This summer, a group of Woodhey High School students embarked on an unforgettable three-week expedition to Kenya, where they took part in community projects, cultural exchanges, wildlife conservation and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
From the very beginning, the trip was filled with adventure. After arriving in Nairobi, students quickly experienced the hustle and bustle of Kenyan life — complete with busy roads, vibrant communities and a warm welcome from the locals.
One of the first highlights was visiting Ethi Primary and Secondary Schools, where students learned about the challenges faced by teachers and pupils with limited resources. Our students quickly made connections, playing football, braiding hair, and building friendships that left a lasting impression.
The group then took part in two major projects:
- Installing windows at local schools to improve learning environments.
- Building homes for single mothers and widows as part of the Mama Project, helping to provide safe, sustainable shelter.
Alongside this, the students threw themselves into cultural exchanges — from cooking traditional dishes in Maweni Village to spear-throwing with members of the Masai tribe. They also enjoyed sports days with local pupils, competitive volleyball matches, and lively music and dance sessions with Kenyan communities.
Environmental and wildlife conservation was another key focus. Students worked on tree planting in the Kaya Forest, carried out beach cleans to protect turtle habitats, and built elephant deterrent fences to safeguard local villages. A thrilling safari in Tsavo National Park provided the perfect finale, with unforgettable sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and even lion cubs.
Reflecting on the expedition, Headteacher Mr Watson, who accompanied the students, said:
“I could not be prouder of our students. They made a genuine difference in some of the most rural and deprived communities in Kenya and coped incredibly well with the challenges of being away from home for a month. They were a real credit to both the school and their families, and embraced opportunities that most people only dream of. This truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The trip was not without its challenges, from long journeys and basic living conditions to demanding physical projects, but our students showed resilience, teamwork and compassion throughout. Staff were immensely proud of how every student embraced every opportunity, supported each other, and made a real difference in the communities they visited.
This was truly a life-changing experience that students will carry with them for years to come.
