Hear from a student firsthand on her experience in the Integrated Social and Ecological Field Methods in Kenya course during the summer of 2023.
Q&A from 2023 student Zofia Roberts
What was the biggest educational takeaway?
“The biggest educational takeaway from this trip was that conservation studies and sociology go hand in hand. There are many different threats to the people of Samburu, and conservation only does so much to keep the citizens safe. My final project with my group was on women’s safety in Samburu, and we found that tribal conflict, financial insecurity, and domestic violence were the main reasons why women feel unsafe. With this information, after talking with formally educated women at Lions Cave, and informally educated women at Unity Women’s Village, we found that more women in power for both local and government organizations would help, as well as more access to mental health professionals.”
What was the most impactful life/moment takeaway ?
“The most impactful moment I had was dancing with a young girl and her baby sister at Unity Women’s village. Although there was a Swahili/English language barrier, the love I felt was beyond what words could have even done for us. We danced in a circle for what felt like forever on our last day visiting. Their laughs and smiles are what made my heart sink into the earth, and as someone who isn’t fond of children, these were the most calm, happy, and loving kids I’ve ever met. The most humble children living in poverty, changed my perspective on being grateful for what you have. Everyday I wake up grateful, and theres not one day I don’t think about some part of Kenya, and how loved I felt with these girls.”
What is a fun memory that you cherish?
“A fun memory I cherish was Usiah and Brett making the most delicious desserts for us almost every night at Lions Cave. It was so fun for them to create new recipes, and seeing the joy on Usiah’s face as a past chef was so awesome. All eating together was always a good time, our group became very close and it felt like the most supportive, and relaxing time.”
What place stood out to you most on the trip and why?
“Lions cave and Samburu stood out to me the most. At Lions Cave, I met many different formally educated women and had very hard and intense conversations with them on topics such as domestic violence, substance abuse, tribal conflict and gun violence. This was very impactful to me. Lions cave also had these cute monkeys that kept stealing our bananas at breakfast, and huge gorillas on the other side of the river. This place also had a beautiful pool that wasn’t full, but I did yoga on during some mornings. In Samburu, the conservation was absolutely stunning to drive through, but also breathtaking when it comes to the animals. We saw many elephants, but even a whole herd at once with kids and babies. So breathtaking.”
What is something that surprised you on the trip?
“One thing that surprised me in Kenya, was seeing giraffes in herds like deer in America. That was beautiful to see, and we even got to stop and experience two males fighting. Seeing giraffes in the wild was breathtaking compared to the depressed ones at the zoo.”
Aside from your classmates and instructors, who did you meet on the trip that left a lasting impression?
“I met this formally educated woman named Rese. My group met with her for our final project, and we shared very personal stories back and forth with her about domestic violence. I realized that abuse from men looks similar all over the world, except in certain parts in the world, women don’t have the right to seek justice. I learned that just around 5 years ago, women finally gained the right to vote and be a part of society. Before then, women were seen and not heard here, not that that doesn’t still happen. It was nice to hear her story, and feel her empathy in us telling ours.”
Travel to East Africa, immersing yourself in different cultures and exploring the intersection of people, rangeland health, and wildlife. This program, led by Drs. Brett Bruyere and Sarah Walker, consists of a five-credit course that provides students with a unique opportunity to study both ecological and social field methods. Through field-based and classroom settings, students will be introduced to research methods in pastoral communities, gaining a depth of understanding about social, cultural and ecological systems that is rarely accessible to visitors in Kenya.
More Info on the Integrated Social and Ecological Field Methods in Kenya.
APPLY BY:
- December 1: Summer priority deadline
- February 15: Summer final deadline