• After years of teaching scuba diving lessons, not only do we love working with kids, but we know they can be some of the best teachers when it comes to honest perspectives on the environment and conservation.

• What better way for kids to learn about climate impacts than from chatting, sharing and asking questions of their peers around the globe?

• From our experience, once we have a personal connection with people who are struggling, then our efforts to make a difference and support each other become more meaningful.

• The initial goal of the "Soul-Mates" project was to pair two schools from different parts of the world with distinctive cultures, provide them with the opportunity to learn about each other and how climate impacts their regions, and develop fundraising events that would support conservation efforts at both schools.

• Our hope is that once paired, the schools will form long-term relationships that will benefit the kids now and those coming through in the future.

• Based on the early success of this project, we look forward to expanding the program to include more schools in Kenya and around the world (keep reading below to learn more).

 

PILOT "SOUL-MATES" PROJECT

• Our pilot project was established in 2022 between the Old Fort Elementary School in North Carolina, USA, and the Lettari Primary School in Narok, Kenya.

• Presentations were provided by our expedition leaders on climate change and sustainability at each school, and after this the students were given the opportunity to share pictures and videos, write notes and ask questions of their partner school. 

• One of the teachers from Old Fort Elementary recently joined us in Kenya, and she brought cards and messages from the students in North Carolina, which were a big hit with the kids in Narok who sent video messages back to their new friends in the USA.

• Water is a scarce resource in Kenya, which negatively impacts health, hygiene and subsequently education.

• As extreme drought was impacting the community in Narok, it was determined that fundraising efforts would be dedicated towards water capture systems and tree planting projects to make it easier for kids in the area to attend school.

• Similarly, the kids from Old Fort Elementary School could benefit from water capture systems that supported community gardens, which would further enhance education on food sourcing.

• On April 21, 2023 (pre-Earth Day), the students, teachers and families from the Old Fort Elementary School community hosted our first  "Soul-Mates" Walk-A-Thon event, which was an unbelievable success.

  • Participants walked a mile wearing shoes made from old tires (these can be reused for future Walk-A-Thon events too), which are commonly worn by the Maasai People in Kenya and throughout Africa.

  • All proceeds were shared equally between Old Fort Elementary and Lettari Primary School to support the installation of rain capture systems, community gardens and tree planting.

• Your support towards this effort would be greatly appreciated! Please check out our GoFundMe Page for more details or use the GR code below!

• Please note that while this project is international, Outcast Expeditions is based in Canada.

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