2019 CF Kenya Welcome Package

2019 CF Kenya Welcome Package

Welcome Package

Your ME to WE experience in Kenya

Welcome

Preparing for your adventure Travel doctor .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Health reminders.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 ME to WE Tr ip pol icies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Packing for Kenya.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Your adventure Introducing our Kenya country team.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 What to expect upon arr ival .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Kenya general informat ion.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Communicat ion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Accommodat ions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Food. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Volunteer ing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Next-steps checkl ist .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Contact us.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Table of contents

Jambo! Welcome to your ME to WE Trip to Kenya! We can’t wait to host you and want to take this opportunity to ensure that you’re feeling confident and equipped with all the information you need to know before you travel. The next few pages will walk you through how to prepare for your travel experience and what to expect once you arrive. We recommend that you review all of the information in this package—please connect with your trip coordinator if you have any questions at all. We are here to support you, and we’re looking forward to getting started!

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Preparing for your trip

Travel doctor As you prepare for your ME to WE experience, we recommend that you visit a travel doctor. At ME to WE, we cannot provide advice on specific medications or vaccinations you may need for your trip. The advice given to you by a travel doctor will depend on your past medical history, and will ultimately be your decision. We suggest going to visit a travel doctor two to six months before you depart on your trip. When you visit the travel doctor, you can let them know: ► ► You will be in Nairobi for one night at the beginning and one night at the end of your trip. ► ► You will be in the Maasai Mara region for the majority of the trip. ► ► Please note that this information is exclusive of any extensions or personal travel you do before or after your ME to WE Trip. If you are booking an extension, please speak to your trip coordinator for more information on the regions you will be visiting.

Health reminders ► ► We provide filtered drinking water for all guests throughout the trip. If you wish to bring a personal water bottle, please feel free, otherwise you will be provided with one. ► ► The health questionnaire that accompanies your registration forms is completely confidential and will be used so that medical personnel may make informed decisions in the event of an emergency. ► ► Please inform us of all medical conditions and medications you are currently taking and bring an extra supply of medication for the trip.

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I nsurance It is mandatory that all guests are covered with emergency medical travel insurance. We also highly recommend that this insurance be extended to include trip cancellation and interruption, in the event of any unforeseen circumstances, as all payments made toward your trip are non- refundable. If you would like, ME to WE can provide you with an insurance quote through our preferred provider. Please speak with your trip coordinator formore information! Money The local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), however, USD and credit cards are also widely accepted. We suggest you bring about $200 USD in small bills for your trip. Your food, water and beverages, transportation, accommodations and activities are included in the cost of your trip, but you may wish to have extra spending money. This will go toward souvenirs, any meals or expenses during flights, an international phone plan or Internet access at hotels (if applicable) and gratuities if you wish to leave some. At Bogani, all gratuities are distributed equally among all staff. Tipping is not expected but appreciated—we recommend $5–$15 USD per day, per person. If you are booking a trip extension, you may require additional spending money.

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ME to WE po l i c i es There are a few policies that we ask travelers to commit to in order to ensure we are preserving the relationships we have with our communities and making this trip as impactful as possible. Photo policy This policy exists to preserve the positive relationships we have with our partner communities. We want to ensure that the photos we take are not exploitative, and that we are taking photos of solutions—not problems—to share with friends and family. We ask that photos are only taken of people with whom we have built a relationship, after obtaining their permission. We will never take photos of people we see while driving or walking by. We can assure you that there will be plenty of opportunities for you to take photos and highlight key moments on your trip. The trip facilitators will let the group know when it’s appropriate to take a photo. Gift-giving policy WE has worked for many years to create strong partnerships with the communities we work with. The WE Villages program works toward sustainable development and empowering people and communities to support themselves. This means that the work we do is in solidarity with our communities, not an act of charity. Because of this, we ask that

participants do not bring gifts from home to give local children or families. This includes anything and everything from a soccer ball to school supplies to the sunglasses on your face. Remember that you’re already contributing so much just by being in the community volunteering. A friendly wave, a smile or a hello in the local language is the most important gift you can give.

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Packing for Kenya One of the best ways to have a successful trip to Kenya is to plan ahead and start thinking about what you will be packing. Be sure to consider the weight of the items that you are planning to bring, as you will have to meet both your international luggage restrictions as well as domestic flight restrictions. The domestic flight you’ll take on this trip has a luggage weight restriction of 33 pounds. For your carry-on bag, we recommend a small backpack—this will double as a day pack. Your carry-on should contain everything you would need for one to two days, in case your luggage gets to Kenya after you. For your checked luggage, we recommend a soft-side suitcase such as a duffel bag or hiking Average temperatures in Kenya During the wet season (October to May), you should expect periods of rain. During the dry season (June to September), the sky is clear and the days are sunny. The temperature ranges between 10°C–27°C / 50°F–80°F. The climate is quite dry, meaning that nights and early morning temperatures are quite chilly, but in the heat of the day it gets quite warm! Please remember to bring enough warm clothing and pack lots of light layers. Plastic bag ban Kenya has recently banned plastic bags in a positive effort to reduce their environmental footprint. However, this has implications for travelers to this region as the use and importation of all plastic

backpack. We have included a clothing list on the following page as a guide to use at your discretion. Please note that there are cultural expectations around clothing that may be different from home. If you are unsure about what you should and should not wear, please refer to this list. The clothing you wear on the build site is likely to get quite dirty, so please consider this while deciding how much and which clothing to pack. We offer laundry services at Bogani if you would like to wash any items during the trip—there will be time to have your laundry done twice while on your trip. To keep yourself as comfortable as possible in warm weather, we advise packing clothing made of synthetic, quick-dry material and avoiding cotton fabrics. bags is now illegal. The ban applies to 1) carrier bags with handles and with/without gussets, and 2) flat bags without handles and without gussets. Please take note that plastic bags that match this description, including duty free bags, will be confiscated at the airport. Additionally, anyone caught using these plastic bags run the risk of fines of 4,000,000 Kenyan Shillings ($38,000 USD) or prison sentences of up to four years. ME to WE strongly recommends that all travelers to Kenya refrain from using all forms of “disposable” plastic bags in both main luggage and hand luggage, to avoid inconveniences or consequences. Small Ziploc bags are acceptable. Please reach out to your coordinator if you have any questions or concerns on this matter.

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Suggested items to pack: Work/gardening gloves for build site (we do provide gloves on-site, but you may prefer to use your own) Rain jacket (umbrellas are provided in the case of rain) Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment Nut-free travel snacks (e.g., cereal bars, trail mix) Electrolyte powder (to add to filtered water, if desired) A pashmina/light scarf Active-leisure wear (to use for optional morning yoga, jogging or other optional exercise) Camera and charger Binoculars No need to pack

Checked baggage Strongly recommended items to pack: An outfit for travel A comfortable and casual outfit for your day in Nairobi Layers for the cooler nights (i.e., fleece jacket, long pants, zip-up sweater) A few pairs of sturdy pants for the build site A few pairs of capri pants or knee-length shorts A few comfortable evening outfits (i.e., jeans and a sweater) A mixture of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts Comfortable pajamas Comfortable shoes—we suggest a pair of sneakers or hiking boots that can get wet and dirty on the build site, as well as a pair of sandals and/or comfortable walking shoes Toiletries bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, personal hygiene items, hand sanitizer, etc. (we provide shampoo, conditioner and soap at Bogani) Sun hat and sunscreen Three-prong adapter/converter for Kenya (voltage is 240v, plug is UK style Carry-on bag Passport and travel documents Prescription medications Essential toiletries (no liquids/gels over 100ml due to airline restrictions) A change of clothes Spending money ($200 USD) Personal items (e.g., camera, book, magazine, journal)

Towels, facecloths Bedsheets, pillows Hair dryer (we provide this for you!)

Shampoo, soap, conditioner Jewelry or valuable items Laptop

Tank tops, short shorts, low-cut tops or other clothing that may be culturally inappropriate

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Passport and visa requirements Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your scheduled date of departure from Kenya and contain a minimum of two blank pages. For all Canadian and American passport holders over 16 years of age, a tourist visa is required for entry into Kenya. You can obtain your visa by applying Online. 1 – Online in advance. This can be done two weeks to two months before you travel by visiting this link. Register for an account by selecting “e-visa for visitors.” Apply for a single-entry visa and complete the application in one session. To apply, you will need a scanned photo page of your passport, your flight information and a digital color photo of your face on a white background (please confirm sizing requirements prior to beginning your application). The cost of the visa online is $51 USD, and can be paid by credit card. You will also be required to supply this information: Full name of inviter to Kenya: Santai Kimakeke Country Director, Kenya & Tanzania Email: [email protected] Address: #9 Rosslyn, Rosslyn Lonetree, Gigiri, Nairobi Phone number: +254 717 962 908

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Welcome to Kenya

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Introducing our Kenya country team Below are some of the incredible team members who are working hard in Kenya to make all the arrangements for your life-changing experience. While they work mostly behind the scenes, you may see them pop in during your trip, so make sure to introduce yourself! You will also be accompanied by two full-time facilitators, who will be confirmed closer to your date of departure. Your facilitators will be there 24/7 to guide you through each moment of your trip experience, and make sure that you are having a fun, safe, and meaningful journey.

Jodie Collins Director, Quality and Development

Santai Kimakeke Director, Kenya & Tanzania

Jodi York Manager, East Africa Leadership Programs

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What to expect upon arrival

After landing at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will proceed toward customs. Please ensure you have your passport handy, as well as your printed visa confirmation and your completed customs card, which will have been given to you on the plane before landing. In turn, each traveler will be called up to speak with a border agent, and they will ask to see your passport and customs card. From there, you will proceed to baggage claim to find your luggage. After you have claimed your luggage, you will exit to the arrivals area, where a member of our team will be waiting to greet you. The drive to your hotel is approximately 45–70 minutes from the airport (depending on traffic) so, if necessary, please make sure to use the bathroom in the arrival area before you head to the vehicles. Our staff member will accompany you to the hotel and assist you in getting checked in. If you encounter problems en route, for example, missing a flight connection, you should contact our 24-hour emergency phone at 1-416-526-8450.

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Kenya facts: ► ► English and Swahili are Kenya’s two official languages, although each of the country’s 42 ethnic groups has their own dialect as well ► ► More than 75% of Kenya’s population lives in rural areas ► ► Only 54% of those in rural areas have access to improved water sources ► ► The literacy rate is Kenya is 78% and the average number of years spent in school is six ► ► 26% of children aged five to 14 are engaged in child labor ► ► Kenya is on EAT (East African Time) and is 7 or 8 hours ahead of Toronto (Eastern Standard Time), depending on the time of year (Kenya does not have Daylight Saving Time)

Country information overview Located in Eastern Africa, Kenya borders the Indian Ocean between Somalia and Tanzania. Approximately the size of the province of Manitoba (or the state of Texas), Kenya’s population of 46 million lives among abundant and varied wildlife, and an exceptionally diverse geographical landscape. Home to Africa’s second-highest peak (Mount Kenya) and sharing the world’s second-largest freshwater lake (Lake Victoria) with Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya boasts a tropical coastline to the south, savannah grasslands throughout the east, forested and hilly highlands to the west, and a near-desert landscape in the northeast. Attracting thousands of visitors every year, Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve is host to one of nature’s most spectacular annual events: the migration of one million wildebeest from the dry plains of Tanzania to more fertile grazing in Kenya. Despite Kenya’s natural wealth of beauty, over 40 percent of the population still lives below the poverty line. Kenya has a high population growth rate, with almost 45 percent of the population under 18 years of age and a life expectancy of 62 years. Together with a widening income gap, the tripling of Kenya’s population over the past 30 years has eroded gains in education, health, food security, employment and income.

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Communication and Internet Once you arrive in the Mara region, there will be limited access to phones and the Internet for the duration of the trip. There is no Internet at Bogani, and there is very little cell signal at our accommodations. If you opt to sign up for an international phone plan with your wireless service provider, expect limited access. Our staff at Bogani carry cell phones at all times to be used in the event of an emergency, and will be in daily communication with our Kenya in- country team. In the event that you need to urgently connect with home, this can be facilitated through our staff’s phones. In the event of an emergency at home, please ensure that family and friends know to contact ME to WE’s Risk Management Emergency Phone at 1-416-526-8450.

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Accommodations: Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp

From creature comforts like hot showers, delicious meals and beautiful, comfortable accommodations to expert local guides and friendly staff, we take care of every detail—letting you focus on being present and connected. We are happy to host you in cottages and luxury tents nestled into the Maasai Mara landscape. Bogani offers: ► ► En-suite washrooms with showers, flush toilets, and hot and cold running water ► ► 24-hour electricity, with UK style plugs— converters needed ► ► Biodegradable soap, shampoo and conditioner ► ► Bedding and towels ► ► Filtered drinking water

► ► Laundry services ► ► Bug nets on beds

► ► Buffet-style meals prepared fresh daily by expert chefs using local ingredients, including Western favorites and Kenyan specialties (dietary needs can be accommodated)

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Food In Kenya, all your meals will be served buffet-style, with a mix of familiar foods from home and some local dishes for you to try. You may have a chance to visit the farm where we grow all the fruit and vegetables that you’ll be eating! Below is a sample menu of the types of foods you might find on your plate in Kenya:

Lunch ► ► Kenyan lunch with mokimo ► ► Beef stew ► ► Gourmet pizza ► ► Assorted fresh salads

► ► Bread rolls ► ► Fruit salad

Breakfast ► ► Cereal ► ► Fruit ► ► Yogurt ► ► Cinnamon French toast

Dinner ► ► Bruschetta ► ► Chicken or vegetarian stir-fry with egg noodles ► ► Steamed green vegetables ► ► Rhubarb crumble

► ► Beans ► ► Bacon ► ► Juice ► ► Tea & coffee

Most dietary needs can be accommodated by our chefs at Bogani, with prior notice. If you have any dietary concerns or preferences, please be sure to let your trip coordinator know as soon as possible.

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Volunteering You will find out the name of the community you will be volunteering in approximately one month before your trip. Communities are allocated based on need and the progress made by previous groups. You can learn more about the Kenyan communities that WE Villages works with here .

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Safety: Our #1 priority ME to WE has been facilitating trips overseas since 2002, with an incredible track record for safety in the countries to which we travel. We take serious measures and precautions to ensure your safety from the moment you begin planning your trip to the moment you arrive home. ► ► ME to WE Trips abide by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs travel advisories and monitors these updates prior to and during travel. ► ► Copies of all passports, medical and travel insurance, and emergency contact information are collected well in advance of the trip. ► ► Our extensive facilitator training program includes emergency evacuation protocols, standard operating procedures, and crisis prevention and risk management. All facilitators are trained in first aid. ► ► Emergency communication is available 24 hours a day between our Country Team and our Toronto office. In Kenya, our safety measures include: Pre-trip

During trip ► ► ME to WE Trips arrive into Nairobi, Kenya. The majority of the time is spent in the rural Maasai Mara. We spend less than 24 hours in the city of Nairobi and do not visit any major tourist attractions or public facilities. ► ► Mobile tent camps are surrounded by fences, and there are 24-hour security systems at all facilities. ► ► All transportation is run by our trusted transportation providers in ME to WE owned vehicles, and all travel within Kenya occurs under the guidance of our team. ME to WE Trips do not utilize any public transportation in Kenya. ► ► ME to WE Trips travel with a local ME to WE staff member fluent in the local language and familiar with all locations of ME to WE programming. ► ► Purified water is available at all times and all food is prepared by ME to WE cooks who are trained in proper food preparation. ► ► During all building activities, participants are given thorough instructions on the use of equipment and wear protective gear at all times. ► ► Local hospitals with Western medical standards are available and prepared to handle any minor or major medical situations. All participants have AMREF Flying Doctor’s insurance.

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Next-steps checklist Confirm your insurance coverage Fill out your online application Send in a copy of your passport Sign your trip waivers

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Contact us!

You can contact our team anytime by calling, emailing, or contacting your trip coordinator directly.

416.640.3865

c o o r d i n a t i o n @w e . o r g

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