For five years, the Denver-based non-profit BoldLeaders has been bringing visionary teens from Africa to Colorado to partake in a four-week leadership program. Now they’re also sending adventurous, socially conscious Colorado teens to Kenya. The purpose of The Sub-Saharan Africa Youth Leadership Project is to encourage Front Range high schoolers to explore the principals of leadership, civic education and community activism through experiencing first-hand the social, political and economic issues of food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Last year’s pilot program sent 36 students, ages 15 to 17, to Kenya for four weeks. The teens stayed with host families, took part in workshops, trainings and discussions, met with community organizations, government leaders and grassroots activists, and traveled to different locations throughout Kenya. Their cerebral endeavors were balanced by outdoor adventure, including a rafting trip near Mt. Kenya and camping.
Unlike many student programs to Africa, the BoldLeaders project is not a mission trip. “There are service opportunities on this trip, but it’s not the main focus,” says Project Manager Corinne Domahidy. “BoldLeaders works to foster social change on a level that isn’t aid. This trip is a way to empower young people to become change makers in their own community.”
The American Youth Leadership Program to Kenya has already garnered substantial support from the highest level and is completely funded by the U.S. Department of State. Students pay only for their immunizations and raise a $300 donation. For 2012, 30 students and three teachers/community leaders have already been selected for the program.
To find out about the 2013 deadlines and requirements, or to host a teen from Africa: boldleaders.org
Get Away
Looking for meaningful travel to Africa for the whole family? Corinne Domahidy partners with Denver-based non-profit Edge of 7 to offer family adventures to Kenya. The trips combine cultural immersion with service learning. Highlights include safaris at some of the top game reserves in the country, camping, ceremonies and welcome celebrations in tribal villages, home-stays with local families and visits to village schools and an elephant orphanage. Each trip is moderated by Domahidy, a certified personal and professional development coach, and includes evening debriefs where family members can voice what they’ve been experiencing. “Ideally, you come away with a greater understanding of who your family is and what you stand for,” Domahidy says. The next trip is June 7-June 23.
For more information: edgeofseven.org.
