In May 2024, a group of students from Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) embarked on a transformative trip to Kenya, which profoundly reshaped their understanding of community and social impact. One student, Saim Haider, signed up for the Community Education Program trip to study social entrepreneurship and was excited for travel, safaris, and cultural experiences. However, the trip took them on a journey that went beyond their expectations. They began their trip with a meeting with a World Bank representative, who provided a crash course on Kenya’s socio-economic landscape, setting the tone for their experience.
The Community Education Program, rooted in Georgetown values, blends academic learning with practical field experiences, fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural problem-solving. In Kenya, the students delved into the nation’s vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit, focusing on social entrepreneurship and community development. In Nairobi, they immersed themselves in Kenya’s multifaceted context to gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of social entrepreneurship. The program was designed to provide students with a broad understanding of Kenya’s history, politics, economy, sociology, tribes, and nation-building before delving into specific issues.
During their time in Nairobi, the students directly engaged with local communities, exploring sustainable solutions to societal challenges. They interacted with entrepreneurs, visited social enterprises, and participated in workshops emphasizing innovative approaches to social issues. Each meeting allowed them to ask questions and gain insights, with everyone on the program working on impactful projects, from accessibility initiatives to agriculture-based social entrepreneurship. After Nairobi, the students traveled to Nanyuki to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer program, where they helped build houses for people in poor communities. One student, Aya Hassan, was deeply moved by the experience of helping construct a house for a single mother with five children.
Upon returning to GU-Q, the students shared their experiences through presentations, discussions, and community projects, enriching the community’s understanding of global social entrepreneurship. The program aims to push students outside their comfort zones and encourages them to implement what they have learned on campus and within their communities. The students reflected on the profound lessons they learned about community and social impact during the trip. Saim noted the strong sense of community they witnessed in Kenya, while Aya emphasized the importance of intentional collective work and engaging with people outside her usual circles. Ultimately, the trip had a lasting impact on all the students, as they returned as different individuals with a deeper understanding of community and social impact.
