Context
Following the devastation of the post-election violence in 2008, Africa SOMA has rekindled its efforts to bring youth from different areas of Kenya together to participate in cross-cultural dialogue and exchange. Participants from the slums of Nairobi or the foothills of Mt. Kenya will have the opportunity to experience life in the semi-arid rangelands among the Maasai. For most of these young people this will be the first time in their lives they get to witness and experience Maasailand, a place that seems so familiar to the rest of the world from media.

Goals
To engage youth in creative cross-cultural dialogue as a way to challenge stereotypes and foster mutual respect.

Program
The Cultural Dialogue Program builds on years of positive experiences by inner-city outing programs across North America and Big brother Big sister initiatives. Youth will be given the opportunity to participate in a 3 day trip which brings them into the community of Elangata Wuas, Southern Kenya. Over the course of three days, the groups will stay at a community eco-tourism site called the Elangata Wuas Ecosystem Management Program, which is currently managed by the National Museum of Kenya, and located on a beautiful hill slope in an area which is home to the Illodokiliani Maasai. This site has a dormitory, communal dining area, and a class room facility. The participants undergo a curriculum which includes art, music, drama, guided nature walks, home visits, and school visits. The exchange costs $35 for each participant, and includes food, lodging, travel, art supplies, and compensation for the guides.

Financial Support
Africa SOMA supporters