Copyright 2009 Hope Africa Ministries. All rights reserved.
Website by dMSquared Designs
Website by dMSquared Designs
FAQs
Q: Why Hope Educational Centre?
A: While there are countless valid ministries in Africa and in
Kenya, we chose Hope Educational Centre for several reasons:
1. We have trusted relationships with leaders of this school both
here in the US and in Kenya. Pastor John's long time friend Roberta
Peterson and Pastor Henry Onsongo have a deeply entrenched commitment to this growing school. Furthermore, the school is near Pastor Henry's childhood home and he is an invaluable resource for us maintaining good relationships with the local government and leaders.
2. Pastor Robert, the headmaster of Hope Educational Centre, is a man of God and possesses tremendous passion and faith for these children. We have confidence in his long term vision for the school and for his staff of teachers and administrators. The trust and respect that is essential for a good long term mission relationship is solid.
3. There is a dire need for support. Only a few years old, this young school and its staff have accomplished tremendous things for the children, with no outside help. Unlike many of the schools in Nairobi, there are no other sponsors or U.S.-based ministries that are operating in this remote, rural village.
4. We believe that our efforts can make a lasting difference in these children, giving them a chance to get an education and possibly break the cycle of destitution that is so prevalent in this region. More importantly, we believe that we can share the love of Jesus Christ through our actions.
Q: Is it safe to go to Kenya?
A: Yes, although viligence and precautions are called for as when travelling to any foreign place.
Q: Where is Sakwa?
A: Sakwa is approximately a 7 hour drive northwest out of Nairobi. It is a small village located in Kenya's Nyamira District. Click here to see a map of the area.
Q: Do the people speak English?
A: Yes and No. While Swahili and English are both the official languages of Kenya, as you go further into the rural areas of Kenya, you will find fewer people who speak English and many only speak the local dialect, Kisii. All of the school and medical staff we are working with, however, speak English and will serve as ready interpreters!
Q: What is the currency?
A: The Kenyan Shilling. One US Dollar equals approximately 82 Kenyan Shillings.
Q: How will we get around the country?
A: Provisions have been made for drivers and vans that will transport us, our luggage and supplies from Nairobi to Sakwa.
Q: Where will we stay?
A: While in Nairobi, we will stay at the Sandavy Guest House which was the home base for our 2007 and 2009 Mission Team. While in Sawka, we will be staying at the Borabu Country Inn which is in Nyamira, a town about 40 minutes away from Sakwa.
Q: What is the time difference?
A: In November, Kenya will be 8 hours ahead of us.
Q: Will I be able to call home?
A: Yes. In Kenya mobile phones are used widely – much more than normal land lines, however, your cell phone has to be compatible with the GSM 900 network system. Check with your service provider or cell phone dealer if you are in doubt. Be aware that calling in Kenya is usually very expensive – approximately $4.99. Pastor John will have a cell phone available for anyone to use to make calls back to the States at approximately $.40 per minute. He will also have a laptop set up for international internet access. More details to come...
Q: What is the weather like? What should I wear?
A: In November, the weather is like our late Spring. Click here to download a suggested packing list. Ladies - a little advance warning - when not in medical scrubs, we have to wear long skirts for in accordance with local customs in the rural areas, although pants are acceptable in Nairobi. Leggings underneath your skirts is the answer to your obvious concerns. At least one pair of very comfortable walking shoes is a must.
Q: What shots are needed?
A: According to the Center for Disease Control and Preventions, travellers to Kenya require updated routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio) in addition to vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, and Typhoid. In addition, anti-malarial drugs are required as a precaution.
Q: What is the food like?
A: Our guest houses will most likely provide the majority of our breakfast and dinner meals. The food is very natural and very simple - breakfast usually consists of cereal, toast, eggs, etc. plus wonderful Kenyan coffee or tea; dinner consists of chicken or beef cooked with potatoes, rice and/or vegetables. We will make sure that the team has bottled water at all times. Travellers should plan on bringing additional snacks such as food bars, beef jerky, tuna, cheese crackers and the like to sustain them for lunch during the medical camp. More details to come...
Q: Will I see any wild animals?
A: No guarantees, but on each of our trips we saw giraffes, zebras, gazelles, orangutans and assorted monkeys alongside the road as we drove from Nairobi to Sakwa. In addition, we are planning one day of R&R which will include time at one of the popular game parks.
A: While there are countless valid ministries in Africa and in
Kenya, we chose Hope Educational Centre for several reasons:
1. We have trusted relationships with leaders of this school both
here in the US and in Kenya. Pastor John's long time friend Roberta
Peterson and Pastor Henry Onsongo have a deeply entrenched commitment to this growing school. Furthermore, the school is near Pastor Henry's childhood home and he is an invaluable resource for us maintaining good relationships with the local government and leaders.
2. Pastor Robert, the headmaster of Hope Educational Centre, is a man of God and possesses tremendous passion and faith for these children. We have confidence in his long term vision for the school and for his staff of teachers and administrators. The trust and respect that is essential for a good long term mission relationship is solid.
3. There is a dire need for support. Only a few years old, this young school and its staff have accomplished tremendous things for the children, with no outside help. Unlike many of the schools in Nairobi, there are no other sponsors or U.S.-based ministries that are operating in this remote, rural village.
4. We believe that our efforts can make a lasting difference in these children, giving them a chance to get an education and possibly break the cycle of destitution that is so prevalent in this region. More importantly, we believe that we can share the love of Jesus Christ through our actions.
Q: Is it safe to go to Kenya?
A: Yes, although viligence and precautions are called for as when travelling to any foreign place.
Q: Where is Sakwa?
A: Sakwa is approximately a 7 hour drive northwest out of Nairobi. It is a small village located in Kenya's Nyamira District. Click here to see a map of the area.
Q: Do the people speak English?
A: Yes and No. While Swahili and English are both the official languages of Kenya, as you go further into the rural areas of Kenya, you will find fewer people who speak English and many only speak the local dialect, Kisii. All of the school and medical staff we are working with, however, speak English and will serve as ready interpreters!
Q: What is the currency?
A: The Kenyan Shilling. One US Dollar equals approximately 82 Kenyan Shillings.
Q: How will we get around the country?
A: Provisions have been made for drivers and vans that will transport us, our luggage and supplies from Nairobi to Sakwa.
Q: Where will we stay?
A: While in Nairobi, we will stay at the Sandavy Guest House which was the home base for our 2007 and 2009 Mission Team. While in Sawka, we will be staying at the Borabu Country Inn which is in Nyamira, a town about 40 minutes away from Sakwa.
Q: What is the time difference?
A: In November, Kenya will be 8 hours ahead of us.
Q: Will I be able to call home?
A: Yes. In Kenya mobile phones are used widely – much more than normal land lines, however, your cell phone has to be compatible with the GSM 900 network system. Check with your service provider or cell phone dealer if you are in doubt. Be aware that calling in Kenya is usually very expensive – approximately $4.99. Pastor John will have a cell phone available for anyone to use to make calls back to the States at approximately $.40 per minute. He will also have a laptop set up for international internet access. More details to come...
Q: What is the weather like? What should I wear?
A: In November, the weather is like our late Spring. Click here to download a suggested packing list. Ladies - a little advance warning - when not in medical scrubs, we have to wear long skirts for in accordance with local customs in the rural areas, although pants are acceptable in Nairobi. Leggings underneath your skirts is the answer to your obvious concerns. At least one pair of very comfortable walking shoes is a must.
Q: What shots are needed?
A: According to the Center for Disease Control and Preventions, travellers to Kenya require updated routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio) in addition to vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, and Typhoid. In addition, anti-malarial drugs are required as a precaution.
Q: What is the food like?
A: Our guest houses will most likely provide the majority of our breakfast and dinner meals. The food is very natural and very simple - breakfast usually consists of cereal, toast, eggs, etc. plus wonderful Kenyan coffee or tea; dinner consists of chicken or beef cooked with potatoes, rice and/or vegetables. We will make sure that the team has bottled water at all times. Travellers should plan on bringing additional snacks such as food bars, beef jerky, tuna, cheese crackers and the like to sustain them for lunch during the medical camp. More details to come...
Q: Will I see any wild animals?
A: No guarantees, but on each of our trips we saw giraffes, zebras, gazelles, orangutans and assorted monkeys alongside the road as we drove from Nairobi to Sakwa. In addition, we are planning one day of R&R which will include time at one of the popular game parks.
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