https://www.michiken.org/june-2014-trip daily 0.75 2019-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1444261688423-E3T5U4GL180PJY7K972W/2014Jesse-doing-dental-exam.jpg June 2014 Trip Gallery - Dental exams were conducted for hundreds of children. The Dental School team was the largest contingent from a University of Michigan school, with five faculty and staff and eight students. They completed oral and nutritional surveys on children and are now crunching data to yield scientific publications and support for future projects. The School of Public Health team is working on several projects related to community health, and hope to bring at least one Kenyan physician to the University of Michigan to complete doctoral training. The team from the Medical School included five faculty and four students. Amy Tremper returned for a fourth year to teach a vitally important series of health and sex education classes for Kithoka students. Additional projects included studies of obstetrics, chronic pain, and a survey of clinical needs at a new MichiKen partner, Consolata Hospital. The School of Pharmacy team led by Vicki Ellingrod worked at Consolata Hospital and Kenya Methodist University to identify potential research and service products for future trips. The hope is to grow this into the most successful global program at the College of Pharmacy.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1444261688423-E3T5U4GL180PJY7K972W/2014Jesse-doing-dental-exam.jpg June 2014 Trip Gallery - Dental exams were conducted for hundreds of children. The Dental School team was the largest contingent from a University of Michigan school, with five faculty and staff and eight students. They completed oral and nutritional surveys on children and are now crunching data to yield scientific publications and support for future projects. The School of Public Health team is working on several projects related to community health, and hope to bring at least one Kenyan physician to the University of Michigan to complete doctoral training. The team from the Medical School included five faculty and four students. Amy Tremper returned for a fourth year to teach a vitally important series of health and sex education classes for Kithoka students. Additional projects included studies of obstetrics, chronic pain, and a survey of clinical needs at a new MichiKen partner, Consolata Hospital. The School of Pharmacy team led by Vicki Ellingrod worked at Consolata Hospital and Kenya Methodist University to identify potential research and service products for future trips. The hope is to grow this into the most successful global program at the College of Pharmacy.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1444262074457-DEKEGQSU24FMXVWA4Q1E/2014+science+class.jpg June 2014 Trip Gallery - Science Class Presentation Mike and Judy Gendreau spent much of their time working with Ruth Mbogori, founder of Shalem Community Educators. Shalem is active in many projects, including efforts to house and educate the street children of Meru. The Gendreaus are delighted to report that their sponsored student, Peter, continues to excel at Meru School for Boys. MichiKen’s Kithoka Digital Village (KDV) network is now providing truly high-speed internet to three sites within Kithoka: BLISS, Thiiri, and Amani Children’s Home (KACH). An eight-fold increase in bandwidth was accomplished with the installation of three microwave transmission towers in January 2014. To build on this capacity, six additional LCD projectors and six laptops were brought to BLISS on this June MichiKen trip so each classroom will have projection capability for internet-based education materials. The original 13 workstation computer lab at BLISS is humming day and night. With long-distance mentoring from Jim Sterken, Julius Mwangi – the KDV Adminitrator, the BLISS computer lab manager, and an IT student at Kenya Methodist University – keeps the systems in excellent working order. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1444262331944-KFAEU82EAPTV2R62YTQK/2014+Kenyans-and-UM-student-at-conf-table-300x199.jpg June 2014 Trip Gallery - Kenyans and UofM Students Jim Sterken worked with business-experienced team members and students to launch the first Kithoka Business Plan Competition. Local community leaders organized the project with Jim’s guidance, and 94 plans were submitted by local entrepreneurs. A tiered process of evaluation winnowed the candidate list to eleven, and the community leaders are completing the evaluation process to select nine businesses to receive MichiKen business loans. See article, “Business Plan Competition Awards.” The MEPO poultry business, funded by MichiKen in 2013, is growing and thriving. MichiKen team members heard about the challenges experienced in the first year and brainstormed ideas for further improving the business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1444262447390-PISLPO4HD9OJPUM7URO1/2014+make+friends.jpg June 2014 Trip Gallery - Creativity Adds to Service Activity Andy Smith won the “person who they least want to allow to go home” award at Thiiri. He transformed the way that their woodworkers do their work and they are eternally grateful for the man they call “the engineer.” Steve Kaplan won that same award at the Kithoka Amani Children’s Home (KACH), the local orphanage supporting 34 children aged 2 to 18. Steve designed a prototype solar-heating system for the orphanage and tourist guest house, and hopes to return in 2015 with others in the construction industry to build a water collection system. Layne Vandenberg, a University of Michigan student who joined two previous MichiKen summer trips with student entrepreneurial groups, came again this June to continue work on a project with KACH where they plan to introduce beehives to produce honey for food, plus beeswax that can be used to make lip balm for export to the US and Europe. The flowers on the banana trees (see next paragraph) will attract the bees that make the honey and beeswax. The circle of life… Layne’s blog, The Kithoka Soap Initiative, has more information about this project, and there are also pictures on the MichiKen Blog. Thirteen members of our group remained in Kenya after the main group departed. Their work included planting many (44) banana trees in hard, rocky ground as part of Dr. Karambu Ringera’s larger efforts to help her with planning initiatives toward the goal of reaching 100% sustainability at KACH, including water storage, irrigation, waste composting, and building projects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1444262615532-DF76Y8SL304FLTO6ECCZ/2014students-in-open-top-van-.jpg June 2014 Trip Gallery - Bonus: Students taking in the Action on a Safari Trip A bonus aspect of the MichiKen trips to Kenya is families and “kids” being part of this cultural exchange, with impressions and experiences that will last a lifetime, and that often instill commitments to service, world education, and family bonding. A trip to Kenya is never complete without a safari, and we always incorporate one into our MichiKen summer trips. The world famous Kenya game parts are all within a 2-6 hour drive of Meru, where we are located. This year most of the group went on a 2-day trip to the Ashnil Samburu Lodge. A smaller group took a 3-day trip to the beautiful Ashnil Mara Lodge. Everyone on the 55-person team found a way to be helpful to the Kithoka community and beyond. As a team we accomplished far more than any of us could individually. Perhaps most importantly, coming together as a team, we all made fifty or so new “US friends” – and countless new Kenyan friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1444262751643-54GZ2PGCXLL63WRH7D0T/2014+elephants+on+safari.jpg June 2014 Trip Gallery Everyone on the 55-person team found a way to be helpful to the Kithoka community and beyond. As a team we accomplished far more than any of us could individually. Perhaps most importantly, coming together as a team, we all made fifty or so new “US friends” – and countless new Kenyan friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446735388470-F8D6DDBIZDV0ETK4PAJX/image-asset.jpeg June 2014 Trip Gallery - Partnerships At MichiKen, our guiding philosophy is partnership. Our relationship with Kenyan partners continues to inspire and guide our work. Our partners are many: heads of universities, cooks in the kitchens, drivers on safari, teachers in the classrooms, farmers in the fields, and health care workers in hospitals, among others. All generously provide knowledge and advice on what is most needed and what works in their community.   https://www.michiken.org/board-of-directors-gallery daily 0.75 2022-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447351096908-88O40L1OMQ1WWDC9SXQ8/jimboard.png Board of Directors Gallery - Jim Sterken Jim Sterken, the president of the MichiKen board, is a computer engineer and entrepreneur. Jim led two early service trips to Kenya, and directed the establishment of the computer lab at the Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School (BLISS) in 2010. Since then, Jim has visited Kenya over a dozen times. In addition to the continued expansion of MichiKen’s microloan program, Jim’s goals include expanding WIFI access outside the BLISS school to all Kithoka residents and funding a new well to be used by Kithoka area farmers to grow reliable crops in a time when droughts have become much more frequent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447351096908-88O40L1OMQ1WWDC9SXQ8/jimboard.png Board of Directors Gallery - Jim Sterken Jim Sterken, the president of the MichiKen board, is a computer engineer and entrepreneur. Jim led two early service trips to Kenya, and directed the establishment of the computer lab at the Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School (BLISS) in 2010. Since then, Jim has visited Kenya over a dozen times. In addition to the continued expansion of MichiKen’s microloan program, Jim’s goals include expanding WIFI access outside the BLISS school to all Kithoka residents and funding a new well to be used by Kithoka area farmers to grow reliable crops in a time when droughts have become much more frequent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446747802154-ME1UKPLJRS9UFZ6TGO1J/image-asset.jpeg Board of Directors Gallery - Dan Clauw Dan Clauw is a professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, and leads an annual trip of health professions faculty and students to Kenya. During the past ten years, more than 250 faculty and students traveled to Kenya to complete health surveys and assessments. Dan led the fundraising for the building of a science laboratory at BLISS and is deeply committed to building economic, scientific and medical partnerships within the greater Meru community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446747637725-CT9U976QR75S6WI7B2RY/image-asset.jpeg Board of Directors Gallery - Thomas Nyongesa Thomas Nyongesa is a computer systems analyst at the University of Michigan. Born and raised in a remote village in northwest Kenya, Thomas excelled in academics and sports, and completed his undergraduate education in Nairobi. After serving as the coach of the Kenyan national swim team, Thomas moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and completed his graduate studies in computer science. On two service trips to the Meru region, Thomas has served as an advisor and implementor of computer labs in primary schools and at BLISS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1445969985649-96H3LG0763K12YDDIX0R/KACH+2+New+Friends+2.JPG Board of Directors Gallery - Rama Mwenesi Rama Mwenesi is a 2013 graduate of the University of Michigan College of Engineering, received his Masters in Industrial & Operations Engineering in 2016, and earned his Ph.D. in 2022 in Health Infrastructures and Learning Systems. Rama was born in Kenya, was educated in Kenya and South Africa, and completed his senior year of high school in the United States. Rama has received several awards for his work, including the Michigan Difference Student Leadership Award and the Stellar Multicultural Performance Award from the Center for Engineering Diversity and Outreach. Rama has participated in five MichiKen service trips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748010903-9M63VDA9YZTXO6DADOGG/EmptyPic.png Board of Directors Gallery - Marianne Clauw Marianne Clauw is a management consultant in the commercial and nonprofit sectors. She has visited Meru six times, and led the implementation of online accounting for BLISS. Marianne mentors undergraduate and graduate students traveling to Kenya, and is engaged in the business microloan program for the Meru area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748035814-65IOJHQEZQYT8SNFZ6JT/EmptyPic.png Board of Directors Gallery - Amy Tremper Amy Tremper is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan. Amy designed and implemented a reproductive health program for the upper primary and secondary students in Kithoka. Amy mentors University of Michigan medical students each year on the annual trip to Kenya, and has trained teachers in the Kithoka schools to continue the work of ensuring the health and well-being of young people in the area. https://www.michiken.org/2015-trip-gallery daily 0.75 2019-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446746734522-4EV7LXXVN0XAG1I8L3DJ/IPI+kids+on+porch+with+Rama+Layne+Carrie+Ginny.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - 2015 Trip Report 29 travelers from the US travelled to Kithoka, Kenya on June 12-27, 2015. Focusing on economic, education, and health projects in Kithoka and nearby Meru Town (see map), we welcomed faculty and students from the University of Michigan, MichiKen volunteers, family members and friends. We even had a clown this year! Yes, Dori Gerber was seriously helpful in entertaining children in the clinics. As always, the trip was a whirlwind of research, planning, service, friendship, and fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446746734522-4EV7LXXVN0XAG1I8L3DJ/IPI+kids+on+porch+with+Rama+Layne+Carrie+Ginny.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - 2015 Trip Report 29 travelers from the US travelled to Kithoka, Kenya on June 12-27, 2015. Focusing on economic, education, and health projects in Kithoka and nearby Meru Town (see map), we welcomed faculty and students from the University of Michigan, MichiKen volunteers, family members and friends. We even had a clown this year! Yes, Dori Gerber was seriously helpful in entertaining children in the clinics. As always, the trip was a whirlwind of research, planning, service, friendship, and fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446746873243-5TPDO8K8Q0CHHS5G54GD/Jim+and+Moses+with+Banner.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Partnership At MichiKen, our guiding philosophy is partnership. Our relationship with Kenyan partners continues to inspire and guide our work. Our partners are many: heads of universities, cooks in the kitchens, drivers on safari, teachers in the classrooms, farmers in the fields, and health care workers in hospitals, among others. All generously provide knowledge and advice on what is most needed and what works in their community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446512347286-D1S6VRISEDS0L9NKAF5Q/DSC_2108.JPG 2015 Trip Gallery - Collaboration For our University of Michigan colleagues, the interdisciplinary focus of the trip is a key benefit. In 2015, faculty and students represented the UM schools of Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Public Health, and Engineering. Long conversations late into the night have led to research collaborations back in Michigan and with Kenyan colleagues. Dinner conversations with longtime Kithoka area friends have generated ideas for action that otherwise would never have emerged. As our esteemed mentor, Bishop Lawi Imathiu, says, “We live in a global village.” Together, we are pleased to report progress in all projects and new ventures for the future: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446512551498-1WKWGJ231Y045Z29ULF1/Jim+and+Karambu.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Technology in Kithoka MichiKen continues the expansion of technology resources in Kithoka. The 13 workstation computer lab at Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School (BLISS) hums with energy, enthusiasm, and productivity. The computer lab was a Kenya Urithi Education Fund project in 2009, established under the direction of Jim Sterken, who was subsequently a founder of MichiKen. It is now part of MichiKen’s Digital Village in Kithoka. The Digital Village provides high quality internet service to BLISS, the Thiiri Center, and the Kithoka Amani Children’s Home. Jim provides weekly, sometimes daily, guidance to the technical managers at these facilities, and we are proud of their technology leadership in the community. 2015 trip accomplishments included the purchase of printers for two Kithoka primary schools, and the recovery and re-installation of computer equipment at Gichunge Primary. Numerous laptops, projectors, and printers have also expanded technology resources at BLISS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446512617012-AWHDNIUBR6UK5VE323QW/DSC_2108.JPG 2015 Trip Gallery - Tablet Computers at BLISS While Apple iPad’s can cost well over $500, Android tablets are now available for less than $80. Many students do not have electricity at home, and chargeable tablets would provide critical study time in the evening. The sun sets at 6:30pm in Kithoka, long before the “study day” ends for BLISS students. MichiKen will purchase 50 tablets as a pilot project in 2015 and will work with BLISS staff to load the rigorous Kenyan curriculum onto the tablets. Assuming the usage and impact results of the pilot are successful, the next project in 2016 will provide tablets to 500+ BLISS students. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446512679796-8JJWMACFMWAKZ9XZ6THT/Micro+Loans+11+MichiKen+sign.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Microloans MichiKen entered year two of its microloan program this year. This is a zero interest loan program for Kithoka area small business, administered and awarded by a committee of Kithoka community leaders. In 2014 9 initial loans were made totaling 550,000 Kenyan Shillings ($US 5,500). Thanks to a good selection process and community peer pressure to make good on the loans, all but one of the loans are performing, and 75% of the money has already been repaid. Based on this success MichiKen added $US 5,000 to the loan pool in 2015 and committed to re-loan the 2014 loan monies to other businesses as it is paid back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446512792247-OSW1KP6TBERTJVLVJWEU/Dental+Survey+2+%282%29.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Dental Research and Care The University of Michigan School of Dentistry are among the most active and loyal members of the team going to Kenya each year. Six students and four faculty worked throughout the 2014/2015 academic year to prepare for the 2015 summer trip. They carried thousands of toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste, and over 1000 professional fluoride treatment sets to Kenya. They were delighted to screen 1614 children and 235 adults for a grand total of 1849. All the persons screened received oral hygiene instructions and a toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. More than 600 children and 100 adults were identified with dental problems received professional topical fluoride treatments, and were referred to local dental clinics for further treatment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446512845169-ZK6ZSPQXK0BUAPZ92K38/Board+Amy+%282%29.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Sex Education The Kithoka community is deeply grateful that Dr. Amy Tremper returns each year to provide sexual health education to teens. Culturally, a parent/child conversation about sex is unlikely, yet the Kenyan parents have asked the schools to teach their children, particularly in the wake of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. So Amy’s practical materials and approach, combined with her sensitivity to Kenyan culture, fills a critical gap. Amy authored a teen-appropriate guide specifically for Kenya which is distributed to each teen. The Kenyan teens submit anonymous questions via index cards, so Amy and her recruited grad student assistants are able to answer pressing questions. The impact of this ongoing project is immeasurable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446512898398-5Z30A30G4H29DET6LSUS/Brock+and+Blaise.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Pharmacy Education and Practice Dr. Vicki Ellingrod led a team of three University of Michigan Pharmacy graduate students to partner with faculty and pharmacists at the Kenya Methodist University School of Pharmacy. They exchanged ideas about the practice of pharmacy and structure of pharmacy education. The team also worked on the framework for future research focusing on the high rate of chronic pain in Kithoka, as well as non-adherence to antihypertensives. These projects will be implemented during the 2016 trip. Additionally, our pharmacy students were the male instructors for the sexual health education classes described above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446512955000-A6TYL7T5QW5AWFY60NNB/Carrie+and+Ginny.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Could Dehydration be Linked to Chronic Pain? Through the community health surveys of prior summer trips, Dr. Daniel Clauw has identified a high level of chronic pain in the Kithoka community. Two-thirds of Kithoka residents report having chronic pain, while worldwide the average reported level is one-third. Hypothesizing that poor nutrition or even dehydration may be a factor, Dan mentored Carrie Tamarelli, a second year medical student, who led a study with help from three students from the UM College of Pharmacy. Local physicians and healthcare workers administered Gatorade-like rehydration packs to patients at the Kithoka community clinic. “Hit the ground running” doesn’t begin to describe Carrie and co-workers seeing nearly a hundred patients within the first couple days of the trip. The results of the study showed that some individuals noted significant improvement in their pain, and our group will continue to pursue this and other lines of research to help this community on future trips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446746235663-VZTHJVZZH93J6538RUFV/Ginny+and+child.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Orthopaedic Screening Dr. Virginia Nelson linked the organization Cure International to Consolata Hospital for the facilitation of orthopaedic services. Ginny consulted at the orthopaedic clinic and provided important clinical teaching at Consolata and the Kithoka clinic. She also brought "X boxes" for electronic games which were donated by the UM Mott Family Network to schools in Kenya for student achievement rewards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447343818609-EMKYUJPB71YWPYUCKXBR/Lisa+and+sons.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Cardiovascular Health and Computer Room Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Jackson worked with Cardiology colleagues at Consolata Hospital to observe clinic care, deliver lectures, and provide teaching to US and Kenyan faculty and students. Her emphasis was cardiovascular disease prevention. She also met with US Pharmacy and Medical students to discuss medical education in the US. Lisa's sons, Anders and Aric, sorted, configured, and rehabilitated the gently used computer equipment donated to Kithoka Primary from various sources. MichiKen pitched in with the purchase of necessary repair components and a brand new printer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446513026535-WUGNKCBZ1DTYEZPIB0FU/Classroom.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Primary School Enhancements The MichiKen team visited several area primary schools and hosted a meeting of primary school principals and teachers to brainstorm ideas for future collaboration. While BLISS has been extraordinarily successful, area primary schools that feed students to BLISS are lagging behind, and struggle with very limited resources. Because BLISS is deeply committed to the local children, they have admitted students who have missed the Kenyan cutoff for secondary school attendance. (Only about 50% of students across Kenya qualify via examination to continue secondary/high school education after 8th grade.) We agree with the assessment of local educators that raising the level of academic achievement at the primary schools is a high priority. During the 2015 trip, MichiKen purchased and installed printers for both local primary schools and refurbished and reinstalled gently used computers donated by other organizations to the primary schools. Internet connectivity will have to wait, but still a start has been made. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446746092130-J7S4D2UWYO0BAGHHWPAU/Bliss+School+9+Sign+%282%29.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Scholarships There is poor and then there is very poor. BLISS teachers have reached into their own pockets to pay the modest BLISS annual tuition of $125 for some of the very poor students who demonstrate high potential. In 2015, MichiKen started a BLISS scholarship program for these children, and for needy BLISS graduates who qualify for public universities. Approximately 20% of Kenyan secondary school graduates are granted government scholarships to public universities, based on senior year examinations. Even the relatively small $400 annual co-pay required to attend the public universities is beyond the reach of some BLISS students. Many of the students across Kenya who qualify have attended prestigious and expensive boarding schools. As a day school for local students, BLISS demonstrates that poverty does not have to equate to lack of education. There is much need for further scholarship support to allow BLISS students to continue their education beyond high school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446744514636-S6KRX9L6ISB1DJNY6G1V/Board+Marianne+and+Bessy+%282%29.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Crunching the Numbers Bessy Nkirote Mugambi, our MichiKen Project Manager in Kenya, worked with Marianne Clauw to complete the transition of MichiKen’s accounting to QuickBooks. Bessy and Marianne are now very familiar with QuickBooks intricacies for a multi-currency global company. Bessy’s oversight of the microloan program has been critical to the smooth functioning of MichiKen operations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446745453204-F1DMPDZP8MF7ATVDMUZ7/Safari+sunset.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Safari MichiKen always schedules a two day safari in the middle of the summer trip. The national parks of Kenya are extraordinary, and the safaris are all we imagine when we think of Africa. This year we visited the Ashnil Samburu Tented Camp, which redefines camping into a comfortable hotel experience. See our extraordinary safari pictures! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446745521432-M11BNG0L0VYMM4XMNFTO/Thiiri+staff+and+Bundi.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - Thank you, Kenyan Hosts As always we are grateful to our local hosts in Kithoka: Genesis Expeditions provides drivers and vans for the entire trip, starting with airport pickup in Nairobi, and including safari. Thiiri Center provides lodging and conference space. Kithoka Amani Children’s Home provides lodging and inspiration! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446745581637-9OHTG6DUMP2CUNHXH9OV/Children+with+UM+football+sized+for+banner.jpg 2015 Trip Gallery - 2016 Trip Mark your calendar: the summer trip will be June 10 to 25, 2016. Visit the MichiKen website to join our efforts by traveling, volunteering, or donating. https://www.michiken.org/safari-gallery daily 0.75 2015-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342527567-U4QBT6K7Z8TVDBY8DKIM/Safari+1+Van+%282%29.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342527567-U4QBT6K7Z8TVDBY8DKIM/Safari+1+Van+%282%29.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748643550-W0AQ976OSNBQUL6RC775/Safari+baboon+and+baby.jpg Safari Gallery - Baboons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748692315-UOHALBAUH38E9YMFZQSR/Safari+bird.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748749109-7TOK4VIB1DM99SM8Y6DG/Safari+Elephant+with+baby.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748766175-4DRVPXSXWPUDB83JM047/Safari+find+out+animal.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748832624-ZXVJY3E9U9OFOQ6T6UT6/Safari+crocodile.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341420053-OERJSA53XPVYALKJ2U0H/Safari+3+Giraffe+%282%29.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341474793-JBT9VQ4Y3R5UJHZNZW74/Safari+11+Zebras+%282%29.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341516666-C10Q0R8HCLQE5C5K4HM5/Safari+18+Cheetah+%282%29.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341551090-P2GT39IYXTWMS4PBC4BI/Safari+Lion.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341644467-CRJL8D5L5W9FRGQMMAZN/safari+wart+hog.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341668485-XQ0G0GCK1KEF11G2XI8I/Safari+white+birds.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342349391-GADDP3P0H0PK51OB4H6Y/safari+big+bird+secretary.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342376423-106N9TKZQPL809WS6YBU/safari+big+eye+mammal.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342401154-5DLT1UE1SVZOEHPNDZW9/Safari+small+colorful+bird.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342433820-UX4X4LGXCSQMWR5WS8W2/Safari+10+Group+%282%29.jpg Safari Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342461574-97DBSU5UPHVOPESPL0Z4/Safari+sunset.jpg Safari Gallery https://www.michiken.org/staff-gallery daily 0.75 2021-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447202954946-3TODCCYJINEFN7GPLKOH/Board+Marianne+and+Bessy+%282%29.jpg Staff Gallery Bessy Nkirote Mugambi (on the right, with Marianne Clauw) is the MichiKen Project Administrator in Kithoka. Bessy is in charge of all financial accounting and record keeping in Kenya, and coordinates the MichiKen Microloans program. In addition to her work for MichiKen, Bessy is an Assistant Procurement Officer for Meru University. She has a Kenya Methodist University Degree in Accounting and Finance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447202954946-3TODCCYJINEFN7GPLKOH/Board+Marianne+and+Bessy+%282%29.jpg Staff Gallery Bessy Nkirote Mugambi (on the right, with Marianne Clauw) is the MichiKen Project Administrator in Kithoka. Bessy is in charge of all financial accounting and record keeping in Kenya, and coordinates the MichiKen Microloans program. In addition to her work for MichiKen, Bessy is an Assistant Procurement Officer for Meru University. She has a Kenya Methodist University Degree in Accounting and Finance. https://www.michiken.org/2016-scholarships daily 0.75 2016-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482167675487-4WAKUX13A4CCHLLJLW9O/Doreen+Mwendwa++small.jpg 2016 Scholarships - Doreen Doreen has been raised by a single mother. She has five siblings. Doreen's mom works as a casual worker to raise money for food. Their friends help with other basic needs. Doreen's hope is to complete her education so she will be able to raise and support her family and the community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1481663559749-8IZPWZG06Z5DIGG8149T/Doreen+Mwendwa++small.jpg 2016 Scholarships https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482167675487-4WAKUX13A4CCHLLJLW9O/Doreen+Mwendwa++small.jpg 2016 Scholarships - Doreen Doreen has been raised by a single mother. She has five siblings. Doreen's mom works as a casual worker to raise money for food. Their friends help with other basic needs. Doreen's hope is to complete her education so she will be able to raise and support her family and the community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482167664005-T4E2P5YIHHA9QT5SMQ80/Doreen+Mwendwa++small.jpg 2016 Scholarships - Doreen Doreen has been raised by a single mother. She has five siblings. Doreen's mom works as a casual worker to raise money for food. Their friends help with other basic needs. Doreen's hope is to complete her education so she will be able to raise and support her family and the community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1481663466083-HVBAQFQDJW34R9LS8BLE/Doreen+Mwendwa++small.jpg 2016 Scholarships https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482168418121-6C9BBWF49AX28KVIH6SQ/Emma+Muthoni+small.jpg 2016 Scholarships https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482163240079-ZJXL730K30CGB3L9N9M0/Joy+Kathambi+small.jpg 2016 Scholarships https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482163339524-MRHWN122VZKZL8OT9H5E/Sharonivy+Kananu+small.jpg 2016 Scholarships https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482163360488-MTFEJYE9TXJJFF0RILNC/Wickliff+Murega+small.png 2016 Scholarships https://www.michiken.org/trip-activities-report daily 0.75 2019-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482263750739-ZB5VXBDX37ZBP5OVFGW4/Bliss+School+1+Computer+Lab+Julius.JPG Trip Activities Gallery - Technology in Kithoka MichiKen continues the expansion of technology resources in Kithoka. The 20 workstation computer lab at Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School (BLISS) is ably maintained by Julius Mwangi, with strategic direction by Jim Sterken, President of MichiKen. Internet connectivity has been expanded to include the Kithoka Polytechnical School. The Kenyan national government now requires many online education reports, so the BLISS computer lab has become a valuable resource for teachers throughout the Meru area. In 2016, technology resources were further expanded with the delivery of 30 tablets to BLISS. In 2019 we were able to upgrade to a 10Mbps fiber optic internet connection. In 2020, we will expand WIFI access further in the growing BLISS campus and beyond, and we will continue to investigate use of online education tools like Khan Academy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482263750739-ZB5VXBDX37ZBP5OVFGW4/Bliss+School+1+Computer+Lab+Julius.JPG Trip Activities Gallery - Technology in Kithoka MichiKen continues the expansion of technology resources in Kithoka. The 20 workstation computer lab at Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School (BLISS) is ably maintained by Julius Mwangi, with strategic direction by Jim Sterken, President of MichiKen. Internet connectivity has been expanded to include the Kithoka Polytechnical School. The Kenyan national government now requires many online education reports, so the BLISS computer lab has become a valuable resource for teachers throughout the Meru area. In 2016, technology resources were further expanded with the delivery of 30 tablets to BLISS. In 2019 we were able to upgrade to a 10Mbps fiber optic internet connection. In 2020, we will expand WIFI access further in the growing BLISS campus and beyond, and we will continue to investigate use of online education tools like Khan Academy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1576425603387-AIVWXAYLZ6IEP3JND1FA/Dentistry%2Bteam.jpg Trip Activities Gallery - 2016 Activity Report 32 team members from the US travelled during the summer of 2016 to Kithoka, a rural area outside of Meru Town, Kenya. From early June through the beginning of August, University of Michigan faculty and students, partners from other organizations, and Michiken volunteers worked with our Kenyan friends and colleagues on a variety of health, education, and business projects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482326890009-N7HUJSNSJSY4KQDQH2PF/Micro+Loans+8.jpg Trip Activities Gallery - Microloans We are now in year three of the microloan program, a zero interest loan program for Kithoka area small businesses. Our focus on local management and control has been strengthened with partnerships with the Kanja Women Group and the Scheme Men Self-Help Group, two local organizations which each received 250,000 Kenya shillings (approximately $2,500) for loans to their members. Payback rates remain strong and we are grateful for Bessy Mugambi, our part-time project manager based in Meru. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482263902884-VGECGH667FHNH299Z4SG/Day+5+-+Leen.jpg Trip Activities Gallery 32 team members from the US travelled during the summer of 2016 to Kithoka, a rural area outside of Meru Town, Kenya. From early June through the beginning of August, University of Michigan faculty and students, partners from other organizations, and Michiken volunteers worked with our Kenyan friends and colleagues on a variety of health, education, and business projects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482264233019-C05A2EMOM9P81EHDY5RO/Engineering+%5B4%5D.JPG Trip Activities Gallery - University and Hospital Collaborations Two universities, Kenya Methodist University and Meru University, and a regional hospital system, Consolata Hospital, are within 10 miles of Kithoka. There has been much productive collaboration between University of Michigan faculty and local faculty during the past seven years. Dr. Peter Ngedge holds joint appointments at Meru University and Consolata Hospital and has provided critical guidance to our UM students. A new venture by the UM School of Engineering placed four students in Meru for eight weeks to identify and scope projects. Two projects were featured at the UM College of Engineering Design Expo – a mechanical hoist for shifting patients in hospital beds to relieve pressure sores and a crutch designed for uneven terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482264415245-4POZ3J3XZV6DS2ZFWDEB/Dental+care.jpg Trip Activities Gallery - Over 2,200 Children Receive Preventative Dental Care The University of Michigan School of Dentistry sends a loyal and active group to Kithoka each year. Seven students and two faculty work throughout each academic year to prepare for the annual trip. Their logistical expertise in management of supplies is impressive. They commandeer a large conference room at Thiiri just to keep it all organized, then proceeded to serve over 2,200 children each trip at schools and clinics in the greater Meru area. They provided the children with vital dental education, supplies, fluoride treatments, and evaluation. When dental issues are identified, patients are referred to local dental clinics for longer term care. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482264050001-GF8M0SGWWV1I3F9HFT9Y/Clinic+scene+with+Vicki.jpg Trip Activities Gallery - Pharmacy Education and Practice Pharmacy Education and Practice Dr. Vicki Ellingrod regularly leads a team of University of Michigan Pharmacy graduate students to partner with faculty and pharmacists at the Kenya Methodist University School of Pharmacy. They exchange ideas about the practice of pharmacy and the structure of pharmacy education. The team also works on the framework for future research focusing on the high rate of chronic pain in Kithoka, as well as non-adherence to antihypertensives. These projects will be implemented during future trips. Additionally, our pharmacy students are the male instructors for the sexual health education classes described above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482263870455-VBWPOTO152T0NWOC795U/Day+5+-+Leen.jpg Trip Activities Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482327870572-38CQUYUZBTCBXIXAE94W/DSC_0622.JPG Trip Activities Gallery - Sex Education The Kithoka community is deeply grateful that Dr. Amy Tremper returns each year to provide sexual health education to teens. Culturally, a parent/child conversation about sex is unlikely, yet the Kenyan parents have asked the schools to teach their children, particularly in the wake of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. So Amy’s practical materials and approach, combined with her sensitivity to Kenyan culture, fills a critical gap. Amy authored a teen-appropriate guide specifically for Kenya which is distributed to each teen. The Kenyan teens submit anonymous questions via index cards, so Amy and her recruited grad student assistants are able to answer pressing questions. The impact of this ongoing project is immeasurable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482264562848-FBM1D9WHO6T79FEN8GJJ/clinic+nutrition+project.jpg Trip Activities Gallery - Poor Nutrition or Dehydration Linked to Chronic Pain? Through the community health surveys of prior summer trips, Dr. Daniel Clauw has identified a high level of chronic pain in the Kithoka community. Two-thirds of Kithoka residents report having chronic pain, while worldwide the average reported level is one-third. Hypothesizing that poor nutrition or even dehydration may be a factor, Dan asked a world’s expert on the role of diet in pain, Dr. Kathleen Holton of American University, to join us on this year’s trip. Again working with Dr. Peter Ndege, Dr. Holton worked with the medical and pharmacy students on the trip to complete a large pilot study that suggested that hydration and a low glutamate diet was very helpful in treating pain. These exciting preliminary results are being submitted for publication and are being used to apply for future NIH funding to pursue these studies in the Meru region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482265842568-XK59HP675EPOL8H1PXEA/BLISS+entrance+with+flag.jpg Trip Activities Gallery - Scholarships There is poor and then there is very poor. BLISS teachers have reached into their own pockets to pay the modest BLISS annual tuition of $125 for some of the very poor students who demonstrate high potential. Since 2015, MichiKen has funded a yearly BLISS scholarship program for these children, and for needy BLISS graduates who qualify for public universities. Approximately 20% of Kenyan secondary school graduates are granted government scholarships to public universities, based on senior year examinations. Even the relatively small $400 annual co-pay required to attend the public universities is beyond the reach of some BLISS students. Many of the students across Kenya who qualify have attended prestigious and expensive boarding schools. As a day school for local students, BLISS demonstrates that poverty does not have to equate to lack of education. There is much need for further scholarship support to allow BLISS students to continue their education beyond high school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482266428762-I46EFZ7ON6SG4LF9AZD3/Bundi+and+Rama.jpg Trip Activities Gallery - Thanks To Our Kenyan Hosts As always we are grateful to our local hosts in Kithoka: Genesis Expeditions, founded and led by Bundi Marete, provides drivers and vans for the entire trip. Several years ago, Dan Clauw gave Bundi Marete a “Batman” shirt in honor of Bundi’s ability to solve any problem. He and his team of drivers make our logistics easy. Thiiri Center provides lodging and conference space. We truly appreciate Marilyn Brenchley, Ruth Matiiri and their team who make our stay so comfortable. Kithoka Amani Children's Home (KACH) provides lodging and inspiration! Many thanks to Dr. Karambu Ringera, founder and mentor extraordinaire! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482263614802-4BI314DCUAVSSKC6O8HL/Bliss+School+1+Computer+Lab+Julius.JPG Trip Activities Gallery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/585986e9d2b85752869d27af/58599235ebbd1a30cd8364fc/1576425749915/Micro+Loans+11+%281%29.jpg Trip Activities Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482266394059-X6EOKJ3D00ZRE9AB8I7R/Friends.jpg Trip Activities Gallery In closing, there are two African proverbs symbolic of the Michigan Kenya Partnership: “A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn.” and “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” Happy New Year! The Michigan Kenya Partnership https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482263705859-KAX5XQ7HIC43SNRO9F53/Bliss+School+1+Computer+Lab+Julius.JPG Trip Activities Gallery - Technology in Kithoka MichiKen continues the expansion of technology resources in Kithoka. The 20 workstation computer lab at Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School (BLISS) is ably maintained by Julius Mwangi, with strategic direction by Jim Sterken, President of MichiKen. Internet connectivity has been expanded to include the Kithoka Polytechnical School. The Kenyan national government now requires many online education reports, so the BLISS computer lab has become a valuable resource for teachers throughout the Meru area. In 2016, technology resources were further expanded with the delivery of 30 tablets to BLISS. We and the Kenyans are researching educational resources to be used by teachers and students at BLISS. https://www.michiken.org/take-action daily 0.75 2022-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446829209170-Y5LDCU1LQZVVR5Z5VMEF/Children+with+UM+football+sized+for+banner.jpg Take Action https://www.michiken.org/board-of-directors daily 0.75 2022-12-15 https://www.michiken.org/home daily 1.0 2024-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446842130841-IV6G46DF3102LFP3QTC0/Kithoka+Primary+6+Students.JPG Home https://www.michiken.org/what-we-do daily 0.75 2019-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1442433819676-GP0BGYWPDBRS8WBMGEOU/KACH+5+Soccer+with+Kids.JPG What We Do https://www.michiken.org/kenyan-partners daily 0.75 2022-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1437738079626-13DZM9JR50EFKNCDKUQG/thiirilogo.png Kenyan Partners - Thiiri Center This nonprofit/NGO conference and lodging host near the Kithoka village has become a center of community activities. The staff at Thiiri have provided hospitality, guidance, and resources to many visitors from the US, and provide an important link to the people of Kithoka. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1438177834073-WC3KQ97N5XOZLKSKUCD6/ipilogo.png Kenyan Partners - International Peace Initiatives A nonprofit/NGO with several projects designed to improve the health, welfare, and economic self-sufficiency of people in the Kithoka and Meru area. The Amani Home for Children serves orphans, and includes a guest house for visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1438178278108-P7K1KORWGK2JSRQVYD3G/KeMUlogo.png Kenyan Partners - Kenya Methodist University KeMU participated in the community health surveys in 2011, 2012, and 2013. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1438178528403-84IE8UH60XIEVI9WFIKR/MUsci%26techlogo.png Kenyan Partners - Meru University College of Science and Technology MECOTECH participated in the community health surveys in 2011, 2012, and 2013. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447278962044-N2CXN4LGT912NC75OFZZ/bliss+logo+%282%29.jpg Kenyan Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1442434590200-I7M7IB2O5JFN0OJGE74I/Bliss+School+8+Main+Building.JPG Kenyan Partners https://www.michiken.org/contact daily 0.75 2020-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446829590159-HR13GZ6P8A4SV48DJ1RF/Contacts+at+Kithoka+%282%29+banner+sized.jpg Contact https://www.michiken.org/service daily 0.75 2024-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1438186975727-0XFO56XSGTREHTDWRXVX/Studentandchildshakinghands.jpg Service https://www.michiken.org/digital-village daily 0.75 2024-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1445970935179-AMHZAGDTXG30PANH3818/Bliss+School+2+Computer+Lab+Students.JPG Digital Village https://www.michiken.org/classtoclass daily 0.75 2015-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1438613192701-2PSFT96JDV2ZOEME7SU7/kids-doing-crafts-2.jpg Class to Class https://www.michiken.org/microloans daily 0.75 2024-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1445971380092-LTT0OGCTZPTVMSXUWP66/Micro+Loans+8.JPG Microloan Program https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1445971251539-PEZLS5PFTCBC7AHVVRKP/Micro+Loans+7.JPG Microloan Program https://www.michiken.org/business-incubator-awards daily 0.75 2015-08-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1438618178962-MACVDOD7NL3X80RR746H/busincubawards.jpg Business Incubator Awards https://www.michiken.org/kenyatrips daily 0.75 2022-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1445972620214-2DRSI4O6JRXSNXVZCMVU/Kenya+Summer+2012+519.JPG Kenya Trips https://www.michiken.org/lodging daily 0.75 2019-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1576427233650-X2VJPZUZIYCUR9YDZT0M/Thiriicloseup.jpg Lodging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1438717742306-ZFKO8NH58MWHSX274TY7/Thiriicloseup.jpg Lodging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1438713116822-DUJPF071OKFGNAOWDWRC/Far-view-of-Thiiri-cropped.jpg Lodging https://www.michiken.org/trip-2014 daily 0.75 2019-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1444260768139-905BZO73SEYO9TT8YACP/Far-view-of-Thiiri-cropped.jpg Trip 2014 https://www.michiken.org/healthcare daily 0.75 2019-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446828834623-MSKYSMDAAEGQDFCLOGW5/Dental+Survey+3+%282%29+banner+sized.jpg UM Healthcare https://www.michiken.org/scholarships daily 0.75 2024-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1445967698286-HC935UT1CXRBL4RAWCIR/KACH+5+Soccer+with+Kids.JPG Scholarships https://www.michiken.org/faqs daily 0.75 2019-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1445971753550-N1150CUNZMTUQNBJNKPN/Meru+Town+4.JPG FAQ's https://www.michiken.org/safari daily 0.75 2019-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342527567-U4QBT6K7Z8TVDBY8DKIM/Safari+1+Van+%282%29.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748643550-W0AQ976OSNBQUL6RC775/Safari+baboon+and+baby.jpg Safari - Baboons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748692315-UOHALBAUH38E9YMFZQSR/Safari+bird.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748749109-7TOK4VIB1DM99SM8Y6DG/Safari+Elephant+with+baby.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748766175-4DRVPXSXWPUDB83JM047/Safari+find+out+animal.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1446748832624-ZXVJY3E9U9OFOQ6T6UT6/Safari+crocodile.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341420053-OERJSA53XPVYALKJ2U0H/Safari+3+Giraffe+%282%29.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341474793-JBT9VQ4Y3R5UJHZNZW74/Safari+11+Zebras+%282%29.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341516666-C10Q0R8HCLQE5C5K4HM5/Safari+18+Cheetah+%282%29.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341551090-P2GT39IYXTWMS4PBC4BI/Safari+Lion.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341644467-CRJL8D5L5W9FRGQMMAZN/safari+wart+hog.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447341668485-XQ0G0GCK1KEF11G2XI8I/Safari+white+birds.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342349391-GADDP3P0H0PK51OB4H6Y/safari+big+bird+secretary.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342376423-106N9TKZQPL809WS6YBU/safari+big+eye+mammal.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342401154-5DLT1UE1SVZOEHPNDZW9/Safari+small+colorful+bird.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342433820-UX4X4LGXCSQMWR5WS8W2/Safari+10+Group+%282%29.jpg Safari https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447342461574-97DBSU5UPHVOPESPL0Z4/Safari+sunset.jpg Safari https://www.michiken.org/trip-2015 daily 0.75 2015-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1444260768139-905BZO73SEYO9TT8YACP/Far-view-of-Thiiri-cropped.jpg Trip 2015 https://www.michiken.org/donate daily 0.75 2024-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1447192074215-ON0AXW1OUFFB10OUAG04/Micro+Loans+11+sized+for+banner.jpg Donate https://www.michiken.org/staff daily 0.75 2021-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1609616276015-W01Z8I8E1F41MYGH4XIA/Bliss%2BSchool%2B1%2BComputer%2BLab%2BJulius.jpg Staff https://www.michiken.org/pack-list-1 daily 0.75 2019-12-15 https://www.michiken.org/play daily 0.75 2015-12-08 https://www.michiken.org/trip-activities daily 0.75 2019-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d900ce4b0dd8e96510dab/1482276206671-XG0VBJSH638BFU01GJD8/Dental+education.jpg Trip Activities https://www.michiken.org/new-page daily 0.75 2021-01-01