August 8 – 24, 2024 A study tour presented by The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc. (ACREF) in association with The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) Instructors: Dr. Denis K. Muthoni Senior Lecturer, Department of Entrepreneurship and Economics (CUK) Director, Board of Postgraduate Studies (CUK) Melvin H. Cox Lecturer, Merrill College, University of California, Santa Cruz President, The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc. Program Design: EDU Africa Page 1
Kenya is a country in East Africa; it is bisected by the Equator and is home to savannah, lake-lands, the dramatic Rift Valley, mountain highlands and a coastline on the Indian Ocean. It is famed for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves, but its human history is just as remarkable as its natural heritage. Kenya has been an independent nation-state for just over half a century, but its diverse human history dates back many centuries, from the earliest hominids who lived millions of years ago, to the Nilotic and Bantu migrations and the settlement of Arab traders on the coast in the first century AD. One of the country’s two official languages, Kiswahili, has both Bantu and Arabic origins that demonstrate this history, while the second, English, is evocative of its colonial past. The country is home to one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and relies heavily on tourism. It is Africa’s original safari destination and shares the world-famous great Wildebeest migration with its neighbor, Tanzania. Kenya is a well known athletics powerhouse. It is home of the legendary distance runner and two time Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino, as well as standout sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala. This program will provide participants with an immersive overview of East Africa’s healthiest economy while examining issues of local and global concern. The program will take an interdisciplinary approach, introducing participants to subjects such as public health, energy, transportation, media technology, and education. Participants will engage with local professionals and knowledge contributors to learn about the commercial, political and social networks shaping life in Kenya. They will also gain insight into how global issues impact Kenya and the East African region, and the role that major public institutions play in handling this impact. Interactions with local communities are integrated throughout the program to promote relationship building, transnational networking through cultural exchange, and active two-way learning. Guided by EDU Africa’s five transformation goals, this program is designed to encourage holistic growth. TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING JOURNEYS The organizers aim to promote the process of transformation by utilizing the unique context of Africa to help participants broaden their intellectual horizons and grow personally, cross-culturally, professionally, and as global citizens. Page 2 Intercultural Competence (IC) Global Citizenship (GC) Personal Growth (PG) Professional Development (PD) Intellectual Growth (IG)
By the end of this program, participants should be able to: 1. Demonstrate increased knowledge of other cultures and socio-political perspectives (IC/GC) 2. Demonstrate an ability to recognize and engage effectively with others across differences (IC/PG) 3. Demonstrate increased personal self-awareness (PG) 4. Learn and practice techniques for effective intercultural group work (IC/PD) 5. Demonstrate increased knowledge about Kenya’s critical institutions in the areas of public health; media, technology and education; transportation; tourism and energy (IG) 6. Expand their understanding of the commercial, political and social networks shaping life in East Africa’s healthiest economy (IG) 7. Relate the impacts of foreign policy decisions taken in the United States, China, and other industrialized nations on Kenya and the East Africa region (GC) Page 3
Prior to departure EDU Africa will facilitate virtual preparation sessions for program participants, providing them with important health, safety and cultural information before travel. The Carnivore, Nairobi 2024 Travel Accommodation Wed 7 Aug JKIA NRB Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre Thu 8 Aug JKIA NRB Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD Program briefing and preparations with faculty. Student arrival in Nairobi Transfer to accommodations and checkin Fri 9 Aug Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD EDU Africa orientation Swahili language lesson and Intercultural competence workshop Meet and greet with local students Walking orientation of Karen area Welcome dinner at The Carnivore Sat 10 Aug Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD Free morning for rest Review of syllabus, introductory lecture Home visit, cooking exchange, early dinner, and interactions with local families Sun 11 Aug Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD Bomas of Kenya Formal reflection session Sovereign Hotel BLD Flight to Eldoret Attend the Kenya Music Festival Kisumu by road Mon 12 Aug Tue 13 Aug NRB ELD KSM Sovereign Hotel Meals Included Activities Faculty arrival in Nairobi Transfer to accommodations and checkin BLD Visit Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology Optional Lake Victoria beach excursion Page 4 Learning Outcomes Achieved 1, 2 5, 6 2, 4 1, 2, 3 1, 5, 6 2, 4, 5, 6
14 Aug KSM MSA Kenya Bay Beach Hotel BLD Flight to Mombasa Mombasa Marine National Park Free afternoon Thu 15 Aug NRB MBS Kenya Bay Beach Hotel BLD Optional visit to Sheikh Nurein Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre Fort Jesus Museum Mombasa Old Town Fri 16 Aug Kenya Bay Beach Hotel BLD Kenya Ports Authority Headquarters Guest lecture: Transportation and Tourism Bamburi Cement Ltd Haller Park Formal reflection session Sat 17 Aug MSA NRB Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD NRB NVS Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD Road trip to Naivasha Geothermal Development Company Lunch at La Belle Inn Naivasha Return to Nairobi Mon 19 Aug Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD Guest lecture: Public health World Health Organization, Nairobi Office Aga Khan University Hospital Tue 20 Aug Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD 1 1 5, 6, 7 5, 6, 7 3, 5, 6, 7 Morning train to Nairobi Evening game run in Nairobi National Park (optional) Sun 18 Aug 1 Guest lecture: Media, Technology, and Education AllAfrica.com Nairobi Office 5, 6, 7 5, 6, 7 5, 6, 7 5, 6, 7 Optional visit to All Saints’ Cathedral Wed 21 Aug Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD Guest lecture: Energy M-KOPA Solar Public forum preparations 5, 6, 7 1, 5, 6 2, 4 Thu 22 Aug Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD The Green Belt Movement Public forum preparations Formal reflection session 5, 6, 7 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 3, 5, 6, 7 Fri 23 Aug Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BLD Focus on Africa Public Forum 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 Farewell dinner (venue TBC) Sat 24 Aug NRB JKIA Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre BL Course overview and feedback Final reflection session Program review and consolidated reflection for faculty and EDU Africa team Transfer to JKIA for international departure Page 5 1, 2, 3, 4 5, 6, 7
of Kenya, KSM: Kisumu, MSA: Mombasa, NVS: Naivasha, TBC: To Be Confirmed, B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS This program engages participants with the principles of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: 03 – Good Health and Well Being 04 – Quality Education 07 – Affordable and Clean Energy 09 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities Mombasa Harbor LOCAL PROGRAM FACILITATOR AND/OR GUIDE EDU Africa has been selected as the primary program designer and local program facilitator. All EDU Africa programs are implemented by trusted program facilitators and/or guides. The organization’s program facilitators and guides undergo an intensive 12-module training series. The training modules include details on EDU Africa’s transformation goals, reflective practices, emergency procedures, child protection policies and communication skills, among other elements. EDU Africa sources and carefully selects facilitators and guides from the region to ensure that they can effectively meet specific program themes and needs. Their embodiment of EDU Africa’s values of friendliness, collaboration, innovation, stewardship, and learning helps them to holistically support both leaders and participants throughout their program. This guarantees that the planned itinerary and activities come to life. The assigned program facilitator/s and/or guides will be available at all times to assist with any program participant and/or educator needs, thus ensuring the smooth running of the program. ACCOMMODATION Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre (CRCC) is a modern conferencing facility located in the Karen Hardy suburb of Nairobi. The Centre is located within the Co-operative University of Kenya grounds, having been established in 2004 as a revenue generating initiative for the university. The Retreat and Conference Centre has 65 single and double/twin rooms in four blocks, with an open courtyard in the middle where guests can sit and enjoy the sun. Each room has an ensuite bathroom as well as a flat-screen TV with satellite TV stations, a hot shower and bathtub, mosquito netting, an iron and a work station. Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible in the rooms as well as in the conference Page 6
allowing for self service. Laundry services are available at the Centre at an extra cost. Sovereign Hotel Founded in 2013, The Sovereign Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel, aiming to offer unprecedented luxury and quality in Kisumu. Located within easy reach of the business district, but away from the bustle of town, it combines security and convenience in one location. The Sovereign Hotel caters to the most discerning clientele by offering a complete package of facilities to suit all categories of travelers. The coffee shop and the poolside café provide guests with a variety of food and drinks to choose from. The poolside area with its potted plants, sun beds and covered terrace is a pleasant place to unwind after a dip in the pool or workout in the gym. Kenya Bay Beach Hotel Kenya Bay Beach Hotel is located just eight miles from the coastal town of Mombasa. The hotel is beautifully set among Frangipani and Bougainvillea with some of the most breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The hotel has one of the largest beach frontages on the world-famous sandy Bamburi beach. An ocean-front pool under the shade of the palm trees that dot the well-manicured gardens can be enjoyed at any time of the day. All rooms are air-conditioned, have private balconies attached, and have bathrooms with large showers. Well-staffed, family-friendly, and comfortable restaurants overlooking the ocean serve many delicacies. From the hotel, a variety of places and activities of interest for engagement around Mombasa, including the nearby Bamburi Haller Park, can be accessed with ease. Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, Mombasa CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES EDU Africa Orientation EDU Africa offers a comprehensive orientation session at the start of the program to kickstart participants' acclimation period and prepare them for transformation. It is led by the local Program Facilitator who will support the group for the duration of their stay. The orientation is designed to give participants a brief introduction to their surroundings, contextualize the country setting, and provide information that is pertinent to the group’s safety and overall experience throughout the program. It furthermore foregrounds the learning experience(s) to follow by outlining EDU Africa’s transformative learning framework. The Program Facilitator will typically provide tour participants with an outline of the program at this stage and review roles, responsibilities and expectations with the group while incountry. Interactive Lectures Program Participants will attend interactive lectures and talks every weekday for the duration of the program, some of which will be given by local guest academics and professionals. These lectures will Page 7
program. Each module will focus on a central topic, namely media, technology and education; public health; transportation and tourism and energy. M-KOPA Solar M-KOPA is an asset financing platform that offers access to life-enhancing products and services to underbanked customers in Kenya. In 2012, the company pioneered the pay-as-you-go solar market where customers get instant access to products while building ownership over time through flexible micro-payments. The company has since diversified the number of products and services they offer, though the solar market is still its core product. This has resulted in over 1 million customers getting access to solar lighting, energy-efficient televisions, fridges, and charcoal cookers, and a healthier, wealthier and more productive populace. Study tour participants will visit M-KOPA Solar and learn more about their work in making solar products more accessible and affordable, especially in the rural parts of Kenya. Focus on Africa Public Forum In collaboration with the Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) and a Nairobi based news agency (tba), ACREF will co-host a one-day public forum on the CUK campus - during the second week of the study tour. The audience for the live event will include CUK students, staff and faculty; representatives of non-governmental organizations, public servants, members of the media and invited guests. The theme of meeting is: “Where Do We Go From Here?: Africans and Americans in Tryin’ Times”. The meeting will focus on the major topics explored throughout the study tour and will seek to define areas of common interest between Kenya and the United States. Incorporating panel discussions, question and answer periods, and possibly breakout sessions, the forum will be conducted in an atmosphere that stresses academic integrity, personal respectfulness, and community building across the boundaries of class, ethnicity, gender, and nationality. A panel of distinguished guests, selected by the forum co-hosts will participate in the discussion. It is anticipated that speakers will include representatives from the legal, political, financial, medical, technology, and business communities. The forum will be recorded – with highlights edited for distribution via a variety of outlets (Public Television, YouTube, Twitter, web pages, etc.). These presentations will provide positive reflections of contemporary Kenya - and of the East Africa region - to audiences in North America and throughout the world. A live stream of the plenary session will be presented by The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Channel - the digital content delivery service of The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc. CO-/EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Swahili Language Lessons Swahili is the national language of Kenya and Tanzania. It is also widely spoken in a number of Eastern, Central, and South-Eastern African countries. The language is an intricate blend of Bantu languages and Arabic. Further to that, it has a variety of influences from other languages including Page 8
skills, program participants will receive language lessons in Swahili and will have opportunities to put their language skills to practice during engagements with local community members. Intercultural Competence Workshop Members of the tour will participate in a workshop on intercultural competence and cultural selfawareness. This will be an open discussion where program participants will talk about the concepts of culture, cultural self-awareness and their importance. They will also be taken through a comprehensive introduction to ideologies of collectivist societies, which are predominant in Kenya, as well as those of largely individualistic America. By exploring their own culture and worldviews and expanding their knowledge of other cultures and worldviews, participants will be better equipped to understand the values and perspectives of the people and communities they will be interacting with during the program. Through these realizations, the concept of intercultural competence will be discussed and a path to increased intercultural competence will be laid. Walking Orientation of Karen-Hardy Area A walking orientation is an excellent method through which visitors can get to know the area surrounding the Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre where they will spend most of their time. Program participants will be taken on a guided walking orientation of the Karen-Hardy community (Greater Nairobi) where sites of historical and cultural importance will be introduced and contextualized. Home Visit, Cooking Exchange, Early Dinner, and Interactions with Local Families Food and its preparation are an integral part of any culture and eating together is a greatly valued mark of friendship and partnership. Program participants will join a local Kenyan family in preparing and cooking a traditional meal. Program participants will also be encouraged to prepare a dish from their home context to add to the Kenyan meal in a valuable cooking exchange experience. This process will increase intercultural knowledge and hone cross-cultural communication skills. Nairobi National Park Nairobi is Kenya’s largest city and a regional hub for East Africa. It is also the only city in the world to boast a 20,000-acre national park, teeming with wildlife, right on its doorstep. Rolling plains, riverine woodland, and thick bush-lined valleys are just some of Nairobi National Park’s varied habitats. The park was established in 1946. With its many entrances, it is easily accessible from multiple directions. Its accessibility extends to the wildlife as an unfenced southern boundary provides a welcome dryseason refuge for migratory species. In fact, 4000 zebras, 1000 wildebeest, and 14 species of antelope (including eland and kongoni) all call the Nairobi National Park their home, at one point or another, throughout the year. An estimated population of nearly 40 lions rub shoulders with good numbers of leopards and spotted hyenas, as well as the occasional cheetah and the elusive aardwolf. The park is also rich in its diversity of bird species with over 500 permanent and migratory species having been recorded. A visit to the park provides an opportunity to observe a conservation success story in the midst of the myriad challenges that threaten wildlife, including urbanization and loss of habitat. They will also gain insights into various conservation initiatives that are in place in this diverse pocket of natural space. Page 9
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