An incredible experience in Kenya
Kenya Scholar writes: “Most of my time in Kenya is spent working to integrate experiential learning and business components into the academic system. Now, if I worked on this every waking moment, there are two possible outcomes: one, I’m able to create a killer, scalable model that revolutionizes the way students learn about agriculture and … Read more
Kal Bhakri: Kenya Scholar
Kenya Scholar Kal Bhakri writes: “The week was long and tedious but at the same time, it was fascinating too. After a week of continuous hard work and sacrifices, my team members and I were able to nail down the Green House and became the first group of farmers that are operating GH in Chanagande. … Read more
Rebecca Toole: Kenya Scholar
Kenya Scholar Rebecca Toole writes: “Only one week remains before we leave the villages, if not forever then for an indefinite period of time. I’ve been thinking about goodbyes a great deal for the last week or so, but not until Friday, when I experienced my first goodbye that I realized how emotionally difficult leaving … Read more
Silviano Valdez: Kenya Scholar
Kenya Scholar Silviano Valdez writes: “In America many people have the privilege to invest in themselves. American’s are constantly in debt to help increase their standard of living. Many of us take out student loans, have to pay mortgages, or pay monthly car payments. All of these types of investments help us live better. However … Read more
Cindy Khandoker: Kenya Scholar
Kenya Scholar Cindy Khandoker writes: “days in the village are numbered and as a result, long, hectic and filled with never ending to-do lists. This past safari weekend was a relaxing and fun-filled break from the challenges and consumingly busy life in the village. ,We spent our days scouting the terrain for glimpses of leopards, … Read more
Brian Bergman: Kenya Scholar
Kenya Scholar Brian Bergman writes: “Ask anyone on this trip and I’m sure they will tell you, “Yes, I have overcome some challenges over the last 8 weeks.” (Understatement of the century.) But I would argue, most of them are/were predictable before we even boarded a plane. Whether they be communication barriers, health concerns, logistical … Read more
Brian Medlock: Kenya Scholar
Kenya Scholar Bryan Medlock writes: “Even though we’re in the final stages of the innovation process, I’ve only recently discovered a significant difference in the way we think in comparison with how the community members think. Back in the States, we’re raised and educated on principles of effort and attempt. Quotes like “A for effort” … Read more
Philip Johnson: Kenya Scholar
Kenya Scholar Philip Johnson writes: “Crunch time for finalizing our projects has set in and I couldn’t be more excited. As we speak with 10 days left our project has taken on a new twist. Even more exciting is the fact it had nothing to do with me and came about because my community design … Read more
Rebecca Toole: Kenya Scholar
Kenya Scholar Rebecca Toole writes: “With our design team, criteria, challenge and product finally decided, this week was (finally) devoted to prototyping. My roommate and design team partner, Sam, and I have spent a large amount of time with our team at the nearby polytechnic school. Together we are creating a bag intended to be … Read more
Special Update from Kenya
Dear Family and Friends: The Innovation Institute Scholars are now about halfway through their program and shifting their work into high gear. The culture shock is beginning to wear off now that they are used to eating with their hands, using pit latrines, and learning the local language. The once exotic mud huts are now … Read more
