Table of Contents
Everything You Need to Know About Nairobi Storytelling Tours with Former Street Kids
Are you looking for a unique experience in Nairobi? Join a storytelling tour with former street kids and learn about their everyday life with the help of an experienced tour guide. These tours are interactive, interesting and offer a fantastic insight into the lives of Nairobi’s street kids.
This article will cover everything you need to know about Nairobi Storytelling Tours with Former Street Kids. We’ll look at the history of the tours, the itinerary, and the different companies running these tours. We’ll also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of these tours, and provide some tips on infusing your own “voice” into the experience.
History of Nairobi Storytelling Tours with Former Street Kids
The idea of a storytelling tour with former street kids originated in 1993, when American teacher and author Rick Van Gestel started touring the world with his “Care for the Street Kids” program. This program provided an opportunity for street kids to meet with visiting tourists and tell them about their lives in exchange for a learning experience for the visitor.
Van Gestel’s work soon attracted the attention of many philanthropists and organizations, which began reaching out for help. One of these organizations was the Naijiri Initiative, a non-profit based in Nairobi. The organization partnered with the Kenyan government to develop the “Nairobi Storytelling Tours” program. This program was designed to teach former street kids life skills and help them find employment.
The program initially got off to a slow start, largely due to a lack of funding and resources. However, it continued to grow over time, and in 2009 it was launched as a full-fledged tour guide service by Naijiri Initiative.
What You Can Expect on a Nairobi Storytelling Tour with Former Street Kids
The itinerary of a Nairobi Storytelling Tour is largely determined by who is on the tour, as they will each have different interests. However, it typically starts with an introduction to the tour guide who will be explaining different aspects of their daily life and sharing stories about their experiences living on the streets.
As the tour progresses, visitors will be taken on an exploration of different areas in the city. They will learn about local street culture and gain an understanding of what it is like to live as a street kid in Nairobi. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with other former street kids, who will often be more than happy to share their stories.
Finally, the tour ends with a summary and reflection of all that was experienced during the tour. The conclusion is a great opportunity for visitors to think deeply about how their own lives compare with those of former street kids and how they can best give back to their community in a positive way.
Advantages of Taking a Tour with Former Street Kids
There are many advantages to taking a tour with former street kids in Nairobi. First and foremost, it offers a unique peek into local life and culture. Participants will get to connect with real locals and learn about the day-to-day struggles that come with living on the streets in Nairobi.
Another advantage of taking this kind of tour is that you’ll gain a better understanding of poverty and see first-hand how people are impacted by it. These experiences can often inspire personal reflection and change, as well as motivate people to take action and make a difference in other people’s lives.
Finally, taking part in this kind of tour also provides employment opportunities for former street kids. All profits go back into the Naijiri Initiative program, which provides training, funding and education opportunities for youth living on the street.
Disadvantages of Taking a Tour with Former Street Kids
Although these tours are quite popular, there are some drawbacks that visitors should be aware of prior to signing up for one. Firstly, participants should be prepared for difficult topics to be discussed. These tours provide an honest look at poverty and its effects, so visitors should be ready to hear unflattering stories about life on the streets.
Additionally, many of these tours are conducted in English so it can be difficult for non-English speakers to follow along and understand everything that is being said.
Finally, since these are real-life stories being shared by former street kids, it’s important to remember that these stories may contain graphic content or explicit language that could be unsuitable for some visitors.
Tips on Infusing Your Own “Voice” During the Tour
Although these tours normally follow a set itinerary, they are ultimately designed as interactive experiences where participants have an opportunity to learn from each other. To maximize this experience and make sure your own “voice” is heard during the tour, here are some helpful tips:
- Ask questions – Asking questions is a great way to gain further understanding about what is being discussed during the tour.
- Listen with respect – As you hear stories from former street kids, be sure to listen with respect and without judgement.
- Share your own experiences – If you feel comfortable doing so, share some of your own stories to enrich conversation and add more context for everyone involved.
- Offer your help – If you are especially passionate about creating lasting change for former street kids in your area, let them know how you can help.
Final Thoughts on Storytelling Tours with Former Street Kids
Storytelling tours with former street kids provide a unique insight into life on the streets in Nairobi. Not only will participants gain an understanding of poverty and its effects, but they will also have an opportunity to interact with individuals living this reality every day. Participants should be warned that these tours contain difficult topics, so they must come prepared for what they may see or hear during the experience.
If you’re looking for an interactive tour that provides an informative experience as well as gives back to the community at the same time, consider joining a storytelling tour with former street kids in Nairobi. To book your own experience, click here.
