King's Ely Sixth Form Kenya Trip 2024

Twenty-eight King's students and staff - ten days - one country - three missions - to experience the magic of East Africa, to gain new perspectives, and to help make a positive difference!

Our hard-working Sixth Form team returned home from Kenya on October 29th exhausted, but exhilarated.

The students, Mr Jonathan Shaw, Mrs Katherine Shaw, Mrs Jane Halls, Mr James Houlston, Mrs Audrienne Bezzina, and Mrs Michelle Parr all camped in the grounds of St Andrew's School, Turi - the leading international boarding school where Mr and Mrs Shaw used to teach, and where former Deputy Head of King's Ely Senior, Mr Ben Pennington, is now Head of Senior School.

Team King's had fabulous fun mixing with students and staff at St Andrew's Turi, however they spent most of their time at Matumaini Rehabilitation Centre, which provides comprehensive care for disabled and disadvantaged children in a society where, sadly, people with disabilities are particularly marginalised. 

Mr Shaw said: "We were fortunate enough to spend time with these children and to contribute to some practical projects. The main project was helping to fit a new purpose-built dining room, which allows children in wheelchairs to access the tables. It is all part of an aim to ensure that these children feel valued and have a sense of belonging. We also painted the playground floor, as well as an impressive play castle to brighten their recreational spaces. However, spending time with the children was equally, if not more important. We were also able to participate in a feeding programme at the local primary school, where more than 1,000 pupils receive a maize-based drink to start their day at 7am. Later in the day, some King's pupils taught lessons at the primary school and organised activities. At the Turi Children's Project, an after school facility, we engaged in work with some of the most disadvantaged children of the village, and were privileged to visit some of them at home. The home visits were particularly challenging, providing insights into the reality of what life is like for many in rural Kenya. 

"As part of the trip, we also enjoyed the natural beauty of the country by visiting Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, and Mount Longonot. Whilst such visits are fleeting, all pupils threw themselves into each activity and took the opportunity to learn about a different culture. This is the second visit by our Sixth Formers and we very much hope it will become an annual event!"