Are you ready for an adventure?
Green Schools National Network is teaming up with the Wangari Maathai Institute at the University of Nairobi, the Wangari Maathai Foundation, and the Green Belt Movement to host Exploring the Legacy of Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate, a 13-day field experience in Kenya. The trip, offered through Holbrook Travel of Florida, will take place June 18 – July 1, 2022.
Exploring the Legacy of Wangari Maathai is a transformational, cross-curricular professional development workshop for educators that explores Maathai’s enduring legacy and the powerful connections between our environment, democracy, and peace. The adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya and concludes with a three-day safari on the East African Plains. Along the way, participants will explore themes of cultural exchange, service learning, and sustainability and engage in learning experiences meant to inspire classroom instruction and develop student understanding of the complexities of global environmental issues. In addition to the field experience, four evening video conferencing sessions will be held before and after the trip.
Highlights include:
- In Nairobi, we will explore Uhuru Park and the Kakura Forest, both battlegrounds in Wangari’s struggle to protect natural resources in the face of corruption.
- We will visit and interact with leaders and staff of the Wangari Maathai Foundation, the Wangari Maathai Institute, and the Green Belt Movement.
- We will visit Ihithe, Maathai’s birthplace in the Kenyan countryside, to learn about the landscape that shaped her life, complete a service-learning activity with members of the Green Belt Movement, and visit local schools.
- We will partake in a wildlife safari experience in Lake Nakuru National Park and the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Exploring the Legacy of Wangari Maathai is designed for current and retired educators, as well as adventurers who want to learn about leadership, cultural connections, and environmental challenges. Capacity is limited to 14 participants. We are monitoring Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and will follow COVID-19 recommendations during our travels and visits for our safety and the safety of our Kenyan hosts and partners. Vaccinations will be required for all participants.
