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Into the Heart has been developed specifically for school leaders, teachers, and school support staff. Edmund Rice identity and charism is at the heart of this visit, along with a greater understanding of sustainable development in action.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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, and Embulbul on the outskirts of Nairobi, and will visit the following projects:
Most of the project partners we work alongside rely almost completely on donor funds to operate.
Below are three projects that urgently need support to expand their impact. Use our dedicated fundraising platform to ensure the funds go where they are intended.
In Kibera, women and young mothers want to earn a living—but without safe jobs or start-up capital, they face daily hardship and uncertainty. Funding is required to establish the tailoring unit and offer paid training and work for women in tailoring.
Funding need: $60,000
Your support of:
Children living with disabilities are often hidden away—denied education, care, and dignity. Families struggle alone, and stigma leaves these children isolated. Funding provides tailored learning, therapy, nutrition, empowerment for parents, advocacy and community outreach so children feel included and accepted in their community.
Funding need: $130,000
Your support of:
Too many children in Embulbul grow up without the education they need to dream bigger. Without strong foundations, their future opportunities are limited. ERCEC is a primary, secondary and vocational school for 785 children and youth. Funding is required to supply teaching resources, teacher training and make infrastructure upgrades.
Funding need: $200,000
Your support of:
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:
Hear from Sian Kennedy, former Director of Identity at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, on her experience with Into the Heart immersion.
Watch Isikeli Kubunameca, Assistant Principal Identity and Global Advocacy at St James College share his highlights from Into the Heart.
Watch Brendan Ganley, Dean of Margaret Rice Place at St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace share his reflections from Into the Heart.
Read Group Leader, Jason Bonger’s reflections from Into the Heart, 2024.
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
As we head towards the end of the financial year, your gift can help children learn, read and thrive.
In rural western Kenya, classrooms are overcrowded, teachers are untrained and under-supported, and children are leaving school unable to read, leaving them disadvantaged for life.
But, with your help, this can change.
With improved teacher training, better literacy support and safer classrooms, children can gain the foundational skills they need to succeed at school and beyond.
Your support this tax time will help train teachers, strengthen schools and help thousands of children learn to read with confidence.
