath-taking views and nature walk. Visit a Mission School, a home and school for children orphaned through AIDS

Day 10

Return to Nairobi. Visit a local school to interact with the Kenyan students for cultural exchange. Depart to Mombassa that evening on the overnight train.

Day 11

Tour excursions of the main historical attractions and markets in Mombassa

Flights from Mombassa back to Nairobi.