“I was privileged to be afforded the opportunity by the college and the Vincentian Lay Missionaries to go on the annual School Immersion Programme in Kenya. It was an absolutely brilliant trip and initiative. My experience was so rewarding.

Prior to arriving in Kenya, it was hard to know what to expect despite being well prepared by Maddy and our teachers. We stayed at Daughters of Charity’s grounds in Matisi. The nuns welcomed us with open arms and made us feel at home. The morning after arriving, we went to St Vincent’s Academy in Matisi. This was the school where we would be based for the majority of our two weeks in Kenya. Again, we were greeted so kindly by both staff and students. Everyone was so nice and eager to meet us! It was a unique and wonderful feeling. We were all designated different classes throughout the two weeks teaching maths, English and various other subjects. After the school day concluded, many activities, sports and games were on. There was something for everybody from football to music and board games. Spending time with the children was a highlight for us all. 

After school we would walk home with many of the students, which was also a time I cherished. Even though we were the teachers and volunteers, we ended up learning so much from the kids. Their smiles and happiness were contagious and so refreshing to see. I didn’t anticipate how much our presence would be appreciated. It was really rewarding. Our final few days at the school were quite sad. Saying goodbye was tough. Seeing some of the sad faces was upsetting. But it just showed how much we were valued. I received many thank-you letters from the students which were so heartening when I read them.

Another big part of our trip was getting involved in the local community. The nuns in The Daughters of charity run The Street Boys Programme. This inspiring initiative aims to help the many young homeless boys in the area by providing food, shelter and support throughout the week. The boys were amazing and brave despite being in such tough conditions. Some of the kids were so tired. Getting to spend time dancing, playing football and card games was great to help them escape from their poverty-stricken reality. The nuns act as real-life superheroes in my eyes. Their determination to help the most marginalised was so inspiring. On our last day with the boys, we spent our time playing, dancing, eating and singing. We also gave each boy a new pair of sandals and loads of sweets! It was a small but meaningful gesture. The looks of sheer delight on their faces will stick with me.

Since returning home I have missed being in Kenya so much. I would love to return as soon as possible! The work that Maddy, The VLM and The Daughters of Charity do is incredible! I am so grateful and honoured to have gone on the Immersion Programme and would sincerely recommend it to anyone. I have truly made memories that will last a lifetime.”