On September 1st, 2009, the teaching program for Genevieve Castonguay in rural Kimuka, Kenya will commence. Living with a host family of the Maasai people in their tribal village, devoid of running water or electricity, she will immerse herself in the culture and embrace their way of life. Facilitated by the NGO MEAC (Maasai Education and Advocacy for Change) and IVHQ (International Volunteer Head Quarters), Genevieve will be provided the opportunity to be introduced to Kenya through an orientation, language training (Swahili), volunteering full days to teach a myriad of subjects to community children, and the chance to make an impact through promoting the importance of education, amongst other things, within Africa.

The teaching program, as described by MEAC, is imperative as "a volunteer brings with them not only their fluency in english and knowledge in other subjects, but also a perspective on the world outside of Kenya that Kenyan teachers cannot necessarily provide. Most of the children our volunteers teach live in absolute poverty (living on less than $1 US a day), and all the children our volunteers teach greatly appreciate all the help a volunteer is willing to offer."

To help realize the Journey to Kenya, Genevieve will be accepting donations in part to assist with the financial expenses she will incur as well as continue to promote awareness of topics such as education, medical treatments, community development, and more. 10% of the funds she raises will be donated to MEAC to help them continue to make a change in the community and develop their programs. Another 10% will be donated to Maasai Association where they have specific projects in place to donate livestock to the pastoral Maasai families, sponsor children in school, or donate bricks towards the on-going High School construction project.

Click on the donate button for more information on where your money goes and how to contribute.