Pupils from a Derby school have travelled more than 4,000 miles to volunteer with children in Kenya in what they described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Twenty-six year nine and ten pupils from Murray Park Community School, in Mickleover, spent ten days in Kenya, supporting local schools, experiencing a different culture and taking part in lessons and activities alongside Kenyan pupils.
Supporting Schools in Nakuru
The main aim of the trip was to support schools in Nakuru, where the pupils helped with lessons, organised activities during social time and took part in construction work.
The trip was organised through Derby County Community Trust in partnership with African Adventures, which works with more than 50 schools in developing areas of The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.
Two Years of Fundraising
The trip was entirely self-funded, with each pupil spending two years raising money towards the £2,400 cost through activities including bake sales, sponsored events, school discos and a "sponge the teacher" challenge.
Pupil Ruby Bonham said:
I wanted to go to Kenya because it looked like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We get opportunities to go on other trips abroad at Murray Park, but I really liked this one because we were getting to help and support others in need.
She added:
For my fundraising, I did things like a sponsored outdoor sleep at Pride Park and sold things at school discos, so a lot went into making the trip happen. I also made a lot of friends through the fundraising.
Memories From Kenya
The standout memory for me was arriving on the first day, seeing how people lived and being welcomed into their culture.
The pupils loved singing and dancing, so there was lots of that. We did crafts, they taught us games and we did lots of activities together. We also helped with English lessons.
I loved seeing how everyone got involved in everything. Boys would happily learn to knit and girls were just as involved in football. There seemed to be less pressure about certain activities being 'for boys' or 'for girls'.
I was also struck by how openly the pupils supported one another. There was a real sense that everyone looked out for each other.
There were lots of tears on the last day. We were given so many gifts and messages saying things like I was their best friend and would always be in their heart.
I think more people should get involved in trips like this. The more people who are willing to give their time and help, the better.
The group also took donations for the schools, including sports equipment, clothing, shoes, toiletries, sanitary products, games and books.
Away from volunteering, pupils experienced more of Kenya through visits to a giraffe sanctuary and the equator, a safari and a local church service, which they described as lively, welcoming and fun.
Pride in the Pupils
Meeta Mistry, leader of the trip, said:
I couldn't be prouder of our students. They threw themselves into every opportunity with kindness, determination and a genuine desire to make a difference. They brought smiles, laughter and friendship to the children they met, while embracing a new culture and stepping outside their comfort zones.
Watching them help create a safer, happier school environment was exactly what I had hoped for. They saw first-hand how even the smallest acts of kindness can change someone's life, and that is something they should all be incredibly proud of. They represented Murray Park incredibly well and showed real maturity, kindness and respect.
It was wonderful to see them grow in confidence and step outside their comfort zones, but also to see first-hand the difference they made to the pupils and schools they visited. These are memories and experiences I think they will carry with them for a very long time.
Months of preparation went into the trip, with pupils and their families attending regular meetings ahead of their departure covering vaccinations, travel arrangements and what to expect in Kenya.
Acting head teacher George Hagen said:
We are incredibly proud of the commitment our pupils showed in making this trip happen and the way they embraced every opportunity: it's an experience they will remember for years to come.
I am hugely grateful to Emma Pilgrim and Daisy Feeney from Derby County Community Trust for their hard work in organising and supporting the trip.
I would also like to thank our Murray Park staff, Gurdeep Rai, Meeta Mistry and Joe Potts, for accompanying and supporting our students throughout. Their collective dedication has helped make this an unforgettable experience for our young people.
The visit forms part of Murray Park Community School's wider commitment to giving pupils experiences beyond the classroom and opportunities to learn about different communities and cultures.
