This program is part of the Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) and is informed by ORICE values. GEEP aims to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning (theory) and application (practice) to address pressing global issues, in this community-based praxis initiative. Students who participate in GEEP can participate in experiential education projects designed and led by global community partners.
Details at a Glance
First Round Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (11:59PM)
- Program Type: Co-curricular (Not-for-credit)
- Program Type: Community-Engaged Research Project in collaboration with Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya (BNBR)
- Program Location: 2026S In-person, Kenya
- Duration: 2 months beginning in May 2026 + Pre-departure Program & Post-placement Activities
Program Overview
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all UBC students. Upper-year undergraduate and graduate students with coursework or experience in community-engaged research, global health, mixed methods, nursing, health systems research, evaluation, or related fields are preferred. Up to 4 placement spots are available.
Program Description
Basic Needs, Basic Rights (BNBR) is a vibrant, registered national non-governmental organization located across seven counties in Kenya. One of BNBR’s core programmatic areas is to support people with mental health conditions, those at risk, and their caregivers to live and work successfully in their communities. BNBR strives to ensure that individuals with mental health concerns can access their basic rights by empowering communities to provide care, social support, and opportunities for social and economic participation.
Since its inception, BNBR has distinguished itself as a leader in mental health and community development in Kenya by implementing a holistic model that combines psychosocial support, community development and livelihoods, and improving policy and practice through research and advocacy. Their approach is grounded in the understanding that mental well-being and illness extend beyond health systems and require attention to structural, social, and economic determinants.
Background and Prior Collaboration
BNBR’s current work is guided by a five-year strategic plan emphasizing the development of organizational research capacity and evidence-based programming. In S2024, BNBR and ORICE partnered to explore and document research priorities and develop a preliminary research agenda for the organization. In W2024, a UBC-based student team advanced this work by examining how social inclusion is understood within BNBR’s programs and by creating a database of inclusion-related policies and implementation mechanisms in Kenya. In S2025 and W2025, student teams have been working with BNBR to develop a set of tools for education on social inclusion, as well as assessment tools to work with health system professionals to understand how social inclusion and mental health are currently understood in some of the counties that BNBR works with.
Current Project
The Summer 2026 placement continues this multi-year collaboration by supporting BNBR as they prepare to scale promotive and restorative community mental health services to two additional sub-counties, with the goal of strengthening inclusion and local health systems. A central focus of this expansion is embedding participatory research into BNBR’s social inclusion programming, ensuring that people with lived experience, service providers, and organizational staff all have meaningful influence in shaping the evolving concept and practice of social inclusion.
By May 2026, BNBR anticipates having completed a staff assessment and engagement process on social inclusion. The next phase of the project is expected to involve beginning engagement with health system professionals, using participatory or qualitative methods that are currently under development through collaboration between BNBR, a Kenyan academic partner, and UBC teams.
Students placed in Summer 2026 may contribute to:
- Reviewing and synthesizing insights from BNBR’s staff engagement phase
- Preparing for or supporting early-stage engagement with health system professionals
- Supporting document review and contextual analysis related to inclusion and health systems
- Assisting in the iterative development of educational tools on social inclusion
- Assisting in the iterative development of participatory research or evaluation tools
- Strengthening organizational processes for research planning and evidence generation
Students will be in placement on a similar daily schedule to BNBR teams (M-F, 9-5), allowing for direct collaboration, relationship-building, and contextual understanding with BNBR colleagues during the 7-week immersive placement.
Student Profile
This placement is best suited for students who are:
- In their 3rd or 4th undergraduate year or enrolled in a graduate program
- Interested in qualitative research, participatory methods, evaluation, or policy analysis
- Engaged with topics such as community mental health, social inclusion, disability rights, and rights-based approaches to care
- Curious about how research can inform program design and advocacy
Students from all faculties are welcome to apply.
More Information
| Dates | Activity |
|---|---|
| January 16, 2026 | First round applications due. |
| January 19-23, 2026 | Individual interviews (Round 1). |
| January 22, 2026 | Group interview. |
| January 30, 2026 | Second round applications due if needed based on first round outcomes. |
| February 2-6, 2026 | Individual interviews (Round 2). |
| February 5, 2026 | Group interview. |
| February-April, 2026 | ORICE pre-departure sessions. |
| May 15-17, 2026 | In-country orientation in Kenya. |
| May 18, 2026 | First day of placement with BNBR. |
| July 3, 2026 | Last day of placement with BNBR. |
The pre-departure learning program is designed to prepare you for an international community-based placement. This includes:
- Pre-departure sessions led by ORICE staff and community development professionals
- Development of a learning and development plan
- Participant-led discussions and presentations
- Facilitated team meetings exploring core learning themes
- Post-placement activities
Following the field placement, students will participate in:
- A summer 2026 re-entry debrief
- A public-engagement presentation related to the placement research in Fall 2026
Participants will live with host families organized through ORICE for the duration of the program. Participants will have their own room but will integrate with the family otherwise, sharing meals, participating in household and community activities. Participants will use public transportation to go to Basic Needs Basic Rights for work.
Estimated Program Fee: $4,000 – $4,800*
Fees are subject to adjustment before offers are released and depend primarily on cost-of-living factors.
Program fee includes:
- Pre-departure learning sessions at UBC
- Room and board in Kenya
- Transportation from airport to placement site
- In-country orientation
- Mid-placement debrief/workshop
- Reflection materials
- Community partner management fee
- Program management fee
Not included: airfare, visas, vaccinations, tuition, local transportation in-country, transportation from placement site back to airport at end of placement, personal items, and daily expenses.
This program is eligible for the $2000 Regional and International Program Award. Review eligibility information here.
Students can also fundraise for the personal learning experience. ORICE staff can advise on this process if interested.
Students may only hold one award at a time. Visit our Funding page for further information.
Applications are open.
For more information about the program or the course, please contact ORICE at ubc.orice@ubc.ca
Curious about ORICE’s International Immersive Programs?
Read first-hand student stories and testimonies from participants in our Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP).
Learn more.