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Kenya

Sustainable Development
see info below

Course Details

DATES
June 16-July 2, 2025

17DAYS

Departure City
New York
TUITION
$6199 (Plus Airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY
Available

Alongside our partner, International Peace Initiatives, you will learn about sustainable development, peacebuilding, community empowerment, and systems thinking.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program will take you to the Eastern Highlands of Meru, Kenya where you will experience daily life at International Peace Initiatives and learn more about their programs to empower women, educate and inspire children, and create thriving communities.

While in Meru, you will spend your days teaching and playing with the children of the Kithoka Amani Community Home and supporting projects to build and improve structures at the Tiriji Eco-Center, which provide sustainable revenue streams for IPI. You will also have the chance to learn regenerative agricultural practices and see how IPI is using these for climate and food justice. At the end of your program, you will safari in a world-renowned game park, where you see a range of animals (giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions, and antelope) while learning about local conservation efforts.

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Learn from Dr. Karambu Ringera, a visionary, activist, and committed leader.

Study climate, food justice, equity, and sustainability.

Build personal relationships with the children of the Kithoka Amani Community Home.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5
LEARNING SERVICE
You will learn about sustainable development, peacebuilding, community empowerment, and systems thinking.
5
CURRICULUM
Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.
2
TREKKING
You will have the opportunity to explore various sites on a couple of long day hikes.
3
LIVING CONDITIONS
You will stay at the Amani Children’s Home or one of the eco-cottages at Tiriji. The last two nights are spent at a safari lodge.
3
ON THE MOVE
After arriving in Nairobi, you will drive for several hours to the county of Meru. From there you will drive for a couple of hours to a game park for the safari. Finally, you will drive back to Nairobi airport.
4
REMOTENESS
After spending the first two days on the outskirts of Nairobi, you will be based in the rural agricultural village of Kithoka or in a Kenyan Wildlife Reserve.

Itinerary

Day 1

Begin travel from New York (JFK) to Nairobi.

Day 2

Arrive in Nairobi and continue group orientation.

Day 3

Visit Sheldrake Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre.

Day 4

Travel to Meru. Meet the children at the Amani Home and have a welcome dinner.

Day 5

Project introduction. Bio-intensive training and farm tour. Time with the children.

Day 6

Project work. Construction of a new school. Tree planting. Time with the children.

Day 7

Project work. Construction of a new school. Tree planting. Time with the children.

Day 8

Morning hike to a local waterfall. Visit a local school in the afternoon.

Day 9

Project work. Construction of a new school. Tree planting. Time with the children.

Day 10

Morning hike and a visit to a local market. Homestay experience.

Day 11

Project work. Construction of a new school. Tree planting. Time with the children.

Day 12

Project work. Construction of a new school. Tree planting. Time with the children.

Day 13

Project work. Construction of a new school. Tree planting. Time with the children.

Day 14

Depart for Samburu National Reserve. Evening Safari. Overnight in Samburu National Reserve Safari Lodge.

Day 15

Morning Safari in Samburu National Reserve. Depart for Meru. Overnight at KACH.

Day 16

Depart for Nairobi. Check-in for 10:50 PM flight home.

Day 17

Arrive to New York (JFK) at 10:30 AM

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Kenya : In Three Phases

1

PRE-COURSE CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. The posts below are from past programs.

Following Your Heart

I am currently writing this while watching the people of Kenya laughing and playing soccer with the Americans. The simplicity here is so very happy, and I have loved every moment of this journey. Earlier today was session two of the New Generation Leadership conference. During the session this morni...

Read More

Kwanza

Kwanza: (noun) beginnings; firsts Today was full of kwanza. It was the first official day of work at Tiriji. Some re-planted onions, and others created new beds for potatoes. Meanwhile, Stratford and I experienced kwanza ourselves. I used a machete for the first time to cut down tall grass to fee...

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Global Citizen

As we look at the current progress we have made so far on the guesthouse, it is truly inspiring  seeing how one action can have a ripple effect. Working side-by-side, "shoulder to shoulder" with our fellow Kenyans has made my eyes open to the limitless possibilities when people of all backgrounds c...

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Dr. Karambu's Vision

Friday was our first day in Meru, and the warm sunshine and lush landscape were a nice change from bustling Nairobi. After a nice breakfast of oranges, bananas, pineapple, pancakes, and eggs, our group met with Dr. K to discuss how IPI began and why she decided to run her program the way she runs it...

Read More

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition (students from partner schools): $5999
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $6199

*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE*

Estimated Flight Cost: $1800

*All students travel to their program destination on a group flight booked by Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder. Participants are responsible for any increase in airfares imposed by the airlines. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the departure city. SStS will confirm airfare and connecting travel information approximately 60 days before travel.  

FINANCIAL AID

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students from all backgrounds. We will do all that we can financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application.  Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full description of our Terms and Conditions please CLICK HERE.

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