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Indiana Chapter of RIPPLES INTERNATIONAL |
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Kenya –Ripples International Partnership Service Trip
Journey to Kenya this December and volunteer on project sites with Ripples International. Ripples International is a non-profit located in Meru, Kenya. Their mission is to improve the living standards of human beings through training, education, counseling, and diverse rehabilitation activities. Volunteer with the girls vocational training program, help with the construction of a new children’s hospital, meet with HIV/AIDs counseling groups, spend time with the infants of the new start center, or tour villages to meet the women involved in the goat loan program.
Day 1 – Arrive in the bustling capital city of Nairobi. Check into hotel and relax after your long flight. Our hotel tonight is run by a local non-profit with proceeds directly benefiting their projects throughout the country. Day 2 – After breakfast, visit Sheldrick’s Elephant and Rhino Orphanage. Learn about conservation efforts throughout Kenya and how you can sponsor one of these adorable animals. Proceed on to the Giraffe Center to get up close and personal with these graceful creatures. Stop for lunch at the Utamaduni Craft Center. Spend the afternoon with a women’s cooperative known as Kazuri Beads. Kazuri employs over 350 women and is rapidly expanding in the community. Learn about fair trade, tour the factory, watch the bead making process, and contribute to the effort by shopping in the cooperative’s store. Welcome dinner in the evening. Overnight at hotel. Day 3 - In the morning, visit local social enterprise “Alive and Kicking.” Meet the amazing community members involved in creating and selling soccer balls in order to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS. Purchase a soccer ball to help their cause and donate it to one of the projects later in the trip. Proceed to Meru in the afternoon, stopping for lunch along the way. Check into accommodations run by a local non-profit. The center is located in a rural, farming community and the money goes to promoting and preserving indigenous art, music, and dance. Day 4,5,6,7,8 –Volunteer days with Ripples International. Volunteers will work on community projects throughout the day and then return to the center in the evenings for cultural events and relaxation time. Projects may include painting the new children’s hospital, teaching computer skills, manual labor or light construction, spending time with the children at the New Start Center, conducting counseling sessions for HIV+ patients, or assisting in the classroom at a local school. Day 9 – Drive from Meru to Nairobi and check into accommodations. Stop for lunch along the way. Relax at the hotel in the afternoon. Day 10 - In the morning, begin the drive through the Great Rift Valley on the way to Nakuru. Check into lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or watching the wildlife from your front porch. All meals provided at lodge. Day 11 – All day safari to spot the Big Five and see the infamous pink flamingos of Lake Nakuru. Journey to Baboon Cliff, Hippo Point, and Pelican Point on your safari. All meals provided at lodge. Day 12 – Morning safari through Lake Nakuru National Park to continue spotting wildlife. Lunch at lodge. Visit Mwariki Village in the afternoon to spend time with The Heart to Heart Women’s Cooperative – walk through the village, meet the women and their families, share stories, and learn about their new fair trade endeavor. Depart for Nairobi late afternoon. Farewell dinner before boarding plane back to the United States.
**All trip itineraries are subject to change Inclusions Accommodations In-country transfers Meals as listed in itinerary Village Experience guide Local Kenyan driver/guide Sheldrick’s Visit Giraffe Center Kazuri visit Lake Nakuru Safari Mwariki Village Visit Nightly Cultural Events in Meru All volunteer activities Donation to Kenyan charities
Packing List On Every Trip: Passport and copy of passport Personal insurance card and Travel insurance information ATM/Credit Card – travel’s checks not advised Cash – bills over $50 dated 2001 or later All medications Yellow Fever Certificate if required Probiotics recommended if you have a weak stomach Filled prescription of Cipro Ibuprofen Bug Spray with Deet Water filtration bottle Eye drops Hand sanitizer First Aid ointment Flashlight Umbrella or poncho Water bottle Camera with batteries, charger, and ample storage space Alarm clock Sunscreen and/or hat Sunglasses Shampoo/Conditioner/Lotion/Deodorant – all non-fragrant Soap Washcloth Toothbrush and toothpaste Band-aids Walking or hiking shoes Sturdy sandals Socks 1-2 long skirts for women, no shorts above the knee, no revealing tops, scarf/shawl Several nice outfits for dinner Swimming attire and beach towel Layers of clothing for chilly nights – sweaters, windbreakers, long pants Sleeping attire Airplane pillow Travel Journal Book, magazines Snacks such as pretzels, chips, granola bars, and gum Small backpack or cargo bag to hold your everyday items
Vaccinations Visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date requirements (www.cdc.gov) or speak with a local travel doctor.
Recommendations include: Hepatitis A and B Yellow Fever Typhoid Anti-malarial (not chloroquine)
Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for Cipro to combat food and water borne illness.
Donations Pack an extra bag specifically for donations and make a difference. The group will meet to determine donation needs and pack supplies.
Required Documents Passport is required Visa is required - may be obtained upon arrival at the airport. Please have $50 US bill in order to purchase the $25 visa.
Price of Trip $2299 per person based on double occupancy $2599 per person based on single occupancy Deposit of $500 due upon registration Final Balance due November 1, 2009 Estimated cost of airfare from the United States to Nairobi, Kenya is between $1500-1800. Passengers may elect to travel on their own or contact The Village Experience for flight information.
For more information please contact: Laura Jones from Ripples International: africaherenow@yahoo.com Kelly Campbell from The Village Experience: Kelly@experiencethevillage.com
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