On the 16 July 2007 eleven Year 13 students and two teachers, Miss Merriman and Mrs Oliver, together with our Expedition Leader Dan Bright, set off for a month-long and unforgettable expedition to Kenya. Stepping off the plane into the hot, salty sea air and blue skies of Mombassa we knew this was going to be an incredible experience.
Our trip began with a two day stay at Camp Makongeni where we were pleased to see the fruits of last year’s labour. The 2006 Sheldon team had helped begin building accommodation for the teachers at Makongeni Primary School. It was amazing to see the completed building and appreciate the positive impact it has and will continue to have on the local area.
Next stop was the stunning location of the Mwaluganji Elephant Sanctuary in the Shimba Hills. We stayed in a camp overlooking the ‘Jurassic park’ valley and spent our days on safari, and making elephant dung paper!
The students said:
“The elephant dung paper making in Mwaluganji was clear investment for the local people. It is enlightening that even elephant pooh can play a major role in income generation!”
One of our best experiences was at a local primary school and the team reflected:
“Being involved with the pupils in Ngonzini Primary School, which is the nearest school to the sanctuary, during their very first sports day, allowed us to really interact with kids. We never thought that a wheelbarrow race could be such a brilliant way to combine two cultures!”
It was truly humbling to see so many bright, smiling and welcoming faces. Who can imagine sports day at a UK school where two thirds of the pupils have no shoes?
Our next nine days focused on community work. Camps International has recently forged new links with Muhaka Primary school which is in desperate need of repairs. Simple tasks such as laying concrete floors will prevent worms known as ‘jiggers’ getting into children’s feet. We spent the majority of our time practicing our less than perfect carpentry skills!
The students said:
“The project at Muhaka Primary School is creating a grounding for Kenya’s future work force, and at least our wonky tables match our wonky floor! We saw a rapid development of facilities in just seven days.”
Before we knew it we embarked on the long drive north to begin our mountain expedition. On the way we witnessed some ‘interesting’ driving conditions and experienced some eye-watering toilet facilities! The five day climb of the 5,000 metre extinct volcano, Mount Kenya, promised to be a test of endurance and mental strength and our team met the challenge head on. On our longest day the students woke at 2 am, reached the summit at 6.30 am and returned for breakfast at 8.30 am only to begin another 8 hour walk. Go Sheldon! A well-earned hearty meal and hot shower awaited us at the bottom, as we prepared for the final leg of our trip at the Ol Gaboli Camp deep in the Masai Mara.
Ol Gaboli provided some wonderful sights, Antelope, Zebra, Hippos, Giraffe and we even stroked a (tame) rhino! But our most incredible experience was the Masai themselves. A proud tribe in colourful robes and beads whose traditional wisdom we all learned from.
We ended our trip with an awards ceremony for the students whose good company, passion for adventure and endless humour made the trip truly delightful. Among the special mentions were Ellie Summers who was awarded a pillow for her ability to sleep at any time in any place. Ben Leek was awarded a dehydration sachet for his personal contribution to water preservation in Kenya. And Mark Lemon was awarded a knife and fork as when he was told he could only climb Mount Kenya if he ate more, he devoured three course in the blink of an eye! A huge thanks also goes to our leader Dan Bright, who was a fantastic motivator and valued member of the team. Mrs Oliver was indispensable and a real giggle.
Finally, I would like to extend a massive thanks to the students who really made the trip an incredible experience. It was mine and Sheldon’s last trip to Kenya (for now) but we wish the 2008 Tanzania Team the very best.
Miss Merriman