The Rafiki Link began with a friendship between Bodwell High School and three schools in Kenya. In fact, it began with a group of Bodwell students and their teacher, deciding on an 'overseas volunteer trip' for summer 2007. After many conversations and discussions, the group chose to volunteer in Maai Mahiu, Kenya. In August 2007, five of these students - Rosa, Ji Yun, Marina, Pauline, and Nichole - travelled to Kenya with two staff, Ms. Mali Bain and Mr. Kevin Kubish. They volunteered in an orphanage painting buildings, visited Kibera slum, spent time doing HIV/AIDS community outreach with PCYI (Partners for Change Youth Initiative), and built friendships with members of that local youth group. (See trip log part 1 and trip log part 2)
In fall 2007, Ms. Mali Bain stayed in Kenya to volunteer at the three sister schools and begin to set up a relationship between Bodwell in Canada and the schools in Kenya. She visited three high schools every week - Longonot High School, Karima High School, and Maai Mahiu Secondary - teaching classes, starting environmental clubs, and connecting with Kenyan teachers. (see web updates from 2007)
Since then, the Rafiki Link has grown into a school-wide commitment at Bodwell High School to its sister schools in Kenya. Three students - Mary, Caroline, and Michael - have been sponsored to attend secondary school. In summer 2008, Bodwell sponsored Mali Bain to spend the summer in Kenya, bringing with her laptops, modems, and a vision of online communication between schools in Kenya and in North America (see the trip blog). A Teachers Without Borders - Canada team came to Maai Mahiu, Kenya and provided training to Kenyan teachers.
In 2008 - 2009, Albion Heights Junior Middle School in Toronto, Ontario joined Rafiki Link. In summer 2009, Maai Mahiu hosted visitors from Kansas interested in a school link, and a visitor from Michigan exploring the role of youth leadership development in Rafiki Link.
Rafiki Link continues to grow... contact us today and join the movement!
