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A Gone Fishing immersion is an incredible opportunity for business leaders and professionals to experience Africa.
It is an immersion experience for people who are curious, reflective, and open to being changed by walking alongside others. It’s not a tour, and it’s not about fixing or leading. It’s about presence, listening, and shared humanity.
The program seeks to harness and further develop the leadership, management and interpersonal skills of each attendee whilst at the same time presenting the human face of Africa with all its vibrancy and complexity.
An immersive experience is about sharing stories, seeing strength, building understanding and, returning home changed. You’ll discover that, no matter where we’re from, our paths are intertwined.
The hope of the program is one of connection.
Congratulations on your decision to participate in ERF’s Gone Fishing immersion to Kenya from 10th to 21st October 2026.
This page contains all the information you’ll need to prepare for your trip. Check back regularly as updates are added. We’ll also email this information to you progressively. We know it can be a bit overwhelming!
Please contact Finley at info@erf.org.au if you have any queries.
If you’re yet to submit your immersion application paperwork, please register for the immersion onboarding workflow by clicking the link or scanning the QR code below.
You’ll be directed to the CanYou app/webpage. Enter your email address, and you’ll receive a confirmation email to join the Edmund Rice Foundation CanYou where you can complete the immersion onboarding.
We’ll ask for important information, such as your passport, dietary requirements and Next of Kin details.
Take a look at this handy immersion guide to help you prepare for your trip. This includes the packing list and checklist for departure.
View a copy of the Draft Itinerary and information about your travel insurance for your Immersion.
Our preferred Flight Manager is Cayla Gibson from Sterling Travel Co.
She is aware of the required flights for your upcoming trip and is available for you to contact and arrange flights at cayla.gibson@envoyage.com.au
Our team in Kenya is very experienced at leading immersions and will guide you through the experience.
Aka Karanja. Karanja is an expert at cross-cultural engagement. He’s a father of two and your immersion leader.
Aka JoyJoy. Joy radiates her namesake. She is a mother of three and is your immersion coordinator.
Your will also be accompanied by our Marketing Communications Manager, Kate from Australia.
Our team will:
Over the next few months, it’s a good chance to get familiar with the communities we work with. You’re travelling to Nairobi, Embulbul on the outskirts of Nairobi and Eldoret, and will visit the following projects:
A new initiative by Edmund Rice Foundation to enable young people living in Kibera.
Most of the project partners we work alongside rely almost completely on donor funds to operate.
We’ll discuss as a group our fundraising goals and identify a key project(s) to fundraise for. Use our dedicated fundraising platform to ensure the funds go where they are intended.
See your travel doctor at least 6 weeks before departure for vaccination and medication advice. You’ll need:
Your passport must be valid 6+ months beyond your return date.
Australian citizens are required to apply for a Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
Witnessing poverty, inequality or hardship can stir strong feelings: sadness, confusion, anger, guilt, inspiration, or even discomfort.
These are normal human reactions. What matters is how you hold those emotions:
You are entering someone else’s home, culture and lived reality. Approach every encounter with dignity and respect. Remember:
Even in contexts of poverty, people hold pride, identity, culture, and agency. Every person you meet has a name, a history, and a voice — centre that first.
Immersion is emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually demanding. You may feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or drained. Self‑care enables deeper and more meaningful engagement.
Self‑care enables deeper and more meaningful engagement. There will be structured moments each day. If something feels heavy or confusing, bring it to the group. You don’t need to carry it alone.
You may notice challenges but also joy, humour, beauty, resilience, and creativity. Immersion is about entering a world where multiple truths coexist. Try to:
Leave room for learning that surprises you, shifts your perspective, or challenges your assumptions. Ask yourself:
You are not there to diagnose problems or propose solutions. Authentic development takes time, community consultation, and partnership. You are travelling to:
Immersion is not about certainty, comfort, or completing tasks. It is about transformation. Allow yourself to move through:
Recently, a group of incredible individuals from BildGroup, You Who and CV Services Group joined our Gone Fishing immersion — a journey that went far beyond travel.
Natasha Facci embarked on a two-week ‘Gone Fishing’ immersion in East Africa in 2023. Natasha’s journey, supported by BildGroup, exposed her to the stark realities and inspiring resilience of local communities and the necessity for community consultation.
Documents to get familiar with:
– Child Protection policy
– ERFA safety and security policy
– Child Protection code of conduct and Child Protection Policy self declaration form
Qld: https://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au
Vic: http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au
NSW: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-with-children-checkhttps://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check
