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The summer of your life is about to begin. This package will get you stoked and fill you in on everything you need to know about OG and your region.

CONTENTS

3 OUR APPROACH

4 A LETTER FROM YOUR PROGRAM LEADERS

5 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

6 KENYA COUNTRY PROFILE

7 TANZANIA COUNTRY PROFILE

8 GETTING IN & OUT OF EAST AFRICA

9 TRAVEL HEALTH & MEDICINE

10 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

11 WHAT TO PACK

12 PACKING LIST CONTINUED

13 MONEY MATTERS

14 CULTURAL DO’S AND DO NOT’S

15 SWAHILI FOR DUMMIES

16 WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH

17 WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH CONTINUED

18 KNOWING STUFF MAKES YOU SMARTER

19 FINAL CHECKLIST

WE’re sparking a

movement of

globally active &

socially coNScious

BACKPACKTIVISTS.

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OUR APPROACH

Operation Groundswell is a collaborative organization. It’s in our DNA. Which is why over the past couple years, we’ve sat down with over fifty people close to OG to ask them which values best represent the organization. Together we built what is now called the Backpacktivist Manifesto: a working document that we will use to inform everything we do, both abroad and right here in our home communities.

Here are the values that every backpacktivist should strive for:

» Prepared to change: the most important quality in a backpacktivist is the ability to reflect and adapt.

» Full life livin’: we squeeze the sweet nectar out of

every opportunity the world throws at us! » » Conscientious: adhering to local traditions and

customs allows us to understand the value of cultures different from our own.

» Respect: we always make an effort to understand all people...even the ones we don’t get along with.

» Humility: a backpacktivist may look silly searching for words in a new language, but the very attempt connects us to locals on a whole different level.

» » Solidarity: a backpacktivist stands in solidarity

with all peoples, regardless of race, gender, or class.

» Group-focused: leveraging the power of a group to develop a deeper understanding of the world around us and ourselves.

» » Thirst for learning: the road is the best classroom

and a backpacktivist is searching for truth.

» Leadership: we are training the next generation of positive and diverse leaders.

Backpacking with a purpose is about being conscious and critical of our impact on the communities that we travel to.

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A LETTER FROM YOUR PROGRAM LEADERS

JAMBO SANA!

We are incredibly excited that you will be joining us on this epic adventure through Kenya and Tanzania this summer! We have been busy planting seeds and building on our existing connections to try and create an experience unlike any other. We cannot wait to pick you up in Nairobi and have it all come to life!

This program will connect us with some amazing and motivated organizations run by youth and focused on youth. They work hard everyday to bring critical issues to the surface and provide resources for empowering and motivating youth in their communities.

Along the way we will have many opportunities to step outside of our comfort zone by trying on new languages (mambo!), eating new foods (yum…ugali!), and connecting with some of the most genuine and interesting people the world has to offer.

Although it is not a realistic expectation to “change the world” over these six weeks, you will inevitably make deep connections with friends and organizations who you will impact and who will, in turn, impact you. Throughout this program you will gain a better understanding of the realities of life in East Africa. These experiences will force us to ask difficult and challenging questions, which will undoubtedly shape us.

This program is also all about our team. A huge part of youth empowerment is helping people develop their skills and talents. You are each going to be a unique member of this team bringing something necessary to the group. And just like all of you are diverse, this program is too. We will go from the bustling metropolitan centre of Nairobi to the gorges of Hell’s Gate National Park, from the banks of Lake Victoria to a village in the foothills of Mount Meru. With the diversity of landscapes comes a mixed, fun-loving people and culture.

Now that you are a part of the team, it’s time to get ready for one of the most challenging but fun summers of your life. As the next few months go by, we encourage you to start reading and learning about the places we will be visiting and the issues we will be looking at. We will be sending out some insightful readings and videos beforehand as well. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us if you have any questions!

We look forward to our first squished matatu ride and meal of beans and chapatti with all of you in just a few short months!

Peace and love,

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Erin & Julius

THE SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. HERE’S EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

NAIROBI, KENYA ORIENTATION

We’ll acclimatize by trying local cuisine, picking up some basic Swahili, and acquainting ourselves with a new pace of life. We will meet our partners at Maasai Mbili, an internationally-recognized artist cooperative in Kibera that is inspiring youth for change through art. We will also be meeting with a representative of Kenya’s Youth Ministry. It’s an intense but incredible introduction to the fast-paced life that is metropolitan Africa!

NAIVASHA, KENYA HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK

We arrive in Lake Naivasha, after our urban-Africa introduction, for a few days of fresh air. We’ll be camping beneath the star-filled night sky and falling asleep to the grunts of nearby hippos. We will spend a day biking through the savannah and trekking through Hell’s Gate National Park. This is where sketches for The Lion King were done so be on the look out for Pride Rock!

KISUMU, KENYA YOUNG COUNTY CHANGE MAKERS

We will step back into city living in Kisumu, right on the shores of Lake Victoria. Here we will connect with our Kenyan counterparts, the Young County Change Makers. YCCM is a community-based organization working on a variety of youth outreach programs in the informal settlement of Nyalenda. With programs focused on gender rights, education and entrepreneurship, and conflict resolution, We will assist with their programming and on the side master tuk-tuks and matatus as well as watch the sunset at Hippo Point every evening.

NGONGONGARE, TANZANIA JIFUNDISHE

We’ll slow down the pace a bit as we get to Tanzania and head to the village of Ngongongare. Here we will work with our new partner Jifundishe and get to know how life is lived in the foothills of Mount Meru. We will get a chance to improve our Swahili and drink more fresh chai then we thought possible.

YOUR PROGRAM ON A GOOGLE MAP

Here is the itinerary for the six weeks that we will be together! In the age of Google, we decided that an interactive map is the only way to roll. Feel free to play around with it, make it your browser’s homepage, and share it with your friends and family. Soon enough we’ll be on the ground doing that route for real.

Simply plug this link in your browser: http://bit.ly/1zNiQOH

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6 INCREDIBLE WEEKS. 1 PAGE.

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KENYA COUNTRY PROFILE

Capital: Nairobi

Population: 44 million

Major languages: Kiswahili and English

Major religion: 83% Christian (mainly Protestant and Catholic), 11% Muslim (mostly along the coast), 3% Indigenous Beliefs

Life expectancy: About 63 years old

Monetary unit: Kenyan Shillings (KSH)

Time Zone: UTC +3:00

Kenya often evokes mental images of Maasai Mara, safari adventures, exotic wildlife in national parks, and acacia trees in the savannah. These images ring true today but there is so much more to the country than just this. It is the hub of East Africa with an incredibly diverse landscape from the bustling metropolis of Nairobi – the financial hub of the region – to the Muslim coast of the Indian Ocean.

After having passed a new constitution in 2010, giving an array of new rights and freedoms to women and minorities as well as decentralizing the government,

Kenya has now become one of the most progressive countries in East Africa. This was a huge step for democracy in the country, following the violent post-election violence in 2007, which stemmed from corruption and fraudulent election results.

Kenya is now home to a diverse population including expats from around the globe, farmers who rely heavily on the cultivation of tea, coffee, and other crops, and even rastas along the coast.

The busy streets are lined with matatus (the local form of transportation), bustling markets, and some of the largest urban slums in the world. During our time here, we will be eating like locals, which means we will be dipping ugali (a cornmeal paste with a playdough consistency) or chapatti (similar to a flour tortilla) into rich stews (kuku – chicken, and nyama choma – beef) and sukuma-wiki (similar to kale, cooked down with garlic, onion and tomato). This is all washed down with a warm Tusker – which may quite possibly be the best beer on planet earth.

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KENYA IS NOT THE COUNTRY THAT YOU MIGHT EXPECT. HERE ARE THE DETAILS.

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TANZANIA COUNTRY PROFILE

Capital: Dodoma

Population: 48 Million

Major languages: Kiswahili and English

Major religion: 35% Muslim, 30% Christian, 35% Indigenous Beliefs

Life expectancy: 60 years

Monetary unit: Tanzanian Shilling (TSH)

Time Zone: UTC +3:00

Tanzania is known as the home country to the great Mount Kilimanjaro, unreal and idyllic beaches, and a centre for wildlife-gazing. It’s home to the Serengeti, Zanzibar, Spice Island, and some of the kindest, most down to earth people. But there is so much more just a few steps off the beaten path. The country is a cultural mosaic home to over 100 ethnic groups all blending together to create a unique and vibrant vibe.

But it has recently fallen to the place of 14th least developed country in the world, according to the Human Development Index. This is in large part due

to the fact that there is little to no industry in the countryand. Upwards of 80% of the population are subsistence farmers and fishermen.

Much of this development is tied to the country’s first president Julius Nyerere’s aims to create a socialist society focused on the peaceful integration of the 120 tribes that make up the geographic area of Tanzania. This may have had dire economic consequences but the country has created an incredibly peaceful integrated society and one of the most unique cultures in the world. This cohesive society can seem trivial in the course of development, but when compared to its sister country Kenya and their issues with tribal divisions in 2007, it is invaluable.

It is not just the population that is diverse, but also the landscape. It would be hard to find a more beautiful and diverse country. You can go from the snowcapped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in the north near Arusha to the flat savannah of the Serengeti, from one of Tanzania’s fourteen other national parks to the Swahili Coast where Tanzanian, Indian, and Arab cultures clash to create some of the best food and unique architecture on the continent.

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STEEPEd IN SCENIC LANDSCAPES, tanzania IS AN ADVENTURE WAITING TO HAPPEN.

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GETTING IN & OUT OF EAST AFRICA PASSPORTS

You will need a valid passport with an expiry date of no less than 6 months after your estimated time of return. If you have not done so already, you should immediately begin the process of acquiring/renewing your passport as it can take some time.

For Canadian citizens applying for a passport, visit: http://www.ppt.gc.caFor U.S. citizens applying for a passport, visit: http://www.state.gov

VISAS

You are responsible for having all the proper visa requirements and though your program fee does not cover visa costs, your program leaders are there to answer any questions if a pre-trip application is necessary.

For Canadian and American citizens, Kenya and Tanzania both require entry visas. These are very easy to obtain and can be done upon arrival at the borders. You will purchase the Kenya one at the airport ($50 USD) and the Tanzanian one can be purchased at the border when our bus crosses ($50 USD for Canadians, $100 USD for Americans). The visas purchased will give you 90 days within country.

For all other nationalities, we advise that you confirm your visa requirements directly with your embassy as soon as possible to give yourself sufficient time to apply for a visa, if necessary.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

With years of experimenting on how to arrange flights, Operation Groundswell has found that participants often find cheaper flights by booking on their own. What we want to stress is that you must arrive into Jomo Kenyatta Airport/Nairobi, Kenya on May 27, 2015. The official end date of the program - a.k.a. the date we’ll drop you off at the airport to go home is July 5, 2015.

If you want to arrive in the country early or leave for home later, this is your call and you can book flights that meet your needs.

We suggest checking Kayak, Orbitz, Cheapoair, Google Flights and other flight sites to get the cheapest rate.

If you are an American student, we have a partnership with StudentUniverse to offer you the some of the most affordable airfare options. Click here to look for flights.

If you are Canadian and you would rather the personal touch of a travel agent, you can get in touch with Alan Borenstein at Flight Centre. He is a past program leader and currently books all our program leader’s flights. You can reach him toll-free at 1-877-815-4906 or send him an email at alan.borenstein@flightcentre.ca.

NOTE: If you arrive before the program begins, you will not be under the auspices of Operation Groundswell. We cannot guarantee that anyone will meet you at the airport or arrange your  accommodations. You will be entirely responsible for yourself until the first day of the program. Check all your flights with your program leaders before you book them.

**IMPORTANT** You will receive an email (if you haven’t already) with a link to fill out your flight information. It is imperative that you fill this out so that we can arrange pickups on the first day of the program.

WHERE WILL WE BE SLEEPING?

As is the backpacking philosophy of minimalism, modesty and local-ness, our sleeping accommodations will be no different. We will bounce between hostels in downtown Nairobi, tents under the stars by Lake Naivasha, guest houses on the edge of Lake Victoria in Kisumu, and homestays in the Ngongongare village of Tanzania.

If you have a tent, feel free to bring it along! Once the team is in place you guys can coordinate bringing tents and sharing the weight to carry them. It is also a good idea to bring a tent for ITT, as it is usually much cheaper to camp. As East Africa is a hotspot of malaria, we ask you to bring a mosquito net.

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SLEEPING. EATING. GETTING AROUND. SPEAKING. PLAYING. WE take our cues from LOCALS FOR THE MOST REAL EXPERIENCES.

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TRAVEL HEALTH & MEDICINE

STAYING HEALTHY ON THE GROUND

Staying healthy on your program is one of the most important aspects of enjoying an Operation Groundswell experience. With the proper preparation beforehand and careful attention on the program, you can minimize most health risks while still having a great time. Operation Groundswell expects you to meet with a travel doctor or your GP (if he or she is comfortable advising), before leaving your country of origin. You must be up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations and equipped with any necessary medications for travel in East Africa. We advise you to bring a copy of your itinerary to your appointment or send it to your doctor beforehand. While we provide a lot of recommended information here, the travel doctor will know what you absolutely need at the time of departure according to which region(s) you’re traveling to.

Operation Groundswell requires your doctor’s signature on a personal medical history form stating that you are both physically and mentally cleared for participation in the program. Operation Groundswell does not discriminate against physical or mental conditions or disability. We simly want to make sure that you are fully aware of the risks and challenges of the program, that we are aware of any previous medical conditions, and that we have the capacity to support you while you’re abroad! This form will be sent to you two weeks after your deposit has been paid.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Operation Groundswell requires you to purchase travel health insurance for the duration of your time abroad. It’s important to make sure you find the insurance plan that suits your needs. 

At the minimum, participants generally get basic medical insurance to cover them for any medical emergencies that occur while they’re abroad. We recommend shopping around on sites like squaremouth.com, which will list a variety of options and compare their coverage. The cost will depend on the extras you get on top of medical (covering lost or stolen baggage, electronics, etc.).

If Operation Groundswell must cancel a program due to low numbers, OG will be happy to relocate you to nother program. If you would rather cancel than relocate, OG will reimburse your full program fee but is not responsible for refunding any flight cost or other costs associated with the program. You decide if you’d like to insure your flight, buy a flexible ticket, or if buy separate flight insurance through your airline.

KEEPING US IN THE LOOPTwo weeks after paying your deposit, you will receive an email with:

» A copy of the personal medical history form that your doctor must sign

» A personal link where you can upload the signed copy **We require this form at the latest a month before your program starts.

A month before your program starts, you will receive an email with a link for you to provide your:

» Emergency contact » Travel insurance » Flight information

The links you will be sent are live forms, so you can fill out a portion of the information when you have it and continue filling it out once you’ve booked your flights, etc. closer to the program date.

**IMPORTANT**The above information is required for participation in every OG program.

REGIONALLY RELEVANT MEDICINE

Hepatitis A & BRecommended for all travelers.

TyphoidRecommended for all travelers.

Yellow feverRequired for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas.

RabiesRecommended only for travelers who will be at high risk for animal bites or who will be coming into contact with bats.

Tetanus-diphtheriaRevaccination recommended every 10 years.

MalariaNecessary for all travelers to East Africa.Revaccination recommended every 10 years. >

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HEALTH & SAFETY AREOUR TOP PRIORITY.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

STAYING SAFE ON THE GROUND

As a well-established and experienced volunteerabroad organization, Operation Groundswell takes active precautions to keep you safe and secure while overseas on your program. We take travel safety very seriously. Each section of your program undergoes a standardized risk assessment. Your program leaders do a dry run of your program before you arrive to confirm the nearest medical facilities and potential risks. At least one program leader on each program has taken a Wilderness First Aid course and is fully certified by Wilderness Medical Associates. Our program leaders are proficient in local languages (where it is necessary) and have met and discussed safety concerns with our local partners.

Each program checks in daily with our Toronto headquarters to relay important information and ensure the health and safety of participants. Our Programs Director reads regional travel warnings daily and is available 24/7 to deal with emergencies on the ground.

With that in mind, it is important to remember that every OG program prides itself on taking you directly into the experience of living in that region. Pick pocketing, purse snatching, and various types of scams are the most common forms of crime confronting visitors. Those who limit their display of jewelry and handle their cash discreetly reduce their vulnerability to crime. Participants are advised to carry limited amounts of cash for this reason.

Always communicate where you are going to your program leaders and fellow participants, stay in groups or pairs in unknown areas, and generally be aware of where you are. East Africa can be just as safe as any place in Canada or the United States; it is just about being vigilant and aware of what is going on around you.

OG and its local partners are familiar with these risks and will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of its participants. This includes maintaining an effective flow of information and using the knowledge of our wonderful partners, local contacts, and officials. Equally, OG program leaders will project an inclusive, respectful, and non-partisan image. They will be running through the entire program prior to your arrival to ensure that everything is safe and secure. Nevertheless, program logistics will remain under review and the itinerary flexible to unforeseen developments. Learn more about our safety protocols.

**IMPORTANT**There are also a variety of safety precautions that we require you to undertake prior to and immediately upon arrival in Nairobi.

First, team members should read the government travel advisories for Kenya and Tanzania.

NOTE: Keep in mind that government advisories provide a country-wide assessment of risks and we will provide more region-specific information in the pre-program meetings that each team will ahve with their program leaders in April.

Second, all Canadian participants are required to register with Consular Services Canada as a “Canadian Traveling Abroad.” This will allow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to contact us in case of an emergency. Please make the required registration for a trip to Kenya and Tanzania here.

Those traveling with a U.S. passport should register at http://step.state.gov/step/.

For all other nationalities, please find your country’s consular services to see if there is an option to register as a traveler abroad.

STAYING IN TOUCH

Internet will be available periodically for you to email home. Telephone access will be limited. Buying a local cell phone can be a more cost effective way of keeping in touch. Your team will be blogging throughout the program so pass on the address to family and friends: www.operationgroundswell.com/journal/. Additionally, both your program leaders have locally serviced cell phones for emergency use. They will be in regular contact throughout the summer with OG’s Programs Director. In case of emergency, please ask your family or next of kin to call OG’s main line at 1-888-422-0164. From there, they will be connected directly to one of our on-call Summer Coordinators.

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HEALTH & SAFETY AREOUR TOP PRIORITY.

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Remember: The rule of thumb is always to pack as lightly as possible!

WHAT TO PACK

SUPPORTING LOCAL

It’s great to support the East African economy so get a shirt or dress made along the way instead of stuffing an extra one into your pack from home! Many people end up buying local cloth, both to make into ornate and inexpensive clothing or use instead of a sleeping bag or towel. If you have questions about anything on this list, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us about it.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

» Passport (valid beyond 6 months from the start date of the program)

» Extra passport photos (if you have some) » Copies of passport/tickets/credit cards (you want

extras in case you lose a document) » Customer service numbers for credit cards/

insurance » Proof of vaccinations

BACKPACK & DAYPACK

Because we’re not wheelie-baggers, we’re backpackers! We recommend going to an outdoor adventure store and getting a pack fitted for you. Most people should only need a 45-65L pack. Try a bunch on and compare prices or borrow from a friend!

It is also important to bring a daypack for short trips and daily use. Also, you’ll probably want to have room in your bag so you can pick things up along the way like weavings, coffee, or books.

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PACK YOUR BAG, THEN REMOVE HALF OF IT AS YOU PROBABLY WON’T NEED MOST OF IT.

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PACKING LIST CONTINUED

OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS

» Sleeping bag or liner (as light-weight as possible) » 1 bath towel (quick-dry adventure towels are the

lightest) » Flashlight (headlamps are popular and

recommended, bring extra batteries) » Min. 1L reusable water bottle » Medication/EpiPen if you need it » Mosquito net » Tent (only if you have one – we will share the

weight of it once you get here)

GENERAL CLOTHING

» 6 - 7 pairs of underwear » 4 pairs of socks » 2 pairs of shorts (please keep them knee length,

avoiding unwanted attention and mosquito bites where the sun don’t shine!)

» 4-5 t-shirts/tank-tops (revealing clothing isn’t your best bet, but we also know that it gets hot during the day. Just try to keep a balance.)

» 1 pair of comfortable pants or shorts for hiking, treks, or other physical activity

» 1 pair of jeans/khakis/long skirt and a nice shirt/polo for when we meet community leaders/important folk

» A sarong is a great solution as it can be used to cover up as a scarf, as a skirt, or even as a sheet

» 2 longer sleeve shirts as it can get cold at night and it’s good to layer

» Pyjamas » 1 sweater - a good quality fleece is great because

it is warm but LIGHT » 1 waterproof jacket (a shell that you can layer a

sweater underneath is probably the best!) » A hat to protect you from the sun » A bathing suit (modesty is your friend)

Remember that we are working on community projects, going on a biking safari, hiking, camping, spending long hours on bumpy buses, and depending on your ITT plans, you could be in the jungle or on the beaches! As for the weather during our volunteer projects, it is warm in the sun during the day, rain is common in the late afternoon, and it can get cold at night. The best thing to do is bring lots of layers…that way you are prepared for all types of weather! Additionally, you’ll be doing most of your laundry BY HAND so avoid articles of clothing that get dirty fast or will take ages to dry on a clothing line.

SHOES

If you buy new shoes, break them in before the program » 1 pair of hiking/walking shoes (we will be doing A

LOT of walking) » 1 pair of sandals

PERSONAL HYGIENE & TOILETRIES

» Regular hygiene items like soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, etc. (Note: these are all readily available in smaller quantities and at a cheaper price if you would rather buy them down there. Another good option is bringing small quantities to begin with and refilling once in-country)

» Vitamins, painkillers, cold medicines, etc. » Toothbrush and toothpaste » 1 extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts/

contact solution (if required) » Tampons and pads (it is always a good idea to

bring more than enough tampons though you can buy this in-country)

» Bug spray and after bite » Immodium/Pepto Bismol (you will want this!) » One round of prescription medicine (i.e. diarrhoea

meds – ask your doctor) » If you have asthma and you need a puffer, bring

it even if you rarely use it. Same goes for allergies and EpiPens

» Any prescriptions that you need (refrigeration may not always be possible, so check in with your program leaders)

NOTE: All program leaders are equipped with First Aid Kits, so though it is useful to have basics like Advil or Tylenol, you don’t need to pack a pharmacy. There will be a medical form sent out closer to the program start time so you can outline and specific mental or physical health problems.

OTHER NICE-TO-HAVE ITEMS

» Sleeping pad (we are going to be sleeping in tents at certain points and though we are on grass, you can bring one if you wish!)

» Money belt/discreet wallet » Journal & Pen » iPod/MP3 player if you have one » Camera » Ear plugs/Eye mask if you’re a light sleeper » No need for a computer, iPhone, iPad, or anything

similar as we will have access to a computer when we have access to the internet!

» No need to bring your phone. We recommend that you buy a phone in country instead of bringing your own (they cost about $25 and a SIM card is about $1).

» If you’re a picky eater, need comfort food, or are particular about your nutrition: Peanut Butter, Nutella, Fruit-to-go’s, Protein Bars

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MONEY MATTERS

IT’S EASY TO GET AROUND RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVELY ON AN OG PROGRAM. WHAT YOU SPEND IS REALLY UP TO YOU.

The program fee covers the costs of accommodations, three meals a day, transport, and excursions. It does NOT cover any personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, or whatever you choose to do for your Independent Travel Time. For these cases, you will want to bring some spending money.

We recommend that you bring $100-$150 USD (don’t carry too much cash). You can conveniently change your cash into regional currency at the airport or an in-country currency exchange.

MONEY TIPS

» Leave any traveler’s cheques and Canadian money at home. They are problematic to cash or exchange.

» VISA is the most widely accepted credit card. Do your best to have a chip card that is PIN ENABLED (you need to have a PIN for your VISA card) to have it work in ATMs. Make sure that the PLUS sign is on the back of your card so it works internationally

» Debit is an effective option. ATM/ABMs are common and can dispense up to $200 USD. There is a transaction charge of approx. $2.50-$5.00 USD, but this is the most convenient and safest option. Ensure your card has a PLUS sign on the back.

» Call your bank and inform them of your travel plans so they don’t place a hold on your account when they see money being withdrawn in a foreign country (you do NOT want this to happen!)

» There will be a safety talk before the program, but money in large amounts, Interac/credit cards, etc. should NOT be carried in any one location. We recommend using money belts/discreet wallets.

CHANCES ARE SOMETHING IN ONE OF EAST AFRICA’s BUSY LOCAL MARKETS WILL CATCH YOUR EYE.

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CULTURAL DO’S AND DO NOT’S

Be a cultural chameleon, and do what you can to show as much courtesy and interest in the local culture as possible. Do as the locals do and try to follow these basic rules while in East Africa! Being aware and sensitive to your surroundings is the first step towards being a traveler and not a tourist!

DO...

» There’s no such thing as a full bus. Anything is possible, even a person sitting on top of a bus or someone holding a baby and a basket of avocadoes.

» Dress conservatively. For girls, long pants and skirts that fall below the knee are best, legs are super scandalous over there. For men, try and wear long pants when in the cities.

» Always ask before taking a picture of someone. This can often offend people and result in minor fights or the angry subject demanding payment

» Mob justice is an unfortunate reality in East Africa, particularly in urban centres. If you find yourself being pick-pocketed while on the streets of Nairobi, please think twice before calling ‘Thief!’, because the results could be disastrous.

» Bargaining over prices is a way of life. Don’t be shy, but know when to stop (you’ll learn fast).

» Always greet with a handshake. Greetings are very important in East African culture. Often, female friends will hug and each other on each cheek.

» Make sure to learn the appropriate Swahili greetings. People like it when their guests try to make an effort to speak their language.

» Realize that blatantly staring at foreigners is completely socially acceptable, so is pointing and yelling the swahili equivalent of “white person, white person, white person!” (Mzungu, Mzungu, Mzungu!)

DO NOT...

» Drugs are very illegal in East Africa, despite being very common. In some countries possession of marijuana can result in years of jail time and you do not want to find yourself in an East African jail. We recommend staying as far away from drugs as possible while in East Africa.

» Taking photos of government buildings, government officials, police officers, or military officials could land you in jail.

» Armed security guards are at every ATM, banks, and at most restaurants and other public places, especially in the cities. Don’t be alarmed by this and do not point at them!

» Women should generally should conceal their skin as much as possible, especially legs.

» Guys, try not to take off your shirts in rural/more conservative areas as it is inappropriate.

» Food is considered to be one of the biggest blessings of all. It is usually taken as disrespectful when you reject a food offer given by the household.

» Do not to give too much personal information to people you just meet – including where you stay, your phone number, etc. Otherwise you should expect to receive 30 calls a day if the person INSISTS on reaching you.

» This isn’t so much cultural as it is ethical – do not give money freely to anyone that may ask or beg for it. We are setting examples and paving the path for Mzungus that will travel after us.

THE BEST WAY TO FIT IN IS TO DO AS THE LOCALS DO.

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SWAHILI FOR DUMMIES

Hello:Jambo

How are you?:Habari?

I am (very) well : Mzuri (sana)

It’s all good: Sawa sawa

You’re welcome: Karibu

Thank you (very much):Asante (sana)

Goodbye: Kwaheri

Yes: Ndiyo

No:Hapana

Please:Tafadhali

Excuse me/Sorry: Samahani

Sorry:Pole What is your name?Jina lako ni nani?

My name is...Jina langu ni... I am from Canada:Mimi ninatoka Canada

Morning:Asubuhi

Afternoon:Mchana

Evening:Jioni Do you speak English?:Unasema Kingereza?

Where is the bathroom? Choo iko wapi? Help!:Saidia!

How much?: Ni bei gani?

LIVING IN THE LANGUAGE.

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WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH

YOUNG COUNTY CHANGE MAKERS

www.facebook.com/YoungCountyChangeMakers

The Young County Change Makers (YCCM) is a youth-led organization that runs programming for youth in the Nyalenda area of Kisumu. They work together to give a greater voice to the youth of the community and help them identify their potential through life skills training.

In the past, OG teams have worked alongside YCCM to finish the construction and opening of their library/community centre, run workshops on gender, entrepreneurship and peace education, and participate in their work at the local government juvenile remand home.

>>

WE RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF OUR LOCAL PARTNERS.

OG Youth in Action l 17

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WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH

JIFUNDISHEwww.jifundishe.org

Jifundishe is a non-profit organization based in the Arumeru district of Tanzania. Jifundishe aims to provide access to educational resources that improves lives. The organization runs all of their programming out of their free community library where they offer free access to books, the internet, and educational materials to anyone and everyone. Some Jifundishe projects include a women’s craft co-operative, a children’s program, a women’s microlending program, primary student English classes, and a secondary school scholarship program.

MAASAI MBILI

Maasai Mbili is located in the heart of Kibera. It is Nairobi, and the continent’s, largest informal settlement (slum area). Maasai Mbili was started by a group of artists who grew up in Kibera and used art to defend its community from violence after the elections in 2007. They use art to promote peace and expand the imagination and develop the talents of children in their community.

The artists at the studio are some of the most passionate and talented people around. And even though we only partner with them for a day or two, we know you’ll be inspired by each of them and all they do.

>>

we are socially conscious youth that want to contribute to the communities that host us with open arms.

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KNOWING STUFF MAKES YOU SMARTER

RESOURCES BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

This section is meant to provide further information on the region that cannot be covered in this program package. These are extra resources that participants may draw upon to learn more about the places that they will be traveling to, current/relevant issues in these places, as well as media such as films and music, which may help paint a cultural picture.

**If the links don’t work, just copy and paste them into your browser!

BOOKS

Unbowed by Wangari Maathi

It’s Our Turn to Eat: Story of a Kenyan Whistleblower by Michaela Wrong

Born Wild by Tony Fitzjohn

Kenya: Between Hope and Despair, 1963-2011 by Daniel Branch

The Zanzibar Chest by Aidan Hartley

FILMS

The First Grader (2010)

Nairobi Half Life (2012)

Darwin’s Nightmare (2004)

YOUTUBE CLIPS

Peace Wanted Alive - Kiberawww.youtube.com/watch?v=wfWIoNVFApE

War Witchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=w3bVO_rT9Ww

Kenya’s Ticking Time Bombwww.youtube.com/watch?v=YjvN3FWTkOk

MUSIC

Just A Band Usinibore

K’naan (anything K’naan really) T.I.A.

Flavour Sawa Sawa

Paul Simon Graceland

Icyabuze Paccy Veejay Assa

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TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OPEN YOUR MIND AND SOAK UP EVERYTHING YOU CAN.

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FINAL CHECKLIST

Make sure you’ve got everything covered with our handy dandy checklist!

¨ Make sure you have a valid passport! You must have a passport valid 6 months after your expected date of departure.

¨ Make an appointment with your travel doctor ASAP and make sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations (sometimes it can take up to three weeks to get these). Fill out your medical history form and make sure your doctor signs it.

¨ Book your flight!! You are responsible for booking your own flight but once you’ve found it, check the exact details with your program eader before booking.

¨ Get travel insurance.

¨ Fill out the emergency contact, travel insurance and flight form, and upload your medical history form (link will be sent via email. Contact us if you do not receive it by the month leading up to your program).

¨ Pay your 2nd and 3rd installment.

¨ Meet your team in your final pre=program meeting in April!

¨ Sign online waiver (will be sent to you via e-mail).

¨ GET EXCITED!!!

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Final checklist for the adventure of a lifetime.

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GET READY

SUMMER.

BACKPACK

PURPOSE

ALL OF THE PHOTOS IN THIS BOOK ARE

MEMOrIES CAPTURED BY OG ALUMNI

WITH A

THIS

TO