Originally created to help young people of limited means to experience the countryside and cities of the world, hostels are now at the heart of international tourism for a wide age group. Hosteliers contribute an estimated US$1.4 billion to tourist revenues worldwide every year.
Flora and fauna in Kenya, one of the many reasons Kenya is a must visit
Spectacular views and wondrous animals
Since 1909, when hostelling was born out of the excursions of German Schoolteacher Richard Shirrmann and his pupils, it has become one of the world's biggest international membership organizations for youth, with over 3 million members and a mission that has never been more relevant.
KYHA aims to build a united world with young people, a world without barriers, more friendly, hospitable and tolerant to others. Hostelling fights against discriminations, racism and xenophobia. So, Kenya Youth Hostels welcomes all the young to share these values and promote them!
By joining (KYHA), as well as staying in its network of hostels, taking part in their activities implies that you have accepted to respect other people different from you. Learning from confrontation facilitates mutual knowledge and understanding, leading to tolerance. Hostels are also privileged places for personal development, which allows a better access to citizenship and autonomy.
Traditionally, Youth Hostels are aimed at providing accommodation for young people travelling around the world; they are also collective living areas offering the opportunity to mix with people from different cultures. Kenya Youth Hostels Association (KYHA) has 6 Youth Hostels, connecting with over 4200 Hostels under the label Hostelling International.
Today's hosteller is just as likely to be in his thirties and bring his family by car, as to arrive alone on foot with a backpack, or be part of a school group. Nor is hostelling an end in itself. All ages use hostels as their gateway to cultural exploration and the appreciation of nature.
By James Muraguri Gichohi
Kenya Youth Hostels Association
Web http://www.kyha.or.ke
