Thank you for following my humanitarian trip to Nakuru in Kenya with Derby County Community Trust and African Adventures. It was again a massive success. We were able to achieve the following at West End Academy:
- Relocated and built new kitchen
- Installed sink with running water into the kitchen
- Dug out footings, laid floor and began to build new two storey classroom
- Painted interior of three classrooms
- Built and installed new playground equipment for the school
- Donated sports playground equipment
- Bought new cups, bowls and spoons for students at lunchtime
- Provided the school cook with new cooking utensils
- Taught in classrooms, sharing knowledge with teachers
- Provided paint and clay, and demonstrated how these can be used with teachers and pupils
- Provided teachers packs of stationery for the classroom
- Each child received a backpack, full new outfit, pencil case filled with stationery and two cuddly toys
- Pupils in need of new footwear received shoes or trainers
- Visited five children’s homes and provided them with essential food items for the home
- Bought ingredients and cooked a meal for pupils, staff and builders
- Left behind water colour paints and brushes to support older pupils with skills in preparation for exams
- Gave sewing threads, needles and material to director for enrichment opportunity for older pupils
- Donated a small sample of reading books to keep at school with the prospect of having a school library next year
- Discussions held with a minister of education of next steps for the school
- Made positive and lasting relationships with the school staff and its pupils
- I personally shared my book ‘The Mental Health Moles’ about promoting and supporting mental health.
Here is the story of West End Academy’s kitchen from start to finish.
Thanks to a GoFundMe campaign, I took 50 copies of The Mental Health Moles with me. Here are some photos, as well as two Kenyan schoolchildren reading the book and understanding mental health a little more.
I will be returning in May 2023 for my eighth trip and have to raise over £2500. Every volunteer has to raise that amount to cover costs such as flights and accommodation, but also for the equipment and supplies whilst we are there. A portion also goes to the disability programme at Derby County Community Trust. To donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/NewmanLucas2023
If you are interested in volunteering in 2023, please visit: https://www.derbycountycommunitytrust.com/fundraising-and-events/rams-kenya