Through the Golden Chalk Programme, many Kenyan teachers are given the opportunity to be enriched by the historic and modern wonders of Israel.

“I enjoyed every day, especially the Dead Sea experience and the Technology Centre. The hard work of teachers often goes unrewarded or unnoticed. Golden Chalk has changed that.” – Daniel Njagi

Visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem. “The trip made an indelible mark on my life. Israel represents so much for all religions and the world.” – Elisha Ronoh

Visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem. “The trip made an indelible mark on my life. Israel represents so much for all religions and the world.” – Elisha Ronoh

Taking the traditional walk on the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, towards the Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

“The experience was fascinating and motivational. Golden Cross has a noble purpose which will impact the lives of many generations of Kenyan students in the future.” – Tonny Kirui

“So many memories to last a lifetime. The historic sites and the modern technology that shows the way forward. Will help me inspire my pupils. Very few people appreciate the hard work of teachers. Golden Chalk and Hannie are the exception.” – Melvine Sakwa

Site visit to Yad Vashem, a museum commemorating the victims of the Holocaust.

Taking in views en route to Masada.

“A boat ride at the sea of Galilee from Capernaum (town of Jesus) to Tiberium was the most memorable moment. This was a route frequently used by Jesus and I imagine myself in those days. It was a moment to behold.” – Juliet Mbogori, Starehe Girls

Within the land of Israel, there lies an ancient wall. It’s found in Old Jerusalem, beyond her gates so tall – Poem: Western Wall/Poetica Magazine

“I was happy to learn about Israel’s innovation in medicine and IT. Farming: how to improve production in dairy cattle. Minimal use of fertilizers and agrochemical and conservation of water” – Juliet Mbogori, Starehe Girls

Living it up at the Dead Sea. This experience was a must for the group. How often do you get to slather yourself in therapeutic clay and float in a lake 9.6 times saltier than the ocean?

Eunice Maina at the Church of the Nativity.

Old City of Jerusalem

The Old City is home to many sacred locations which includes the Islamic Dome of the Rock, and the Via Dolorosa – which is believed to be the path that Jesus walked while carrying the cross.

Yad-Vashem

Established in 1953, Yad Vashem is Israel’s official memorial of the victims of the Holocaust. The museum contains artifacts, documents and personal testimonies of survivors and victims of the Holocaust.

Ein-Kerem

Ein-Kerem, a historic mountain village, is known as the source of the stones used to build the Second Jewish Temple and as the place where both expectant mothers of Jesus and John the Baptist met next to its spring.

Paster Noster Church

The church’s history dates back to the 4th century when Saint Helena visited Jerusalem and established a chapel at the site where it is believed that Jesus taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer.

Dominus Flevit

The name Dominus Flevit means “The Lord wept”. This is the location where it is said Jesus visualized the destruction of Jerusalem and wept.

Garden of Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane is known for its ancient olive trees, some of which are believed to be over 1000 years old, and is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shrine of the Book

Designed by architect Frederick Kiesler and completed in 1965, the building’s distinctive architecture mirrors the shape of Dead Sea Scrolls’ clay jars. A white dome symbolizes the lid, while a dark gray wall represents the jar’s body.

Dead Sea

Exploring the Dead Sea offers a rare chance to encounter Earth’s lowest point, float effortlessly in its hyper-saline waters, and indulge in the mineral-rich mud for rejuvenation and memorable relaxation.

Qumran Caves

The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in the Qumran Caves, with the initial discovery made in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd in the vicinity of the Dead Sea in modern-day Israel.

Masada

In 66 CE, Zealot rebels seized Masada, using it as a stronghold against Roman rule. The Roman Empire besieged Masada from 72-73 CE, ending the Jewish rebellion upon its fall.

Bethlehem

This beautiful city was built specifically to sit on top of the aquifer and be the defensive military installation guarding the whole infrastructure. It’s a fortress town amongst a series of villages, which is why the Bible always talks about the best tasting water coming from Bethlehem.

Church of the Nativity

Originally built by Constantine the Great and his mother Helena in the 4th century AD, this church has been rebuilt multiple times. It’s a major pilgrimage destination, drawing Christians worldwide for centuries.

Mount of Temptation

The Mount of Temptation, or Jebel Quruntul, is among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites, overlooking Jericho in the Judean Desert of the West Bank.

Jordan River

The Jordan River serves as a vital water source for Jordan, Israel, and Palestine and surrounding regions. The river’s waters have sustained agriculture, wildlife, and communities for centuries, symbolizing life and prosperity in an arid landscape.

Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias or Kinneret, plays the role as a center for fishing, trade, and transportation in ancient times, it’s inspiration for art, literature, and music, and it’s importance as a source of fresh water for the region.

Capernaum Tabgha

Tabgha, near Capernaum and at the Mount of Beatitudes’ foot, derives from the Greek “Heptapegon,” meaning “seven springs.” It’s known for its warm sulphurous springs attracting fish, particularly in winter.

Mount of Beatitudes

Constructed between 1936 and 1938 by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, the Church of the Beatitudes sits on land donated by Benito Mussolini. Designed by Antonio Barluzzi, it boasts picturesque architecture, a tranquil Sea of Galilee backdrop, and striking multilingual Beatitudes mosaics.

Nazareth

Nazareth, Jesus’ birthplace and childhood home, saw the proclamation of his ministry in its synagogue. A historic Christian pilgrimage site during the Crusades, it’s evolved into a cultural center for Arab Israelis, hosting various educational institutions.

Church of Annunciation

Established in 1969, the largest Christian church in the Middle East is the Church of the Annunciation. It encompasses the Grotto of the Annunciation, believed to be Mary’s childhood home and the Annunciation site. The church showcases numerous artworks portraying Jesus and Mary’s life, including mosaics and stained glass windows.

Cana

Cana housed a Jewish academy in the 3rd century CE. Captured by Muslim armies in the 7th century, it became part of the Islamic caliphate. During the Crusades, Christians took control, but Muslims ruled until Israel’s founding in 1948.

Akko

Akko (Acre), Israel, boasts a rich history from Canaanite to Phoenician times. Conquered by Alexander, Romans, and Muslims, it served as the Crusader capital until captured by the Mamluks. Later, under Ottoman, British, and Israeli rule, it evolved into a mixed Jewish-Arab city.

Crusader Fortress

The Crusader Fortress in Akko, capital of the Crusader Kingdom until taken by Saladin, served as a prison, barracks, and British military base. Now a UNESCO site, it attracts tourists with its architecture and Mediterranean views.

Tel-Aviv

The most significant hub for culture and entertainment in Israel is Tel Aviv. Three of Israel’s eight largest museums are located in the city, and the White City in Tel Aviv, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, has the highest concentration of International Style buildings.

Shimon Peres Innovation Center

The Shimon Peres Innovation Center can provide you with a unique and interactive experience that showcases Israel’s innovative spirit and advancements in technology, as well as insight into the legacy and vision of one of Israel’s most prominent and beloved statesmen, Shimon Peres.

City of David

The City of David, Jerusalem’s original core, dates back over 4,000 years, associated with King David and biblical events. It’s a captivating destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

Nairobi Primary School, Nairobi. Population: 1101+ students – Mixed Day & Boarding School

“Israel has been at the forefront of improved technology in agriculture and advancement of farming methods. It has utilized its arid/ semi-desert land to be productive. The teachers would benefit from the knowledge and skills in school/colleges that are proponents of these advancement. Israel is also at the center of religious background in CRE and IRE that would benefit teachers of religion.” – Kanyingi Machira, Head Teacher

Aga Khan School, Nairobi. Population: 201 – 350 students – Mixed Day School

“Israel is a global science, technology and innovation leader. Our teacher will have first hand exposure with what we read in books about Israel. This will be a life time experience for him or her” – Ambrose Maina, Principal

Gundua Mixed Day, Meru. Population: 201 – 350 students – Mixed Day School

“We hope the nominated teacher will borrow the best practices that would be passed on to the school fraternity which in return would impact positively on performance and the overall outlook of the school.” – Lydia Marete, Principal

Isiolo Girls Secondary, Isiolo. Population: 201 – 350 students – Girls Boarding School

“I would like a teacher from my school to visit Israel because I am convinced that firstly, such a visit would be a lifelong motivator for the teacher. Secondly, the experience gained would definitely have a positive impact on the teacher. It would alos be an eye opener to empower such a teacher with innovative skills to map out strategies on how to improve the performance in their subject despite the challenges we face in the arid nomadic pastoral region where our school is located. Lastly, such a teacher would gain requisite life skills that Israel is universally known for.” – Florence Achacha, Principal

Biwott Mixed Secondary, Elgeyo Marakwet.

Metkei Girls, Elgeyo Marakwet. Population: 651 – 800 students – Girls Boarding

“I would like the teacher to visit Israel Because it will expound his knowledge of the world. It will be a motivation for the teacher.” – Edith Koech, Principal

Nzauni Secondary School, Kitui. Population: 351 – 500 students – Mixed Day School

“The Golden Chalk Programme will motivate the teacher to continue nurturing students’ talents and to encourage others to emulate them in moulding students’ lives.” – Gideon Wambua, Principal

Mary Hill Schools, Kiambu. Population: 1101+ students – Girls Boarding School

“We hope the teacher will be exposed to more extra-cultural learning. The exposure will enable the teacher to acquire more skills in handling students from different cultural, social, religious and even economic background. It will also help the teacher in both intra- and inter-relationships.” – Jacinta Akatsa, Principal

Starehe Girls Centre, Kiambu. Population: 501 – 650 students – Girls Boarding School

“I would like the teacher to experience the content of the programme of the visit and learn from it and later share it with their colleagues, students and support staff. The culture that the travel will offer to the teacher in a globalised world should benefit his/her students and colleagues to enhance cultural integration. Morever, Israel is the cradle of Christianity’s history and any information received by the teacher would benefit their colleagues and students back home. This visit will empower the teacher with more knowledge and information and widen his experience of other countries in particular Israel.” – Sister Jane Soita, Centre Director

St. Patrick’s Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet. Population: 1101+ students – Boys Boarding School

“The Golden Chalk Programme trip will motivate both teachers and students to go an extra mile in their work and do their best.” – Peter Rotich, Principal