The Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa. Lying along the Indian Ocean, at the equator, Kenya is bordered by Ethiopia (north), Somalia (northeast), Tanzania (south), Uganda plus Lake Victoria (west), and Sudan (northwest). The capital city is Nairobi. Kenya spans an area about 85% the size of France or Texas. The population has grown rapidly in recent decades to nearly 38 million.

The people in the remote villages face significant challenges which threaten the survival of their vibrant pastoral culture.
 

They have little access to education and health care services. Some areas also have the highest primary school dropout rate in Kenya, a direct result of poor educational facilities, the need for children to tend to cattle and goats, and the lack of educational and health support. Many of the children who do go to school start their education late because schools are too far away from their communities.

The Involvement of St. Joseph's High School:
In September, 2009, 22 students and six staff members from the St. Joseph's High School community were selected to act as ambassadors and represent the school on a mission trip to Kenya. Those selected will travel to a remote village in Kenya from May 7th-23rd, 2010. The focus of this trip is multi-dimensional. Prior to leaving in May, students will be enrolled in academic classes which will help prepare them for their journey. The academic component of this mission is designed to prepare the students in terms of content and competencies relevant to their experiences, as well as an opportunity to reflect upon and critically analyze the experience.

Students will learn first hand the importance of servitude and leadership. While in Kenya, students will be responsible to help build a school in a community. They will also be expected to interact with locals in the area and develop relationships, as well as work with and teach the children within the community.

Prior to their departure in May, students will have embarked on a nine-month-long journey together in preparation for the mission trip. Students will learn the importance of team building and networking to help not only make their mission trip a reality, but also to raise awareness locally for what they are accomplishing abroad. Studentsʼ commitments rest not only in their individual focuses, but also in a sense of commitment to the group at large. Team building and strong leadership are qualities these students must exemplify on a continual basis in order to be successful both here and traveling in Kenya.