Project Passport Africa- 2026

Project Passport Africa (updated May 4, 2026)

• What is the application process for Project Passport Africa?

  The application for Project Passport Africa (Uganda and Rwanda) for the summer of 2026 is now closed.

  This program is open to GRCS alum who are currently in their sophomore, junior or senior years of high school.

  This is a no-electronics trip.

• Pre-Departure Register for the trip (NEW- must be done by May 8, 2026)

  All scholars and families must complete the following by May 8.

  Please begin with first setting your password by selecting the following link here.

  Please note that this link will expire after 7 days. 

• Flight Information

  We leave for Uganda on June 14 and return on June 25, 2026.

  Scholars will leave from the Lower Academy on Sunday, June 14 at 6am to travel to  Chicago O’Hare.  We will be flying Ethiopian Airlines Flight 575. It is a 13 hour flight.

  On Monday, June 15, we will land in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.  We will transfer to Ethiopian Flight 332 leaving at 9:10am and arriving in Entebbe, Uganda at 11:15 am.  We will meet with our Global Livingston partners at the airport.

  We will begin our return on June 24, 2026.  We leave Kigali, Rwanda and will fly Ethiopian Airlines flight 806, leaving at 5:40pm.  We will transfer to Ethiopian Airlines flight 10:40pm.  We will arrive, via Rome, at Chicago O’Hare on Thursday, June 25 at 8:15am.  We will need to go through passport control and get our bags.  This will take about 1.5 hours. We expect to return to the Lower Academy at 12:o0pm on June 25, 2026.

• Lodging Information

  Lodging information can be viewed on the 2026 agenda Galapagos Itinerary- Uganda-Rwanda 2026 .

• What should I pack for this trip (and pre-daparture info)?

  2026 Scholar pre-departure guide

  GLI’s Student Pre-Departure Guide (2026) – Uganda & Rwanda (UG arrival)

  Packing List

  • 4-5 changes of clothes
  • One nice outfit (collared shirt and a pair nice pants or a top and skirt)
  • Good, comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe shoes/boots)
  • Rain Jacket/Poncho
  • Sweatshirt or light jacket
  • Long socks
  • Water bottle
  • Money for personal expenses
  • Toiletries and personal items
  • Travel tissue packets or half-used roll of toilet paper in Ziploc bag
  • Bathing suit
  • Hat/sunglasses
  • First Aid/Medications
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Pocket size hand sanitizer gel/wipes
  • Snacks: granola/ meal replacement bars

  • Flashlight

  • Small toys for children (soccer balls (deflated) or Frisbees that can be shared among many,
  stickers, bubbles, etc.)
  • Adaptor/ converter: Voltage is 240 volts; 2-pin (circular) socket for Uganda and 3-pin (square)
  socket for Rwanda.

   

• Can my scholar bring a cell phone or electronics?

  This is a non-electronics program.   Scholars may not bring electronic devices or a cell phone on this trip. Cameras are allowed.

• Who is chaperoning?

  Mirela Gavric, GRCS instructor, will chaperone this trip.  Ms.  Gavric has previously chaperoned Poject Passport Utah.

  GRCS will obtain travel insurance for all scholars and chaperones for this trip.

• What will scholars do to prepare for the Africa trip?

  Scholars are required to attend Thursday classes to prepare for the trip.  The classes will take place at the Lower Academy.

  Scholars will take some basic classes in Swahili.

  Journalling– Scholars will be expected to journal every day on the trip.  In order to get ready for this, scholars will also journal each Saturday.  Scholars will be provided a small journal.

   

   

• What is the agenda for the Africa trip?

  The Project Passport Agenda for June 2026 can be viewed Galapagos Itinerary- Uganda-Rwanda 2026.

  Please remember that we leave on June 14 and return on June 25, 2026.  The agenda only shows the dates that we are in Africa.

• Are there required vaccinations for the trip?

  The country of Uganda, requires that all visitors have Yellow Fever vaccinations and proof of the vaccination.  (You will receive a yellow pamphlet confirming your vaccination once you receive it, this will serve as proof of vaccination.)

  Yellow Fever vaccine is not carried at most pharmacies.   We recommend that you make an appointment at one of the following places:   TBA

  Finally, scholars will need to get a prescription of anti-malaria pills.  You can get one from your physician or from a travel pharmacy.

   

• When do we need to pay?

  -The first payment of $100 is due by November 21, 2025. 

  -Second payment of $200 is due by January 15, 2026.

  -Third payment of $200 is due by February 15, 2026.

  -Fourth payment of $200 is due by March 15, 2026.

  -Fifth payment of $200 is due by April 16, 2026.

  -Sixth payment of $100 is due by May 15, 2026.

  Payments can be made here:

  Make Africa Payment

• How and when do I get my scholar a passport?

  Please apply for your child’s passport over winter break.  There are a variety of place to go but the US Post Office is one of the main locations to get your passport.  You must apply for a passport before December 20, 2025 and provide proof of the application to GRCS.

  The process of applying for a passport requires you to submit a filled-out application form, proof of citizenship and identity, a passport-sized photograph (get at Walgreens or CVS), and the required fees at the Anniston Post Office. It is important to note that you should not sign the DS-11 application form until the post office worker handling your application tells you to do so.

  The process to get a passport has several steps, but the employees at the ROCKFORD POST OFFICE are there to guide you from start to finish. Make sure you have all the required documents and details ready before you visit to ensure a smooth application process.

  Note: For Appointment Call (815)229-4807

  Please see the following forms for more assistance.

  Passport form DS11

  8 Steps for a Child’s Passport

   

• Are there ways scholars and families can fundraise for the trip?

  Yes, you can fund-raise for this trip. Galapagos offers three different types of coffee that can be sold to friend, family and co-workers.

  Each bag of coffee costs $13.99.  For each sales of coffee, the scholar raises $5 to go towards the cost of the trip.  So, if you sell 20 bags of coffee, you earn $100 towards the trip.

  Fundraising is not required.

  The types of coffee we have are:

  Balanced

  

  Aromatic

  

  Chocolaty

  

  Buy coffee here!