Kenya:
Becoming Neighbors, Becoming Friends

Winter Break '18-'19
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Once again, we will be joining our dear friend Mark Okello and the Jirani Project for an inspiring and challenging Kenya Quest. 

The Jirani Project provides orphaned and once-homeless Kenyan children with food, shelter, school tuition, health care, clothing, and loving support throughout their childhoods. Social worker Mark Okello provides support to this group of approximately 20 students from their childhood through young adult years, and once a year brings the students together to have fun and support one another at summer camp. Our Quest group will connect with these resilient kids by hosting the Jirani Camp, 5 days of laughing, learning, playing, exploring, and connecting. Quest participants design the camp together and serve as the "counselors"--teaching the kids new skills, playing games, and learning together about Kenya and the larger world.  

Along with this wonderful camp, our group will explore some of the most poignant sites and innovative community programs in Nairobi, participate in service projects in communities surrounding Eldoret, and take a walk on the wild side with a safari to round out the trip. Ready? Apply today!
In the Past, Students Have...
- Held a five-day summer camp for the students of The Jirani Project, befriending the twenty wonderful youth in this program over days of sports, crafts, singing, dancing, meals, and fun
- Invited a local artist to paint a mural in the Jirani Project library, and led students in making their mark for all patrons of the library to enjoy
- Immersed themselves in local culture by visiting a community church
- Toured a local school where many Jirani Project children are enrolled
- Participated in a safari on the Masai Mara game reserve
- Met with members of a woman's self-help group
- Visited the Parliament building, a giraffe sanctuary, an elephant orphanage, and market in Nairobi
Applications Currently Closed

Cost: approximately $3000, Includes plane tickets, ground transport, lodging, meals, and program fees. Shareholder fundraising available! 

Who can apply?: UW-Madison students and well-qualified applicants from nearby schools

Guide: TBA 

Group size: 8-12 total

Application Deadline: TBA

Want to Know More?
Check out our 2016 and 2012 Quest Kenya Blogs!
​Take a look at reflections from past Quest Kenya students.
"My trip was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Camp with the Jirani kids was filled with laughter, creativity, new friendships, and lasting memories."
"Kenya is a beautiful country, and it was amazing to experience its culture. However, more than anything the real highlights were the Jirani kids. Meeting and spending time with them has been one of the best experiences of my life."