Project Kenya
July 1st - 8th, 2024
Kenya
Join us on a life-changing mission with Smiles for Speech in Kenya! You’ll have an unforgettable experience on a journey where you can make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. Connect with a passionate community of therapeutic professionals and caregivers to empower children to reach their full potential. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of Kenya, collaborate with diverse communities, and create lasting memories. This is your chance to be part of something truly meaningful and impactful. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!
“I was reborn on my mission trip with Smiles for Speech. I was able to recognize myself and my spirit in the families and kids we visited. I think they made more of an impact on me than I did for them.”
Highlights
Explore the wonders of Kenya with our highlights package! Get up close and personal with majestic giraffes at a safe sanctuary during an exclusive feeding session. Embark on a thrilling safari adventure to witness the Big Five and other magnificent wildlife.
Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai tribe, at the Maasai National park, engaging in activities such as screenings at the Maasai school, dancing and singing with the community, and supporting children through creative art and language-enriching activities.
Sample Accommodations
Team Leaders
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Sandy Dorsey is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and founder of Smiles for Speech. She is the owner of All About Speech, LLC, a private practice based in New York City that offers speech-language services to school-aged children with special needs. For over 25 years, Sandy has provided diagnostic and therapeutic services to wide-ranging populations. Sandy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Howard University and a Masters of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Sandy’s commitment to helping others prompted her to start Smiles for Speech, Inc. (SFS) in July 2017 so that children with special needs from disadvantaged backgrounds would have access to diagnostic and therapeutic services they need and to serve as a resource to families and the global communities.
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Kim Formby lives and works in rural Maine. She has 26 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Kim graduated from Texas Women’s University in 1993 with a degree in occupational therapy. She is currently certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and holds licenses to practice in 4 states. In August 2019, Kim took the leap into private practice as co-founder and co-owner of Acadia Therapy Services, a pediatric occupational therapy practice.
Kim’s area of specialty includes helping kids and parents with emotional and behavioral regulation challenges through sensory processing and social/emotional skill development. She is a member of the Pediatric Trauma Community of Practice with the American Occupational Therapy Association. Kim is thrilled to be a part of Smiles for Speech and looks forward to serving children, families and other professionals globally.
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Amanda Forgit is a trilingual, school-based speech- language pathologist (SLP) holding a Bilingual Extension from Columbia University. Amanda currently serves school age, autistic children, and others with various developmental disabilities in the New York City public schools. She specializes in topics surrounding bilingualism and the SLP, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and feeding disorders.
Although Amanda is fluent in English and Italian, her clinical area of interest lies in Spanish. Amanda enjoys connecting with speech-language pathologists and student interns to help support children without access to speech- therapy services.
Mission Trip Cost: $3960*
A non-refundable deposit of $650 is required to hold your spot. Interest free payment plan is available.
*Airfare (cost varies based on the city), Electronic Travel Authorization - Visa ($34), and global medical insurance are NOT included.
If you are interested in joining Smiles for Speech, please complete the volunteer form, and tell us about yourself and why you would like to be a part of the team. Don’t forget to attach your resume.
* Discounted for past team members*
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8 days / 7 nights accommodations
Airport Transfers
Transportation to all schools, centers, and non-profit organizations
3 meals a day
Visit to:
Giraffe Sanctuary
Safari Game Drives
Maasai National park
Shopping
FAQs
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Approximately 6-8 professionals will travel to Kenya. Individuals will have exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrated experience in their field, and a strong commitment to working with children with special needs.
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Any helping- oriented professional with a background that can be of service to a community of individuals with special needs and their families.
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Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis as initial deposits are received. Every effort will be made to honor requests to assign rooms to individuals that have expressed interest in sharing a room.
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Flights should be booked to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport located Nairobi, Kenya
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Yes, transfers are included, on the day of arrival and departure.
You will be responsible for transfers on any other dates if you wish to arrive early before the mission trip begins or leave after the mission trip ends.
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Sample Schedule/Subject to Change
A typical day is scheduled to include:
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM Visits to educational centers
12:00 PM On-site lunch
3:00 PM Free time
6:30 PM/TBD Dinner
Reflect/relax
Our goal is that you give your very best and allow yourself rest time as needed. Each team member can choose which cultural activities/meals they would like to attend.