I have just spent six weeks volunteering with Vision Africa, and I have had a very eye opening and fantastic experience. I spent half of my time living and volunteering in Nairobi, and the other half at various Vision Africa projects in more rural areas of Kenya.
When I first arrived in Nairobi I was overwhelmed with how different life is here in Kenya compared to home, especially as this was my first time to travel to Africa. But I soon settled in, and once I got stuck into my schedule of classroom assisting and teaching at the VA projects in Nairobi, I began to adjust to the Kenyan way of life. I spent time at Lutheran School in Kibera, St. Johns school in Riruta, Seed of Hope and the Kibera Mpira Mataani Football Office. Each of these projects taught me so much about education in Kenya and daily life for those who have very little. Some of the highlights of my time in Nairobi included teaching Science at St. Johns school to very eager pupils (a novelty I don’t think I will experience when I begin teaching back in England!), and experiencing life in Kibera whilst on a tour with Vincent. I found this incredibly eye opening and humbling.
The rest of my time was spent staying at Kandara Children’s Home, Riandu Children’s Home and Kambiti Boarding School for SEN pupils. It was refreshing to get out of Nairobi and discover how beautiful and diverse Kenya is. Each of these places gave me completely different experiences and memories that I will cherish. We did allsorts: crafts and games with the children at Kambiti, a Talent Show at Riandu, and even harvesting potatoes and helping in the Abandoned Baby Unit at Kandara Children’s Home. I thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with the children and staff at each of the projects. I spent most time at Kandara Children’s Home and had many highs whilst there. However, the saddest time in my six weeks came when Patrick, one of the babies in the Abandoned Baby Unit lost his battle with pneumonia and passed away. This was a tragic time at the home and highlighted the need for heaters for the unit to help the babies cope in the cold season that we have entered. I must say a huge Thank you to the parents and children of St. Nicholas Youth Club, Winsley and my Mum, Denise Button, for fundraising at very short notice to pay for three heaters which are now being used during the night time to warm the babies’ bedroom. I am very pleased to say that all the babies are now healthy.
I cannot believe how quickly these six weeks have passed. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Vision Africa, and have so many memories that I will take with me. The experience has taught me a lot about life and culture in Kenya, and also about myself. I will miss all of the children and staff and am eager to go home and tell everyone all about Vision Africa! I want to say Thank you especially to Debs, Kirsty and Vincent for helping me settle in, looking after me and being great company. You have all taught me a lot!
Jenny with some of the Kandara children