Language and Culture Program in Kenya

Day 1: Orientation at Nairobi Host Home

In Nairobi, volunteers will join an orientation covering Kenya 's religion, language, culture, history, customs, politics, and geography. Also, participants will be briefed on necessary health and travel precautions. Volunteers are welcome to discuss any issues that interest them as well as ask any questions.

Day 2: Swahili language and cultural immersion classes continues. (2-3 hours), rest is free time. Volunteers will have time to visit Maasai market in Nairobi/Gigiri

Day 3: Swahili language and cultural immersion classes continues. (2-3 hours), rest is free time. A tour of the city area to familiarize the volunteers with different shops, cyber cafés, the city market, bus stops etc. Areas visited is flexible

Day 4: Swahili language class continues (2-3 hours). Cooking session in the afternoon. Volunteers can learn how to make a Kenyan dish or they can teach host how to make their cultural meal. (This is an option)

Day 5: Culture day. Volunteers will travel to a rural home to spend a day at the village. On the way a stopover at the world famous viewpoint, is a must for photo shoots. From here one can see the famous Rift Valley floor and its salt - water lakes. After dinner there is a story-telling time by the elderly (translation will take place), around the bonfire while drinking chai or uji. Volunteers will have an opportunity to practice their language skills. Stories include: life during the colonial days, traditions events, folktales or songs by the children.

Day 6: Travel back to Nairobi, to spend afternoon watching movies, playing games and hanging out with some of the young people. This is another opportunity for volunteers to ask questions and practice what they have learnt so far.

Day 7: Closing of program and departure for respective placement