A group of lucky students have embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Kenya, fully funded by the UK government’s Turing Scheme, which supports international education and training opportunities for young people.
After a long journey, taking the rain with them, the students arrived at their destination and were warmly welcomed by their camp leaders. Their first activity set the tone for the unique experiences ahead, as they learned how to make paper from elephant dung and helped care for goats on a nearby farm. It was hands-on, eye-opening, and the perfect introduction to life in rural Kenya.
The group visited a local school, Ityni Primary, where they got involved in a classroom construction project, laying a new floor. They threw themselves into the work with energy and determination, interacting warmly and quickly forming bonds with the local children. Their positive attitude and teamwork were evident as they embraced every challenge. After a productive afternoon, the students enjoyed a snack and a drink before participating in a Swahili lesson, gaining a deeper appreciation of the local language and culture.
Once the classroom floor was completed, the students joined their Year 9 Kenyan peers for a food preparation lesson, working side by side to learn new skills. The session ended on a joyful note as both groups came together to sing a traditional song - an uplifting moment that captured the spirit of cultural exchange and connection.
Even with their full schedules, the students didn’t lose sight of their academic responsibilities. One evening, David led a Macbeth revision session, using 'warns' and 'moves' to keep the group focused and engaged. Their commitment to their studies, even after a physically demanding day, was a true display of our school values: ambition, determination, and resilience.
The adventure continued with a day of hill trekking, followed by a bushcraft session where students learned survival skills in the great outdoors. This was topped off by an eagerly anticipated safari day in the Masai Mara. The group was thrilled to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, monkeys, and more - an unforgettable experience that ended with toasted marshmallows around the campfire under the stars.
After the safari, the group travelled for four hours by bus to their next camp. Their time there began with a morning walk through the sacred Kaya Forest. Despite a few surprise encounters with ants, the students were fascinated by the forest’s history and learned how the local community uses its trees to create traditional medicines.
In the afternoon, they participated in additional cultural activities, learning how to prepare coconut rice and chapati, which they proudly served for their evening meal - a delicious conclusion to a rich and rewarding day.
The following morning, the students began their next community project: helping to build houses for those in need. They worked with enthusiasm and care, digging a large pit and mixing plaster from mud. At one point, they even broke into song to keep spirits high and energy flowing. True to the season, the rain made a dramatic appearance, and while the downpour and electrical problems brought their challenges, spirits remained high. The day ended with another lively rendition of the "Jambo" song, shared with a neighbouring group, and an evening of fun games around the camp.
The final full day of the trip was spent cleaning up the beautiful beach. Among the rubbish collected were rucksacks, shoes, and a variety of plastics. After their hard work, students had the opportunity to cool off in the crystal clear sea, before another game of football later in the day to round off the experience.
This trip has provided so many unforgettable experiences, meaningful connections, and valuable life lessons. We look forward to hearing more about it after their long journey home.