Kenya is a country of stark contrasts. Although it holds some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, Kenya also suffers from great poverty and extremely poor living conditions. This trip, a hybrid of Blyth’s credit and community-service programs, will explore all that the country has to offer, from volunteering in orphanages, to studying International development and foreign relations from local politicians and then culminating with a safari and a resort in Lamu on the Indian Ocean.

Nairobi: We will fly from Toronto to Nairobi, where we will spend our first week. In the mornings, we will volunteer at a local orphanage, helping to teach, feed, and play with about 50 children ranging in age from two to 10. In the afternoons, we will delve into the issues of Africa’s development and international relations. In Nairobi, we will tour the United Nations and Canadian Consulate to meet with Canadian and Kenyan politicians and discuss current issues surrounding international development.

Elangata: From Nairobi, we will travel three hours south to the heart of Masai land. Here, in Elangata Waus, we will be totally integrated into a tribal community with the opportunity to experience issues in rural development. Drought is often a major concern in Elangata Waus, and we will learn about the various ways this community is working to ensure they survive in the dry seasons. We will spend time working with the village school, library, and clinic, and participate in an art and sport exchange with local youths. In addition, we will break into pairs for one night and have the opportunity to experience a home stay, as well as camping fly safari style.

Masai Mara: Driving west, we will pass through the Great Rift Valley and enter the Masai Mara just in time for the spectacular wildebeest migration. We will rise with the sun and soar through the skies in hot air balloons over the great savannah plains.

Lamu: Finally, we fly from Nairobi to Lamu Island. After visiting Lamu’s Old Town, the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, we will slow down the pace for our last three days and relax on the endless white sand beaches.

COURSES
• Grade 12 Canadian and World Issues (CGW4U)

ACCOMMODATIONS
While in Nairobi, we will be staying at an institute that has safety and security as its top priority.In Elangata Waus, we will stay with an organization called Africa Soma. They will provide a cabin-style room with beds and mosquito nets. There is a drop toilet and a shower outside. For one night, we will split into pairs and stay within the community for a home stay. In the Masai Mara, we set up fly safari style with tents at a campsite with drop toilets and outdoor showers. At our final destination, Lamu, we will relax at a beachfront resort with double rooms, air conditioning, mosquito nets and private bathrooms.

SECURITY
During all activities students will always be accompanied by experienced program managers and tour guides with extensive knowledge of Kenya.

ITINERARY
1 week in Nairobi; 1 week in Elangata Waus; 3 days in Masai Mara; 3 days in Lamu.

DATES AND FEES
Tentative Dates	Program Fee
July 1 to July 27, 2010	$5,995 CAD
Taxes and registration are additional. Program fees are GST and PST exempt.