Local College Students Embark on Volunteering Trip of a Lifetime to Kenya

Ten students from Middlesbrough College are preparing for the journey of a lifetime this week as they set off to volunteer in Nakuru, Kenya’s fourth-largest city.

Accompanied by Katharine Hawking, Head of Work Experience and T-Level Industry Placements, and Aimey Adamson, Vice Principal for Students and Communications, the group will fly from Heathrow on Wednesday 30th July to spend two weeks supporting vital education and development work in one of Kenya’s most under-resourced communities.

The group of 16 to 18 year olds will join more than 90 staff and students from Chichester College and Bournemouth & Poole College, volunteering through African Adventures in Nakuru’s Hilton Slum – a community facing severe poverty, poor health and high unemployment. Located on the edges of Nakuru’s local rubbish dump, many families are unable to afford even the basic costs associated with attending government schools.

Funded by the Turing Scheme, which aims to provide international experience for UK students who might not otherwise have the means to participate in such life-changing opportunities, this trip will mark the first time abroad for many of the students.

Katharine Hawking, Head of Work Experience and T-Level Industry Placements, said: “This will be an unforgettable experience for our students. They’ve worked incredibly hard to make this trip happen, fundraising £1,000 each on top of support from the Turing Scheme.

“They’ve sold honey, done household chores, organised community fundraisers, all in the name of helping others, and it’s been inspiring to watch. This is about so much more than

travel. Students will be pushed out of their comfort zones and grow as individuals, making a lasting impact on themselves and the community that awaits them in Kenya.”

While in Kenya, students will be supporting The Walk Centre and The Jubilee Academy that provide free education, regular meals and essential support for children aged 4 to 14. They will assist with classroom teaching, run enrichment activities, and take part in maintenance and construction work to improve school facilities.

Millie Perry, 18, from Guisborough who studies Health and Social Care at Middlesbrough College, said: “I feel so lucky to have this opportunity. I’m quite nervous, as well as excited, as I know it will be emotional and challenging at times but I’m looking forward to helping out and gaining a better understanding of life in another part of the world. It’s a big step, but one I’m proud to take.”

Leo Johnson, 18, from Thornaby who is studying A Level Law, added: “This trip is my way of giving something back. Compared to the children that we’ll be helping I’ve had so many opportunities growing up, and I want to use my experience to help others. I think it’s going to change how I see the world.”

As well as volunteering, the students can look forward to several cultural activities including a traditional welcome and farewell ceremony, a Rift Valley Adventure day and a giraffe sanctuary visit on their final day.

Aimey Adamson, Vice Principal for Students and Communications, said: “We’ve done a huge amount of preparatory work with the students in advance of the trip, with many not knowing each other beforehand and studying a range of different subjects from engineering to childcare.

“This kind of experience builds confidence, empathy and resilience – all of which are essential life skills. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve already achieved.”

For further information about Middlesbrough College’s extensive range of vocational and academic courses, as well as its wide array of enrichment opportunities, take a look on our website.