impacked

We are going to Kenya in August to do a walking safari and plan to visit our friend in Meru. We met our friend in Nairobi 12 years ago when we went on a safari and he was our taxi driver. Over the years we have corresponded and traded photos and stories of our families. His family live in Meru (where we will meet him) and he is able to visit them once or twice a month. We are so excited to be able to see him again and meet his family. He has asked that we visit his boys' schools which of course we are extied about doing so.

My questions is what can we take? I love the idea of uniforms but that might be too difficult so what would make the most sense of hauling there?
Thanks for any help!

Kavey

Given that you are going to a specific school, if you have time I would ask for contact details of the school headmaster and ask directly what they most have need of.

If you don't have time to do that, perhaps general school supplies such as books and pens? Also, perhaps some informative reference books on wildlife or conservation or even on your own country. Or, given that I believe schools in Kenya teach English at a young age, how about English language dictionaries, thesaurus etc?

Ask your friend for his input as if his kids go to that school he will surely be aware of things they need?

DShah

Here's an idea... my parents own a book shop in Nairobi and they regularly supply books and stationary to schools.

You could consult with the school as to what they need and then place and order with the bookshop which will ensure the goods are delivered to the school. That way you don't have to pack anything.

their email address is [email protected]

D

eljay2

I have been involved in an orphanage and school in a small village since 2005. Last year when I visited, new uniforms were on the agenda. The communities get the uniforms made locally (support goes to local people) and made to measure. Averaged they were $10 (US) a piece.

The school in the village we visit have plenty of school supplies but we did take posters in that we had purchased in Nairobi. They were posters of fruit with the emphasis on the English language, Human anatomy also with English language, etc. They also brighten the walls of the school rooms.

We also donated some soccer balls when we visited last year and they were well received. Again purchased in Nairobi.

This January when I return I will be taking shoes! Always needed and never afforded. I will make it a donation charity event here at home in NA and take a box over when I visit.

impacked

Thank you all for your great replies. It was just the kind of answers we had hoped for. Thank you for your time and help.