Special Experiences Trips Ebook

Special Experiences Trips Ebook

M E t o W E T r i p s

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Table of contents We l come l etter .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Who we are .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What we do .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Exper i ence Kenya .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Di scover I nd i a .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Expl ore Ecuador .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bu i ld a l egacy .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Our s i gnature ser v i ce . . . . . . . . . . . 41 J i tan j l i ’s stor y .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Jo i n us .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

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Dear f r i end ,

You are warmly invited to join us on our ME to WE Trips this year being held in Kenya, India and Ecuador.

Visit WE Villages partner communities in rural Kenya, India or Ecuador and work alongside community members on a sustainable development project driven by need, such as laying the foundation for a school. Along the way, immerse yourself in the beauty of the vibrant and unique local culture. Recharge and reflect on your day’s adventures at our bespoke boutique lodgings in each of our destinations, exclusive to ME to WE guests. WE is a movement that brings people together and gives them the tools to change the world. With two divisions: WE Charity and ME to WE social enterprise, we empower people at home and around the world. We invite you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to see our sustainable development work on the ground through the eyes of our team! In the following pages, read more about each of our three immersive volunteer travel destinations—Kenya, India and Ecuador—see the story of a past traveler, and learn the true value of experiencing a ME to WE Trip.

We sincerely hope you are able to join us this summer—this is your time to change the world.

Craig, Marc and Roxanne.

Craig Kielburger Co-Founder, WE

Marc Kielburger Co-Founder, WE

Roxanne Joyal CEO, ME to WE

Roxanne Joyal pictured with daughter Lily-Rose

Marc and Craig Kielburger

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Who we are

Humanitarian, activist and social entrepreneur, Craig inspires young people to take action and drive social change. Craig is co-founder of a family of organizations dedicated to the power of WE, a movement of people coming together to change the world. Craig is the youngest-ever graduate from the Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA program. He has also received 15 honorary doctorates and degrees for his work in the fields of education and human rights. Craig is a New York Times bestselling author, who has published 12 books, as well as a nationally syndicated columnist. Craig has received The Order of Canada, the Nelson Mandela FreedomMedal and the World Children’s Prize. Social entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author and charismatic speaker, Marc inspires millions to improve their communities and the world through their actions and everyday consumer choices. Marc is co-founder of a family of organizations dedicated to the power of WE, a movement of people coming together to change the world. Marc graduated from Harvard University with a degree in International Relations. He won a Rhodes Scholarship and completed a law degree from Oxford University. He has also received 10 honorary doctorates and degrees for his work in the fields of education and human rights. Marc is a New York Times bestselling author, who has published eight books, as well as a nationally syndicated columnist. He is the recipient of many honors, including the Order of Canada, and was selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the world’s Young Global Leaders. Roxanne is CEO of social enterprise ME to WE, which creates socially conscious products and experiences that empower people to change the world through their everyday choices. Roxanne is also founder and CEO of ME to WE Artisans, which empowers women in Kenya and Ecuador to earn an income with their beautifully handcrafted pieces. Roxanne graduated from Stanford University with a degree in International Relations. She won a Rhodes Scholarship and completed a law degree from Oxford University, completing her legal training by clerking for the Supreme Court of Canada in 2005. Roxanne has been featured as “Faces of the Future: 100 Young Canadians to Watch,” and is an Action Canada Fellow. She was also selected for the Women’s Executive Network’s “Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100.”

Craig Kielburger Co-Founder, WE

Marc Kielburger Co-Founder, WE

Roxanne Joyal CEO, ME to WE

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I n d i a

Who we are Yo u r h o s t s

Juhi Loda Community Mobilizer And Cultural Facilitator Juhi is an outgoing and passionate member of our India team, working primarily as a Community Mobilizer. This means she spends her days working on a household to household level, building trust with community members. She works directly with women in our partner communities to create sustainable health practices that directly impact women’s empowerment.Juhi loves adventure and creative work, and is a big fan of dancing and badminton.

Ragavendar (Ricky) Pratap Singh Ranawat Community Mobilizer And Cultural Facilitator Intrigued by the projects he saw in our partner communities in rural Rajasthan, Ricky joined the team in 2008 as a Community Mobilizer. Pairing his community connections with his incredible knowledge of Rajasthan and Mewar history he transitioned into the role of Cultural Facilitator, and now serves the dual role. Ricky’s insight into Indian culture provides a thought provoking opportunity for guests to further engage and better understand the area within which we work.

Lloyd Hannoman South Asia Projects Director

Lloyd Hanoman joined our team 15 years ago as our Director of Development, managing grants, partner relations and international programdevelopment. Lloyd is now serving as our South Asia Projects Director, overseeing initiatives to bolster food security, livelihood development, family health, and access to education. Prior to his work with us, Lloyd worked with the United Nations and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

K e n y a

E c u a d o r

Wilson Meikuaya Maasai Warrior

Jackson Ntirkana Maasai Warrior

Michelle Hambly Kenya Country Director

Wilson has always had a passion for education, shown by his commitment to complete his studies at schools in our partner communities. Wilson has worked with us since 2007, and has since earned a university degree in botany and wildlife.

Like Wilson, Jackson attended schools in our partner communities and has worked with us since 2007. Jackson is a passionate naturalist with a degree in botany and guiding. Fun fact—he has killed five lions (killing a lion is a Maasai warrior rite-of-passage).

Michelle, a trained nurse, has extensive experience working in the nursing field in communities around the world, and has brought that passion to her work with our projects in Kenya. Michelle moved to Kenya in 2005 to implement a mobile health clinic through WE Villages, which provides preventive health care and health education to communities across Narok County. Previously, Michelle had volunteered in Kenya to implement alternative income projects for women in rural areas, and has given her time to a variety of community health projects in Canada.

Elisabeth Valdivieso Amazon Program Manager

Belen Dias International Projects Coordinator, WE Belen serves as a liaison between our overseas offices and Canada, and ensures that allWEVillages development projects are implemented properly.

Scott Baker CEO, WE Charity

Elisabeth, or Eli, has been our Amazon Program Manager since we started operating in the Amazon. Her years of experience working as a National Tourist Guide in Ecuador, a Spanish teacher and in hotels make her the perfect hostess. You’ll see Eli excitedly sharing her love for dance with local children while also overseeing our entire Minga Lodge team. Her love of Ecuador and her caring nature will make your stay unforgettable.

Scott spearheaded the development of our partnership with communities in Ecuador’s Chimborazo province. Working to empower indigenous people in rural communities, Scott helped implement the WE Villages model, which included the building of schools, water piping, toilets and hand-washing stations. Scott returned to Canada in 2010 to assume his role of Executive Director of WE Charity.

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What we do ME t o WE

ME to WE provides authentic products and experiences that make an impact. For some organizations this is a marketing strategy, but for us it’s in our DNA. Our 20-year social mission has given us great insight and ideas on how to create an innovative social enterprise. Half of all ME to WE profits are donated to WE Charity, with the remainder being reinvested to ensure sustainability.

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What we do WE Ch a r i t y

We empower change with resources that create sustainable impact. We do this through domestic programs like WE Schools and internationally through WE Villages. The unique partnership with ME to WE ensures that WE Charity achieves a remarkable rate of financial efficiency, with 90 percent of donations going directly to youth-serving programs.

Provided

Built more than

Helped empower more than financial independence. 30,000 women with

to clean water, & sanitation programs. one million people with access

1,000 schools and

school rooms.

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For two decades, WE Villages has been engineering an international development model to end poverty. It works. It’s proven. It’s scalable. It’s not a handout or a single solution, but a combination of key interventions that empower a community to help themselves. Our core mission is empowerment. In North America, we empower people to create positive change around them. WE Villages applies the same philosophy in developing countries, when our local staff work with rural villages and regional governments to support, teach and empower people within our five Pillars of Impact.

What we do WE V i l l a g e s

Your ME to WE Trip will allow you to meet communities and experience the WE Villages model firsthand in Kenya, Ecuador and India.

W a t e r

H e a l t h

F o o d

E d u c a t i o n

O p p o r t u n i t y

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Experience Kenya

Jambo! Join us in the heart of the Maasai Mara to build a school and learn firsthand about the joys and challenges of life in rural Kenya. Connect with local communities, explore the stunning landscape around you and experience the vibrant Maasai and Kipsigis cultures.

A c t i v i t i e s

►► Volunteer on a sustainable development project alongside community members ►► Be invited into a Maasai boma and Kipsigis homestead ►► Walk with a mama as you help her collect water for her family

►► Embark on morning hikes with Maasai warriors ►► Enjoy special surprise performances and guests!

C u s t o m i z e y o u r t r i p

From Kenya, you are fully connected to a vast array of safari options in East Africa, or our Kenyan coastal retreat, Toriana Beach House, to soak up the sun and surf. Whatever adventure you choose, ME to WE is happy to create a customized itinerary perfect for you.

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A property designed with authentic African décor set in the heart of the Maasai Mara, Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp offers relaxing spaces to recharge and refresh after a day of volunteering.

Bogani Cottages & Tented Camp

►► Traditional safari tents feature stone flooring, and fully screened and paneled windows and doors. ►► Cottages offer a variety of Mara-inspired spaces, including fireplaces, bedrooms and gathering spaces.

►► All accommodations offer modern conveniences including hot water, power, and en suite washrooms. ►► Enjoy family style meals prepared fresh daily by expert chefs on our al fresco dining platform. ►► We have a 15-year record of travel safety for our guests.

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C u s t o m i z e y o u r t r i p : S a f a r i

Safari Cu s t omi z e yo u r t r i p

The Swahili word for ‘safari’ means ‘journey’. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the breathtaking savannah of the Maasai Mara—a region famous for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscape. Stay comfortably in world-class, eco- friendly safari camps, and always be where the game is with knowledgeable and friendly guides. Experience one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, home to an astounding array of animals including lions, giraffes, rhinos and zebras. During this time you will also have the chance to see an annual phenomenon firsthand: The Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Our team will help customize the perfect safari extension, tailored to you and your family’s preferences and needs.

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Retreat to Toriana Cu s t omi z e yo u r t r i p Experience coastal Kenya’s rich history and diverse peoples, languages and customs. We welcome you to enjoy Toriana before or after your ME to WE Trip.

B a l a n c e a n d h a r m o n y

Join us at Toriana Beach House, ME to WE’s Kenyan coastal retreat. Enjoy the jewel-toned Indian Ocean, fresh meals served on vast terraces inspired by Swahili and Moroccan architecture, and the white sand of secret tropical Bofa Beach—footsteps away. In the style of coastal hospitality, our home is your home, and we want to welcome you to experience an authentic piece of coastal Kenya.

O p t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s

►► Explore Gedi Ruins ►► Dive the reef

►► Snorkel in Watamu Marine Reserve ►► Golf at Vipingo Ridge

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Discover India

Namaste! Experience the majestic and graceful beauty of Rajasthan while staying at our bespoke Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp. Connect with the local people and communities while exploring the colourful world around you.

A c t i v i t i e s

►► Volunteer on a sustainable development project alongside community members ►► Engage in discussion with members of a women’s or men’s circle ►► Walk with a local woman as you help her collect water for her family ►► Immerse yourself in authentic India culture with a Bollywood dance class ►► Explore Udaipur, known as the “Venice of the East”

C u s t o m i z e y o u r t r i p

Your ME to WE Trip in India is perfectly situated as a gateway to India’s vibrant culture. From Udaipur, you will have full access to discover the regal splendour of Jaipur and Northern India. Explore the hidden wonders of Agra, made famous by the Taj Mahal.

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A property designed with authentic Indian décor and royal Rajasthani flair, Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp offers delightful spaces to recharge and refresh after a day of volunteering.

Araveli Cottages & Tented Camp

►► Take in spectacular views of the pink-hued Aravalli Mountains from the comfort of your private veranda. ►► All cottages and tents offer modern conveniences including hot water, air conditioning, electricity and en suite washrooms. ►► Well-appointed private cottages, generous indoor-outdoor shared spaces and contoured

landscapes will enhance the overall experience of your unique adventure. ►► Enjoy local dishes and western favourites prepared fresh daily in our central courtyard pavilion. ►► We have a 15-year record of travel safety for our guests.

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C u s t o m i z e y o u r t r i p : G a t e w a y t o I n d i a

Gateway to India Cu s t omi z e yo u r t r i p

Taj Mahal Explore the hidden wonders of Agra, made famous by the Taj Mahal. With the city’s surviving art, culture, architecture and royal cuisine, contemporary Agra can only be described as a grand experience. Jaipur and Agra Discover the regal splendour of Jaipur and Northern India with magnificent forts, palaces and landscaped estates. From the aristocratic grandeur of Deogarh Mahal to the mighty ramparts of Amber Fort, royal Rajasthan will pamper you with hospitality and luxurious splendour. Visit the world-famous Taj Mahal to end your adventure. Our team will help customize the perfect India extension, tailored to you and your family’s preferences and needs.

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Explore Ecuador

Hola!

Travel deep into the Amazon rainforest to experience the true power of a ‘minga’, a way of Ecuadorian life. Come together at our bespoke Minga Lodge, the perfect place to relax and recharge.

A c t i v i t i e s

►► Volunteer on a sustainable development project alongside community members ►► Be invited into the home of a family to join them in their daily tasks ►► Vist a choza (a jungle hut) and sit down with a group of skilled artisans to hear how they’re generating an income by making jewellery using locally-sourced materials ►► Hike through the world’s largest tropical rainforest ►► Explore the city of Old Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

C u s t o m i z e y o u r t r i p

Your ME to WE Trip in Ecuador is perfectly situated as a gateway to South America’s vibrant people, history and culture. From Quito, you have easy access to some of the greatest wonders of the world, including the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu.

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Minga Lodge

A tropical hideaway designed with its environment in mind, the picturesque Minga Lodge is located on the edge of the Rio Napo. After a day of volunteering in indigenous Kichwa communities, Minga Lodge offers serene and comfortable spaces to refresh and recharge.

►► Self-contained cabin-style accommodations with organic flair, suitable for individuals and families alike. ►► Inspired common spaces that include an al fresco dining platform overlooking the Rio Napo, offering spectacular sunset views. ►► Eco-friendly conveniences including hot water,

power and en suite washrooms. ►► Enjoy family style meals prepared fresh daily by expert chefs, including western favourites and Ecuadorian specialties. ►► We have a 15-year record of travel safety for our guests.

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C u s t o m i z e y o u r t r i p : G a t e w a y t o S o u t h A m e r i c a

Gateway to South America Cu s t omi z e yo u r t r i p

Galapagos Islands Get lost in the flora and fauna of this famous archipelago on an unforgettable journey with family and friends. Located 1,000 km from the Ecuadorian mainland, the Galapagos Islands offer a truly once- in-a-lifetime adventure. Machu Picchu and beyond Begin in the capital city of Lima, Peru, and make your way inland to Cusco, an Andean city located 11,000 feet above sea level. From there, journey through the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu, a site nestled in the Andean Mountain range almost 8,000 feet above sea level that has mystified explorers since its 1911 discovery. Our team can help customize the perfect South American extension, tailored to you and your family’s preferences and needs.

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We invite you to take this opportunity to connect as a family and bond in a meaningful way, doing something that is fun and different for everyone. Travel with like-minded people from all over the world as you build a legacy alongside your loved ones. Get to know our founders and/or executive team, and learn about the philosophy that drives our family of organizations. Join us, and experience a truly authentic and meaningful adventures. Be immersed in a new culture as you foster genuine connections with your loved ones and see the world through a new lens. Witness firsthand how communities are coming together to break the cycle of poverty, as you join fellow travelers and local communities to contribute to a sustainable development project.

Build your legacy

Know someone who would be interested in joining you on this once-in-a-lifetime trip? Let us know!

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Your ME to WE Trip is built on a defining level of service and commitment that stems from our core values—we call it our Signature Service. Expert ME to WE staff guide and assist with every step of your journey from the moment you reach out to us until after you return home from your adventure. We take care of all the details so you can focus on what’s really important—being present and connected. On your ME to WE Trip, no detail is left untouched, with safety always in mind. Trip facilitators, expert local guides, world-class cooks and service staff are dedicated to making your trip unforgettable while always focusing on your comfort and safety. Finally, ME to WE provides full-service planning and will customize your time in country to make any adventure a reality, before or after your trip.

Our signature service

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Jitanjli’s Story

“

Our ME to WE Trip to Kenya was one of the best things we

have done as a family. It’s one of those trips—full of amazing

memories that always make you smile. Our daughters, ages

eight and ten, had a wonderful time! They loved hanging

out with Maasai warriors, meeting local children their

own age, and participating in building a school. They felt

and experienced compassion, humility, and purpose. For

my husband and I, it was amazing to see firsthand how a

grassroots movement has made such a real and positive

impact on communities in Kenya. This trip was a great

opportunity to connect with wonderful people and get to

know Craig, Marc, Roxanne and the staff. It really made us

think about what’s important in life.

Jitanjli Datt ME to WE Kenya trip participant

Jitanjli and family with Craig Kielburger on ME to WE Trip to Kenya

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To learn more about specific destinations, dates, trip costs, availability and customization options, or to simply sate your curiosity, feel free to contact Janice Carere. Join us!

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Join us!

J a n i c e C a r e r e

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j a n i c e . c a r e r e @ w e . o r g

INDIA

KENYA

ECUADOR

TICO # 50017614

49 Photographs courtesy of Scott Ramsay and V. Tony Hauser