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A group of teachers through the volunteer nonprofit organization Wrestling the World are doing some wonderful things in Kenya with a new International Villages concept.
In Kenya, community-owned and operated eco-lodges are prevalent. While they support local livelihoods and economies, they do not always encourage interaction between guests and the local people. The vision for the WTW International Village Kenya changes that by blurring the line between resident and tourist. This is a locally operated facility that offers casual, meaningful exchange between travelers and residents, and access to an extensive menu of volunteer projects.
The first cottages at the International Village will be built in December with the entire facility completed in June 2010. This is a not-for-profit enterprise that will have a permanent and significant presence in the community by offering a source of job and vocational training to help Barut residents improve their life situations, as well as making an important contribution to Kenyan tourism.
WTW is currently booking trips for summer 2010. WTW's model is for this to be a debt-free initiative. Hence, 100% of the proceeds from trip bookings will go back into the community. This is an example of how volunteers can work together to change the world. For more info and to view marketing brochure for trip details and pricing visit http://www.internationalvillages.org/
Hi: I'm a writer and will be traveling to Africa in March with my sons and my photojournalist husband. We want to do a great photo safari in Kenya and see the gorillas in Rwanda. I am looking for leads on good tour companies in each of these places and since we're a writer and photographer team, we're hoping to publish some stories about our experiences.
Any suggestions for a safari in Kenya or a trip to the gorillas in Rwanda?
Many thanks--Jeannie

The World Is a Kitchen: Cooking Your Way Through Culture. Published by Tripatini members Larry Habegger & James O'Reilly.© 2010 Created by Tripatini.