Experiential Learning

The purpose of these programs is to build self-worth, self-confidence, and team work at this critical time in young lives. Through Tanari, students from all KCEF-partner schools meet each other and together explore issues faced in the transition to adulthood. Rites of passage is an important concept in Kenyan culture, and Tanari combines this with a strong emphasis on character development and Christian discipleship. CPR offers the students a chance to understand their dignity and worth, as being made in the image of God, and provides them practical tools to have healthy relationships and prevent teenage pregnancy, which is rampant in the slum communities.

Another Tanari activity is a yearly visit to Mt. Longonot National Park. Many of the students have lived their lives in the shadow of Mt. Longonot, yet have never visited the park or climbed the mountain. Most have never been outside the slums where they live.

Cooperative and team-building games lead to discussions of dreams and aspirations. Attention is also given to adolescent development and sexuality. These are vital in a country where the scourge of AIDS and frequency of teen pregnancy take a toll on so many lives.

These programs have proved to be rewarding–“life changing”–to the students and has opened new ways of learning and teaching to the school staff that participate. Teachers are trained in various methods of experiential learning that they take back to their schools and classrooms, thereby having impact on students of all ages and classes. Parents, also, are invited to share the celebration on the last day of camp.

KCEF is grateful to be able to work with Tanari on projects that educate children and show teachers the value of experiential learning as an effective teaching technique and important way to equip children for survival in the predatory world of the slums of Nairobi.