The video above was created by a Strive Kenya 2011 student.
Below are also some letters and email feedback that we've received.
Along the left of the page you'll also see the video of an on-the-ground interview with two Kenya 2010 participants.
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Our son had the adventure of a lifetime: he pushed himself physically on the Inca trail and through altitude training, he formed lifelong bonds with other participants. He happily and willingly tutored and played and bonded with the Peruvian students. I know this is something he will never forget. Our entire family feels very lucky to have been part of such an amazing experience!
Parent, Peru 2011
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The HATC was a beautiful place to stay. It's not every day that you get to train in the same gym as Olympic athletes. Group leaders were very helpful, nice, understanding and as organized as Africa will allow one to be. I also found it so easy to run! And the outings were absolutely incredible experiences, not just the destinations, but the roads to them as well.
Student, Kenya 2011
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Strive provided our daughter all that she had hoped for...the experience of a difference culture, the service, and the ability to train. What she did not imagine was the great friendships that she established with the other student athletes. Thank you for a phenomenal summer!
Parent, Peru 2011
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Before I left the fundraising did seem a bit laborious, but once I reached Kenya I realized how invaluable those donations were. It felt very good to be charged with determining where the money would go and seeing the schoolhouse literally grow before our eyes was an awesome feeling! Also seeing what the KenSAP kids were able to accomplish and work their way out of the circle of poverty in Kenya was inspiring to a point I've never felt before.
Will, Kenya 2011
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Thank you so much for giving my son the most amazing memorable meaningful experience! I never imaged when he found this program the giant impact that being in Iten would have on him! His pictures and videos are beyond amazing! He will carry this journey with him forever! Thank you for all of your support and encouragement along the way!
Parent, Kenya 2010
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As a student who had never visited Africa or gone on a safari before, STRIVE served as an absolutely incredible opportunity to experience a wide variety of adventures that Africa had to offer. Not only was I able to train with motivated and hard-working peers, which in itself was a privilege, the cultural experience provided was like nothing I had ever come across before. The most incredible of all was how safe I felt during the entire trip. The degree of comfort, convenience and safety provided during the session was beyond what I could have imagined.
STRIVE Session I was probably one of the most well planned and smoothly run programs I have participated in. It was clear that every part of the program had been thoughtfully constructed with the participant's safety and convenience in mind, and not even once did we come across a hold up (except for having our car surrounded by a group of Kenyan ladies asking for money once, but I consider that a part of the cultural experience). I would also like to extend my gratitude to all of the group leaders.And the warm welcome from Lornah was an inspiration to us all, and meeting the KenSAP kids added another dimension to the experience that made the trip absolutely unforgettable. The trip was one of the most worthwhile things I could have done this summer. Thank you once again for organizing such a special program. Thank you!
Charles, Kenya 2010
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Our daughter had a marvelous experience!!!!! and had so many interesting and fun things to tell us about the people she met, the way of life that she observed, the community service and spontaneous interactions she had with the local community, the experience of running at the high altitude centre and the group field trips she went on. Wow!
Thank you for organizing such a great opportunity for our kids, truly an experience that she will remember for a lifetime. Parent - Kenya, 2010; Peru, 2011
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Thank you so very much for a wonderful life experience. The boys had such a wonderful time on so many levels. The world is now a whole new place and I can see how it has already changed our son for the better. I know that a lot of works goes into the planning of such a trip and it went through to the end without a hitch. Send our thanks to the group leaders also, they took such good care of the group.
Parent, Kenya 2010
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The counselors were really fabulous. It was extremely safe in the areas traveled. The other students were very friendly and mature, everyone enjoyed hanging out together so much.
Parent, Peru 2011
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There are no words to describe our daughter's sense of awe with regard to the hike to Machu Pichu. It far exceeded her expectations. The training facilities were wonderful and the natural backdrop to run outdoors was simply amazing. She willingly tried every new food placed in front of her - something she would never have done at home.
Parent, Kenya 2010, Peru 2011