This term, 13 of our students embarked on a life-changing African Adventures trip to Nakuru, Kenya. The journey was filled with meaningful community projects, rich cultural exchanges, and extraordinary wildlife encounters that none of us will ever forget.

Warm Welcomes and Hands-On Impact in Nakuru

Our primary mission in Nakuru was to support Bliss Academy, a local nursery school. From the moment we arrived, the warmth of the community was overwhelming. The children greeted us with vibrant songs, energetic dances, and signs welcoming us to their nursery school. Our students felt like celebrities, such was the welcome we received.

Rolling up our sleeves, our team got straight to work:

• Building for the Future: We supported local carpenters with the construction of 36 chairs and 6 tables from scratch to furnish a new classroom.
• Classroom Teaching: Students led lessons across a range of subjects, including English, maths, dance, and art & craft. The students had to plan and resource all sessions themselves. Teaching a group of 40 preschoolers is no easy feat for anyone but our students coped magnificently.
• Sports Day & Celebration: our students hosted a high-energy school sports day, which ended in an epic, all-inclusive water fight involving Bushey Meads students, local children, and school staff! I have to admit I was sceptical of this but seeing the joy on everyone’s faces made this definitely worthwhile.
• Leaving our mark: with the skilled artists we had with us on the trip it seemed only right that we should ask if we could paint a mural for the children to enjoy after we left.

Cultural Immersion and Swahili Lessons

Our time in Nakuru also offered deep cultural connections. We attended a lively local church service where everyone, regardless of religion or background, was up on their feet dancing. Following the service, the pastor led us in a Swahili language lesson, helping us build communication skills that proved invaluable during our time at the nursery school.

Students also learned how to cook local dishes, getting hands-on experience making traditional chapatis and mandazi.

Geography in Action: Natural Wonders and the Equator

Beyond our volunteer work, we explored some of Kenya’s most iconic geographical sites:

• The Equator & The Coriolis Effect: Standing directly on the Equator line, we witnessed the famous water vortex demonstration illustrating the Coriolis effect, the phenomenon discovered by French physicist Gaspard-Gustave de Coriolis, showing how the Earth’s rotation influences how water behaves in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• Volcanoes & Waterfalls: The group took in the breath-taking views at Menengai Crater the impressive Thomson’s Falls.

Safari Highlights & Giraffe Sanctuary

No trip to Kenya would be complete without experiencing its incredible wildlife:

• Giraffe Centre Experience: Students fed giraffes and warthogs up close, getting a first-hand feel for the giraffes’ famously long, slimy blue tongues!
• Lake Nakuru Safari: During our game drives, we spotted lions, buffalo, black and white rhinos, giraffes, impalas, baboons, eagles, and flamingoes.
• A Surprise Sighting: To top off our wildlife sightings, we spotted a crocodile in Lake Nakuru; a rare moment that surprised even our guides, who were convinced there were none resident in the park!

This trip was an extraordinary blend of service, learning, and adventure. A huge congratulations to all 13 students for their hard work, compassion, and adventurous spirit throughout the trip!