(From left) Sharon Fake, Michael Fake, their sponsored daughter Cynthia Kanini, Susan Ferrell, Steve and Mwanaidi Abdallah
Beyond being one of the top Virtuoso travel companies, Travel Experts is one of the top AmericaShare sponsors. Run by Micato Safaris, the program matches needy children living in Nairobi’s Mukuru slum with sponsors committed to helping a specific child or children with school fees and other needs. Travel Experts advisors have been sponsoring children in the program since 2006 and currently sponsor 11 children.
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“This is not charity, this is providing hope to a child who would not otherwise have access to a safe and nurturing environment in which they can be educated,” said Laura Madrid, a Travel Experts advisor who has been sponsoring a child for three years.
"Through AmericaShare we are helping our children over the long term, sometimes through high school,” said Susan Ferrell, president of Travel Experts. In addition to receiving letters and information directly from their adopted children, thanks to Micato Safaris' specialty in travel to Africa, several Travel Experts have met their sponsored children.
"Their partnership with us creates a profound impact on the lives of an increasing number of orphaned and vulnerable children who would otherwise do without an education,” states Lorna Macleod, Executive Director of Micato-AmericaShare.
Established in 1986, AmericaShare enrolls the child in a boarding school, provides clothing, books and school supplies. In addition, contributions also provide clean water, shelter and food for the children.
Mwanaidi Abdallah, sponsored daughter of Susan Ferrell, president of Travel Experts
"The cost of a sponsorship is so minimal in relation to what happens with that money,” said Trish Mercer, one of Travel Experts independent travel professionals and a sponsor of a girl named Irene for the past four years.
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