ABOUT
Our Philosophy
Experience Your Potential
Batian’s View employs a ‘hands on’ approach where participants are active learners and responsible for the group’s success. The approach is simple – challenge the group with a physical or mental obstacle, facilitate the problem solving experience, and then discuss the process. By following these three steps, participants will examine their own leadership habits, the impact they have on their colleagues, and what this means to the group’s productivity. Batian’s View skilled facilitators will engage and motivate learners with hands-on learning and expert facilitation that relates back to the working environment. Whether the group is successful or not in a particular exercise is not what matters. What does matter is the knowledge gained from the experience. Is each person heard? Is there consensus? How does the group react to failure? How are decisions made? And most importantly, what does the group do with this newfound information?
The activities employed by Batian’s View are based on the premise that sensible risk taking in an atmosphere of mutual support and trust greatly enhances group cohesion and personal growth. At Batian’s View we seek each person’s ‘sweet spot’ for learning and growth. This occurs when participants push outside of their comfort zone, bringing a heightened awareness and focus. We encourage full participation with a program, but also follow the philosophy of challenge by choice. Should an individual decide to not fully participate in an activity, we will find another way for that person to remain involved and support his or her colleagues. Whatever the level of participation, each group member is an important and valued part of the learning process.
MEET THE TEAM
Directors and Programme Coordinators
FRED ROBERTS
Director
From 1986 to 1999, Fred Roberts worked as a Branch Director and Field Instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) East Africa branch. Fred is the Founder, Director and Lead Facilitator at MOYO Team Building Solutions, LLC. based in Tucson, Arizona, USA. He is also a Co-Director of Batian’s View.
ELIZABETH GOODWIN
Director
Elizabeth is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Batian’s View. She is an accomplished gender and community development practitioner, with vast experience in Africa. Elizabeth leads the general management, business development and community engagement at Batian’s View.
PETER KAFUNA
Programme Coordinator
One of Kenya’s most respected outdoor leaders, Peter Kafuna was a field instructor for NOLS for 11 years in Africa and America, and served as the Operations Manager of NOLS East Africa for three years. Mr. Kafuna is currently a member of the Professional Trainers Association of Kenya, a group that is dedicated towards improving industrial learning and performance of professionals from various sectors and industries.
MARY WAIRIMU
Programme Coordinator
Mary Wairimu was the equipment manager for NOLS East Africa between 1992 and 1999. She also gained vast experience working at two other NOLS branches in America. Her expert knowledge of field equipment and working with large groups helps all of our clients enjoy a comfortable, safe and memorable experience at Batian’s View.
Impacting Our Community
Commitment and Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility is a way of business at Batian’s View. Our business is built upon the values of contribution, integrity and ethical interaction with the community and environment around us. Some of the CSR initiatives at the heart of our operations include:
Underprivileged Youth Empowerment
We use experiential education to pass on valuable life skills to underprivileged children within the community. Our goal is to offer Batian’s View courses to students at local schools who would otherwise not have the opportunity to benefit from experiential education.
The Kenya Project at Batian's View
The purpose of World Care’s Kenya Project at Batian’s View is to allow talented, low-income students to receive the educational enrichment needed to contribute to Kenya’s development. World Care provides the vehicle for donors to sponsor and invest in Kenya’s youth and their future.
Local Employment
Our support staff are hired from the surrounding community and we occasionally hire up to 25 people on casual basis when we receive larger groups at the centre. This has a substantial positive benefit for these individuals, their families and the local community.
Community Investment
Batian’s View invests significantly in community development, school restoration and youth empowerment programmes.
Nurturing The Environment
Our property includes organic herb and vegetable gardens, a composting centre, and a nature trail through the forest. These elements give visitors the opportunity to appreciate nature and value conservation. In addition to the several opportunities for outdoor education presented through our close proximity to Mt. Kenya National Park, we have a well-equipped learning library and environmental education centre that provide you with the opportunity to expand your knowledge on environmental matters.
Our History
Our Founders and Company Roots
Batian’s View was started in 2003 by Fred Roberts and Elizabeth Goodwin. Our team has over 30 years combined experience in team building and experiential learning for corporate, school, and adventure groups.
Our beginnings can be traced back to the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), USA, from whom we purchased our 8 acre facility when they were exiting the Kenyan market in 2003. Many of our key staff were previously employed by NOLS, and brought with them a wealth of experience and professionalism to the Batian’s View team.