Kenya Team Leapers Diaries
Freya Axworthy
Hey Guy
Thanks for the email...all is ok here... Went to see the kids today whose schools we will be working on/with and I shed quite a few tears at how gorgeous and happy they all were....covered well by the old sun glasses tho!!!
Told Hugh that I thought they would quite like some climbing frames/assault course and I was amazed when he said get building then‚ so as everyone else liked the idea we have now decided to make it another project which is great!!! Thanks for calling the oldies sure they're glad to have me out of the house...
Take Care
xxx Freya xxx
Ali Smith
Hi Guy
Everything is great, we have started to go out and play football with the locals and it has meant that we have been able to create new ways to entertain ourselves which is great. I have started to think of ideas of plays, using local customs like dancing/singing and it’s really exciting using my experiences out here to help my acting, which is what I want to do.
We have been building an extension to the local school this week. We have finished all the brick work now and working on the ring beam for the windows and doors.
Tomorrow we hope to go in a boat then, swim with dolphins and snorkel. Everything is amazing basically, except the mozzy’s, harry is being eaten. But it’s great.
Everything is fun out here, loving the whole thing! The tents are really comfy, pastence gave us another mattress each so the beds are comfy. The food is amazing. Mohamed our chief, cooks so much and is such a legend, we are learning Swahili from him.
Considering I came out with no expectations, I had no idea what to expect, so the experience is being matched to my expectations and much much more. People are friendly. The kids are lovely; we play games with them after work, in the afternoon and teach them in the morning.
Everyone here is looking out for us and making sure we are okay. I had a problem with my foot, thought it might be a jigga, but it was just bruised because I trod on a stone wrong. Everyone in the camp was coming up to me and asking me if I am okay, do I need anything. It’s really nice to be cared for. James is very strict and disciplined, but he has our interest at heart and it’s good to have him there if a problem arises, which I hope it wont.
The projects are really fun! We are mainly building the classroom. As there is only 4 of us, it’s taking quite a long time, we are working really hard to finish it. I am loving it and am excited to go to malagangie to see the elephants. The other gappers from camp international say its amazing.
Last night we went to shark attack for the first time, some of the girls had a little to much to drink and our feeling a bit sour this morning.
There are loads of stories but its mainly like day to day banter with the staff, which is really cool but I cant really describe them, they’re kind of, you have to be here I think. Ali xx
Alex Maltby
Hi Guy,
Projects are less 'set in stone' than I imagined. This type of structure to the projects where we have a good deal of responsibility and input is very rewarding. There's lots to do-I'm currently working on building a small play area at the local peace school which has taken a lot of work to plan and build. Alongside that has been the kids club, and still the Malaria projects and water harvesting to do.
Story wise, so much has happened! Everybody seems to be getting on really well, Hugh is taking groups of us up to the Shimba Hills reserve and I went with a group of eight last Monday evening. We drove up there in Hugh's Land rover, hopped on the roof and spent a few enjoyable hours bumping around searching elephants. We saw three in the distance which was great, then stopped off for a few glasses of Pimms.
I am enjoying it a Diani but it was really refreshing getting out of camp and the area and going somewhere that looked how I imagined proper Kenya to be-can't wait to get up country!
Myself and two other chaps (Nick and Hugo) went into Mombasa on Saturday to find out bus times for a trip up to Lamu we're planning next week. I managed completely by chance to buy a guitar, and then we decided to take advantage of the cheap tailoring and have some linen suits made...perhaps this is why I'm spending more money than I thought at first! So a highly amusing day was had by all, and then we had a birthday meal in the evening in honor of Hattie Edwards.
Project wise; it's really satisfying getting my teeth stuck into some hard graft-the swing we are making has been tough manual labor, especially in the heat. It's almost finished which is a great feeling, I hope the kids enjoy it! Next is the water harvesting which because of it being really important to the school I imagine will be even more rewarding. The Kids clubs have been great fun despite the odd thunder storm and sea urchin! So all in all it's been awesome and I'm thoroughly enjoying myself-there's a nice balance between working hard and playing hard, it's so true that you
get out what you put in.
Hope all is well back home,
All the best
Alex
Hugo Coddrington
Dear Guy,
Great to hear from you, we are having an awesome time here, especially since moving up country which is simply spectacular. With a good tan and some healthy blisters on the hands i can safely say that all is going to plan, we managed to build the banda alright down in Diani, although it was pretty hard work digging 3feet holes into solid coral!
In the last week at the coast a group of us went on up to lamu, spending 3days on the remote island of kiwayu which was certainly the highlight of the trip so far, watching the sunrise from the back of a dhow at 6 in the morning was something special! And on the return journey through Mombasa three of us picked up our tailored linen suits at a cost of 35 quid, not to bad either.
At the moment we are doing some building at the local schools, putting in a water pump and a "wash your hands", and will probs be starting some teaching next week. In the meantime we are frantically trying to plan our month of travelling at the end of the placement, which at the moment involves travelling through Uganda, Rwanda, popping into D R Congo to see the mountain gorrillas, then onto burrundi and then the three day train across Tanzania from kigoma to Dar, then a few days r and r in Zanzibar before getting back to Nairobi for a flight home...exhausting!
Best wishes,
Hugo
Lilly Hamnett
Hello!
Firstly I want to apologise for not replying to any of the emails you sent me while we were out in Kenya! I haven't been ignoring them, it's just that on the very few occasions I managed to get online I didn't think I could do justice to telling you what an amazing time I was having in the short amount of time I had!
Anyway, now I'm back in England and have far too much time on my hands (I'm actually at work but I don't really do much here!) I thought I would drop you a note to say the biggest thank you and tell you what a wonderful experience I have just had!
If I had to emphasise one thing that I loved more than anything about the last 6 weeks, it would be the people I have been with. All of us got on like a house on fire, but I know I have also made some really close friends!!.
It really felt as if we had a unique relationship with both the local people in Diani and in Tsavo and that therefore the help we were giving was massively insightful and constructive!
In Diani the main project that I was working on was the building of a Banda and although basically it was just hard graft (clearing the vegetation and laying coral), it was the most satisfying thing to see the progress we made every day and I do have a few photos of the developments we made! (I promise I will send photos soon!).
We also held a kids club for a few days while the children from the local schools were on holiday, and that was brilliant fun, just playing with the children and learning about their lives and what they wanted to do when they grew up! We even taught some of them to swim in the sea! To be honest I think I probably learnt more from the kids than they did from me! They even taught me to count to 10 in Swahili!
The final project I had a hand in in Diani was the Malaria awareness project. It got off to a bit of a shaky start, we went round one of the small villages‚ with the village Elder, asking questions to collect data for the local health authority. However we ended up being taken to most of the Elder‚s friends houses (people who tended to be single men) rather than being taken to the households where there were pregnant women and children under the age of 5 who are most vulnerable to malaria. The next day things were back on track and the help was reaching the right people, and by the end of the week we had sprayed over 20 houses with the special mosquito repellent solution and had managed to hand out vouchers for mosquito nets for the women and children who needed them.
Another wonderful example of the distinctive and personal help we were able to give, was that during our questioning of the locals it became apparent that rats were also a problem in their houses, and at the end of the week we were also able to hand out rat traps that Hugh had bought for us. It was small things like this that really made me feel we were making a proper difference to people‚s everyday lives!
My favourite week in Kenya had to be the week when a group of us went to Lamu independently. Being a World Heritage Site it was somewhere I was excited about seeing, but I don‚t think I could have imagined how fun it would be, getting there, exploring, and just relaxing- not to mention the fact that 7 of us managed to rent the most amazing villa by the beach that slept 24 for about £4 a night!! It was the perfect way to end our time at the coast!
The scenery was beautiful and difference in the attitude of the people you were working with was incredible. I did my first spot of teaching up here, and Hattie Edwards and I went to a school where they had never been visited by white people before! This made for an interesting first day! We didn‚t get much work done, we spent most of the time talking with the teachers and the children spent most of the time just laughing at us! But they slowly got used to the idea of us and after three days we had all the children singing and reading and having lots of fun!
I didn't mention how fun the train journey from Mombasa to Nairobi was! I have never been on a sleeper train before, but after a 5 course meal, some lovely red wine, and a long lazy evening of chatting, I have decided it was one of the best journeys we made!
I have never left something more reluctantly than I did last Tuesday. I left behind one of my oldest friends and so many great new ones, and I know for a fact if I had not had commitments back home, there would have been no doubt that I would have extended my stay out there for 12 weeks!
Having said this I'm not worried about keeping in touch, I'm in regular contact with the guys who are still out there, and I am meeting up with one of the other 6 weekers this weekend- I just hope I have time for my old friends!!
I know there is so much more I could tell you, in fact I know I could talk for hours and hours about all the fab little stories we stacked up out there, but I think I better stop now. The only thing I want to say again is thank you so so much for providing this amazing experience for me. Not only do I feel as if I have helped in a small way, but I have also done so many new things and visited so many new places. I can honestly say I have had one of the best experiences of my life, I wouldn't change a thing and I really wish I could do it all again!
Hope your are all well in the office, and no doubt I will talk to you again soon!
Best wishes
Lily Hamnett x
Melanie Jones
I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your efforts, I had a wonderful time and enjoyed every second of the work out there. The team were all fab and I could not have asked for more, and thank you Guy for contacting my mum regularly to inform her of the latest...it really made a difference and put her mind at rest! Once again, thank you!
Yours Gratefully, Melanie
Lyndsey Byers
Dear Guy,
I have just got back home from my extended travels to find a whole host of emails that I have yet had the chance to reply to. So, apologies for the lateness of my reply.I had a fantastic time in Kenya, I truly did. My experience was entirely unique and completely different to what I was expecting (although what that was I am not quite sure).
Working and living as a 'local' was I think, the best and perhaps only way to really experience Kenya as I felt that should I have been there on holiday, I would not have seen half of what I did.
The Kenya team were wonderful hosts to us all, and made me feel both useful and wanted. Although at times there were slight obstacles to overcome, I think that was all part of the experience and I am grateful for them. They were two of the nicest people I have ever met and their endless help and patience was unbelievable. I was truly sad to say good-bye to them both.
In your email you asked for some of the good, bad and ugly moments of the trip. Here are some that come to mind.
Roaring across the Shimba Hills we suddenly came to a halt to see some elephants on our left, a mere 30metres away. A nervous glance to our right, however brought a hold herd of young elephants, just metres from where we sat atop the Landrover. That exhilarating moment was incredible.
Watching the clouds roll over the hills, into the valley we were driving through was exciting and terrifying at the same time, the weather patterns never failed to amaze me.
The many accidents, cuts, bruises and invariably sea-urchin spines that we picked up just added to the adventure, though at times, weren't the best feelings in the world.
Having little kids running across fields shouting Mizoongu! (excuse the spelling), just to stand and watch you walk by, was bizarre but always brought a smile to my face. So did having the hundreds of school kids stroking your arms, legs, body and when they could tugging at your hair, was admittedly painful but hilarious,considering the social boundaries we impose on ourselves in the UK.
I've actually run out of time because unfortunately I'm back in the real world and have to go to work, but I will be in touch again no doubt.
Thank you so much,
Laura Helm
Hi!
Everything is absolutely fantastic out here- loving every minute of it!
I'm Very happy, and the living conditions are really good, probably better than i expected but I hadn't really known what to expect.i didn't really know what to expect but for the most part everything has been perfect!
Duncan is fantastic, really helpful and goes out of his way to make sure we are all ok. I was really impressed by the hospital too- its a big relief to know that it's a good one. I was very nervous about going but Rose came with me, Monique and Duncan both visited to help sort things out so I never felt like i was on my own. I think we all feel like we are in very safe hands.
The project tasks are pretty much what i imagined. The gardening was great and i really felt like i was helping, as was the building. I have not had a chance to teach yet because of the strike.
Other than that everything is wonderful- tempting to stay here forever!
Thanks!
Lauraxxx
Mousie Lyndon Stanford
Dear Guy,
Everything is much more fabulous than I could ever have imagined, and Kenya more than ticks all the boxes! I now see what Mum means by this being an addictive lifestyle, and how easy it is to fall in love with Africa! But not sure she'll be too pleased!
I am having such an amazing time, and really want to make a point of saying how lucky we are to have Duncan running our camp! I have never loved anyone more! He bends over backwards for us, cleans our infected mosquito bites, tells us African tales and generally makes us feel at home! we've even added him on facebook, and started calling him Big daddy!
I hope the weather isn't too bad with you all, and it was so lovely having Kay in the camp.
Best wishes,
Mousie L-S
Camilla Knox
Hello Guy and the rest of the team!
Just wanted to say that we have arrived back in Diani after spending nearly three weeks in Tsavo. Had an amazing time in T.D.C, especially the week spent in the bandas. That really was an experience that I will never forget. I will send you my photos on my return.
Rose looked after all 'her girls' as she now refers to us, absolutely amazingly. She really is a true diamond and we love her. We came home a little early because we had done all the necessary project work in the sanctuary and the surrounding area and wanted to have a weekend back in Diani before we started back on our projects at Makongeni on Monday, plus we were missing Duncan as this was the longest we had been away from our 'Big Daddy'!!
But yes, basically I just wanted to say that my time has been incredible and I feel so lucky to have had such a great group to do it with and secondly, just as importantly to have had such amazing team leaders! They really are amazing, looking afer us so wonderfully from the minute we got here and going out of their way to help us in any way! You have two amazing members of staff and they have made my time in Kenya.
I can't believe I only have two and a bit weeks left, it has just flown. Anyway look forward to talking to you when I get back to England.
Take care,
Camilla
Georgia Carter
Hi everyone,
This has been sooo amazing!!! I'm in a little internet cafe. It's so slow, but so worth it. We have been going round Diani for the whole day then we went to the beach. It was so nice to get in to the water. everywhere is so beautiful, there are flowers everywhere. Everyone is so lovely, and really easy to get on with. loving it so much might stay for 12 weeks!!!
Missing you all, but having such a great time. The weather couldn't be better, very hot at nite and my mosquito net is a bit difficult to get to grips with, but I'll cope.
love you all
write me emails so I have something to read when i log on xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
sorry about any mistakes, not much time xxxxx
Tanya Brar
Hi Guy,
Hope your well? I just wanted to thank you so much for the most amazing time in Kenya, i had the best 3 months of my life and would go back and do it all again any day.
The camps that we stayed in were so nice (much nicer than i thought they would be!), the staff were all so friendly and welcoming and constantly made you feel at home;they were honestly such a brilliant team. And i couldn't have asked for a better group of people to experience it all with; i've definately made some great friendships.
I haven't yet finished my feedback form but i'll send it to you as soon as i have but i was wondering if i sent you my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Book, would you possibly sign of some of the sections?
Thank you once again,
Tanya x
Emma Banham
Hey Alice.
My Mum's parcel has finally arrived so I should be able to get some photos up when we get back from Mwalaganje! I can't believe that is was a month ago I was saying tearful goodbyes to everyone! How bizare is has gone so quickly, and the good news is that I am not homesick anymore (I was awful, which is so wierd seeing I was at boarding school!! But I did the silly thing of getting a new boyf a month and a half before I left! I remember laughing with Jess at the training day saying how silly someone would be to do that and then look at me!!!) but I'm really enjoying it, and now planning
my travelling afterwards, which is getting me so excitied!!
The new project manager came on Tuesday and we had a nice chat with him, he was really nice and came up with some great ideas for projects, also thanks for organising teaching at the sanctuary, cos we are really craving it now!
Anyways gotta go, but evrything is good here and it so hot but we are slowly getting used to it!
Hope home is good and that everyone is living it up in Marlborough, it's so wierd but I really miss Costa Coffee where I worked to save for The Leap and everyone there! God that's sad..
Emma xxxxxxx
Antonia Chope
Dear Guy,
Thank you so much for organising such a fantastic trip to Kenya this April. It was an amazing new experience and I enjoyed it for so many different reasons.
I had never been to an LEDC before so I was not sure what to expect but I was not disappointed. I am very glad that I have been able to experience Kenya life to its full. I think that the trip managed to create a good balance between experiencing local customs and way of life whilst not losing all of our Western comforts.
There is a definite benefit of having the Makongeni camp so near the village – one felt like part of the community. The camps had much better facilities than I had expected but weren’t so uxurious that one felt one was just on holiday. Sleeping in the tents added to the African experience and only having hot showers when the sun had been shinning definitely made one appreciate what we have at home! All the camp staff, including Duncan, were so helpful – nothing was too much trouble.
In Makongeni we did three different projects: building the classroom, desk building and tending to the new school vegetable patch. We understood exactly why we were doing the projects everything seemed much more worthwhile. The projects themselves were enjoyable.
The weekends were really enjoyable. It was nice to have the chance to relax on the beach and get out of the camp after our week’s work. Most weekends were spent at Forty Thieves, making the most of the amazing beach and the internet café. There was the chance to do other activities and the first weekend we went on a snorkeling trip out to the reef and another weekend the
6 weekers took the chance to go on a safari in Tsavo East. We really enjoyed being able to stay in the Rukinga Ranch and knowing exactly where the 12 weekers will be staying once we left. The safari was fantastic and even better than we expected. We saw so many game!
After our 4 weeks in Makongeni I think we were all ready for a change in scenery so going to Mwalugani Elephant Sanctuary came at a good time. The camp had such amazing 360 degree views from the top of the hill – it was so nice to be able to wake up to see elephants washing in the river below! The game drives were really enjoyable and we managed to get some really good
close up photos of elephants and the other game like warthogs (“Pumba!”).
Probably the thing that I found the most eye opening on the trip was having the opportunity to help with giving ‘food aid’ in a village only 20 minutes from Makongeni. The aim of this was to provide maize flour to the poorest families living in the area that hadn’t had access to food as a result of the recent famine. it was really touching to be involved in such a project.
The Leap appealed to me for many reasons, the good range of trips to choose from and the chance to travel with other like-minded people of a similar age!
Overall the trip was a great success and I definitely would like to thank you all for making such an effort to ensure our time in Kenya was a good one. I will definitely recommend you to my family and friends who are looking to take a gap year, particularly because I think that your service is much better than any of the other larger organisations.
Thanks again,
Antonia x
Adam Jones
Hello Dad,
Just a quick hello from Kenya- I haven't got too long as my time on the Internet is limited, but I will try and give you an update of what has happened to me so far. Could you please forward this email to Nat and Ben for me as I don’t have their email address.
The flight over here was good, Kenya airways planes are by far the best I have ever travelled on- they are very comfortable and have a TV screen on the back of every single seat. When I arrived the weather was warm and quite breezy. Its slightly hotter where I am now as I am nearer to the
Coast!
From Mombassa airport we were taken to our first camp- mwaluganje elephant sanctuary. This was to be my home for roughly the next two weeks. The camp itself was pretty much in the middle of nowhere bang in the middle of the sanctuary and surrounded by wildlife. We were basically in the middle of the African bush, which scared me at first because I'm a bit funny about spiders and other things, but I soon became comfortable! The views from the camp were absolutely amazing, and it was also kind of nice being in such a remote place without modern technology (although everyone really wanted a beer and to see some outside life by the end of the two weeks!). Whilst there we stayed in a tent, with two people in each tent. It was fairly comfortable as the tents were large and we were given small mattresses.
Whilst at the sanctuary I took part in a mixture of project work including work at a local primary school (planting trees, painting and playing games with the children), a hell of a lot of gardening and weeding, and helping in the souvenir shop by making elephant dung paper and doing some painting etc There. We also had a lot of time to relax.
After the two weeks at the sanctuary we were all transported to the second camp in a place called makongeni, which is where i am now. We are actually living slap bang in the middle of a large village community of around 300 african people. There is a lot more here in comparison to the first camp-better toilets and showers, and we are only 20 minutes away from diani beach
(one of the most beautiful beaches i have ever seen) with its shops bars and restaurants. i still do however miss the first camp. it is kind of weird going from the area i am working in where everyone is poor and it’s a traditional african community, and then having a 20 minute drive to diani beach where there are lots of rich tourists. its actually kind of sad, although the bar that we go to whilst at the beach on weekends is really good!
This week we have actually been working at an orphanage, and the work has been much harder then previously! we have been doing manual work- constructing a face, starting the new build of a classroom, and a lot more gardening (similar to the clearing we had to do when natalie first had her house but on a larger scale!). The difference we made in just one week was pretty satisfying. When we stopped for dinner we went to play with the children and it was like entertaining 50 kierans! it was really good fun though as its not as strict as the uk so you can spin them round, push them in wheelbarrows etc! i actaully had the honmour of being team leader for one of the smaller groups this week which i enjoyed. i did think before i came out here that certain things i may see here would be upsetting, but all in all despite being poor most people are actually very happy and extremely friendly. Despite it being an orphanage, all the kids were well looked after and most stil had a good home to go to in the form of an uncle or carer of some sort so it wasn't all bad.
I get on really well with all the people i've met here on the scheme and the staff are etremely helpful and friendly. The food has been fantastic (i've not had a single stomach problem or anything so far touch wood!).so thats pretty much a brief description of my adventure so far!
The scheme is everything i want it to be and more, and i think that after 6 weeks i would have had more than my fill of african life! i was going to attach photos, but i'm afraid the
computer i am on is dreadfully slow :-( i will fill you in on more detail
when i return home.
love adam xxx
Jenny Puyo
Hi Guy,
Sorry for not writing sooner, but it's been a bit hectic this end, what with me going immediately house-hunting in Manchester upon our return! But now that have settled back into normality (much to my dismay), I just wanted to thank you for planning such an incredible trip! Our 6 weeks in Kenya were absolutely amazing and I know that I can speak for everyone else when I say we all really miss it already.
I really enjoyed the variety of work we were given. Working in the mangroves was another personal favourite! Most of us actually really loved how physically challenging some of it could be!
The living conditions far exceeded our expectations! At Mwaluganje, we all expected cramped tents, bucket showers and just a long drop, but then we get there and the 2 people tents could easily fit 3, there are European style toilets (albeit that don't flush very often) and the showers are really decent! On top of that, we felt like kings with Jeffrey cooking us delicious dishes everyday!
A breathtaking view that we would all soak in while brushing our teeth every morning. And then the camp at Makongeni was also luxury compared to what we were expecting! The the local community was very welcoming and Duncan organised some football matches for us!
Off the top of my head I can't think of any other particular comments to make other than that all the staff took great care of us and I grew very fond of them all. And our group, despite a couple of hospital visits and a fair few toe stubs, was a good one I think! I hope the questionnaires we completed will provide enough feedback, but I just wanted to personally thank you again for the experience of a lifetime! Feel free to give any future Kenya Leapers my contact details if they want any information or advice!
Thanks again and all the best,
Jenny x
Amy Clark's mum
Guy
Thank you so much for both the telephone call and email. It was wonderful to see Amy looking so happy in the photo and to hear a little of what she has been up to. I am now green with envy and want to be there myself! I would also like to be their age again too.
Thanks
Lucy
September 09 team!
Hi guy
Were in the office and on the Internet for the first time! We do not have much time so wont be able to say much.
We all LOVED mwaluganje so much it was amazing, arriving in Makongeni was a big change! but all good, survived the first night at least! Food is AMAZING Jonathan at mwaluganje is a lenged! What can we do about tipping Steve our guide there? We made them
cards to say thankyou but not sure how we can tip?
The group is all getting on really well, we all loved the fact that the santuary came first to bond etc and get into the swing of working! no re-hydration issues yet but thanks for your concern! We LOVE kenya! masaai
warriors visiting tonight, and looking forward to the first break at the beach!
All the best
Us x
Jenny Amy
Hi Guy!
we are all indeed getting on well, at first i was unsure about having only 8 people in the group as i thought it was too small, but its definitly a perfect number!
i would definitly say the trip has met my expectations so far, i am so happy that we get to do such a varitey of projects the Leap is certainly living up to the reason i chose this gap year company, I am much happier working on lots of small projects rather than teaching for the whole 3 months or something similar.
We have had an idea that it woudl be good to get a finished projects section on the leap website, which is updated with photos of the work every few months so after we leave we can track the progress of for instance the classroom being built at chenukeni.
I am loving the fact that we can try so many things, I would never have seen myself doing labouring work like building but have enjoyed every second! its been such an experience so far meeting all the children, its such a contrast to our home lives its so good to be living so close to them in Makongeni and experiencing the culture.
The food has been awesome, especially at Mwaluganje which for me is perfect becasue I am a really fussy eater!
We definitly have enough to do (sorry I am kind of answering these all mixed up!) again I think the group size is good because we can all be working at the same time on the same project.
The transport at weekends has been amazing, its so good to have a driver to look after us!
Duncan has been awesome, how he took me to the courier office etc, hes been so good and supportive and keeps asking if everything is ok etc, we all loved Steve at the elephant sanctuary too he was a legend! were hoping he will visit us again. We may go back to the elephant sanctuary on the 6weekers last weekend for a sunset at the viewpoint, which will be amazing, I loved that place!
Sorry my typing has been terrible!!
Hope this has helped
Jenny
Jack Nottage (Sept 09 team)
Hi Guy,
Apologies for taking so long to reply to your messages! I decided to use the short amounts of time on the internet in Diani to make sure my parents knew I was still alive, its been pretty hectic since i've been back and only just got round to looking through the hundreds of emails collected over the 6 weeks.
Id firstly just like to thank everyone involved with the leap for an amazing experience. The whole organisation from start to finish and the way we were looked after in Kenya was excellent and the 6 weeks was definitely the best thing i've ever done. Have to be honest it took me a few days to get use to being home and the realisation that it was all over. I'm very jealous of the 4 still out there and kind of wish we all could have stayed on for the 10 weeks!
Having the first two weeks at the elephant sanctuary was definitely the best way to start. Being thrown straight into working hard on the projects and the more isolated campsite compared to Makongeni, in my opinion, resulted in the group forming a strong bond much quicker than if the trip had started the other way round. I think we were really lucky in terms of the size of the group, 4 boys and 4 girls was a perfect number.
Personal highlights for me included the week at the orphanage which was a great experience and the week spent painting the hospital. It was just really satisfying to see the good work we were doing and also how the local people were benefiting personally from our efforts. Also I have to admit I quite enjoyed the days spent on road maintenance in the first two weeks. Even though it was incredibly hard work my fitness levels are probably now higher than they have been for quite a while...which is an added bonus! My family and friends cant get over how much weight i've lost!
The staff at both camps were awesome (Steve, Big D and Combo will always be legends in my eyes!), and as I mentioned before we couldn't have been looked after any better. The food was great and the facilities were to be honest not as basic as i thought they would be!
Ill hopefully upload my photos on facebook later today. I was unfortunately struck by the camera curse on the trip and lost some of my photos, mostly from the orphanage week, but i've still got loads of good ones so hopefully they'll be good for your site!
Best Wishes
Jack
Amy Clark
Hi Guy,
Kenya was amazing had such a great time, and our group of 8 all got on really well which was good. All the staff were all so lovely as well and so were all the local people.
Hope you like all the photos, tried to pick out a few of the best ones as i actually took loads!
Saw Rosie yesterday who is my friend who did the Equador leap and sounds like she had a great time too. Am just about to fill out the questionnaire but thought i would drop you a quick message before! really did have an amazing time, thanks!
Amy
Jack Nottage
Heloooo!
All I can really say is that the 6 weeks was without doubt the best experience of my life. It definitely takes a few days to recover once you get back home and come to terms with the realisation that it’s all over. I knew when I was signing up that the trip would be an amazing experience totally different to anything I'd done before and I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations in every single way.
Friends back home keep asking about the trip but whatever I say will never really do the experience justice. Looking back I only regret not signing up for longer!
I was really surprised firstly how easy it is for eight total strangers to bond almost instantly. We all knew we were taking part in a fantastic experience but by the end we really were like a family. I now have seven new friends that throughout my life I will be able to meet up with and reminisce about the 6 amazing weeks we spent volunteering in Kenya. I recently visited some of my fellow leapers (only a couple of weeks after getting back home) and we literally spent the whole time talking about the trip. I was also surprised by how quickly you get use to the whole Kenyan way of life. Almost instantly you forget about any possibly home sickness and start to love the African lifestyle....to be honest it probably isn’t that surprising when you wake up to amazing weather everyday living within an elephant sanctuary!
The living conditions were not as basic as I thought they would be, in fact they were pretty good. The tents were clean, spacious and most importantly comfy resulting in me always sleeping like a baby after a hard days work. The staff at both camps were awesome (Steve, Big D and Combo will always be legends in my eyes!), and honestly we couldn't have been looked after any better. The food was always great and I personally know I had a healthier diet whilst out there than I did as a student!
There was never a moment I felt unsafe whilst out in Kenya. When working in the elephant sanctuary we always had a local ranger and both camps had security on guard throughout the night. Also it was comforting knowing that the team leaders were locals with the knowledge and experience to always make the right decision if there was at any point a dangerous situation.
It was really satisfying throughout the trip working on different projects to see how the local people were benefiting from our efforts. The Kenyan people always seemed pleased to have an extra pair of hands. We were regularly told how much they appreciated our hard work and the benefits it would have on the local people.
After researching different gap year companies I found The Leap to offer the most interesting and exciting opportunities. I also liked how it was a fairly small organisation and thus had a much more family like approach. They were in regular contact before, during and after the trip making you feel as though you had become part of the organisation. The training day was a really good chance to meet people and gain further information about the trip…and I know it put to rest any of my mums doubts about me taking part in the trip.
Personal highlights for me include the week spent at the orphanage which was a great experience. We helped to build a new kitchen at the school, along with regular breaks from the hard work to play with the kids…I'll never forget their smiling faces and how they seemed to be constantly happy even when I know they’ve had incredibly sad experiences earlier in life!
The week spent painting the hospital was actually quite satisfying (its surprising how much fun eight people can have when all you really seem to be doing is painting a building white!). The local contractors had done a really poor job and basically left the locals with no foreseeable way of getting the hospital finished in time, so we really were helping the local community. Also I have to admit I quite enjoyed the days spent on road maintenance working in the elephant sanctuary. Even though it was very hard work my fitness levels are probably now higher than they have been for quite a while...which is an added bonus!
I have learnt to be more open minded and willing to take on new challenges. What you get out of an experience really does depend on the amount you’re prepared to put in. I had an insight into a totally different culture and way of life gaining many great memories and friends along the way. I’ve definitely realised I need to go out and travel some more!
I would highly recommend The Leap to anyone planning on taking part in voluntary work. The whole organisation from start to finish and the way we were looked after in Kenya was excellent! I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity I will hopefully one day have the chance to return again!
Kind Regards
Jack
Jenny Amy
Hi everyone, my names Jen, I went to Kenya with the Leap in September, got back just over a month ago (I stayed the whole ten weeks) and I just wanted to tell you all a bit about it and to ask you a tiny but hugely important favour!
Firstly, you are all guaranteed to have the most fantastic time EVER, it was the most amazing thing I have ever done. The whole ten weeks is incredible and the Leap organise it so well, you will always have things to keep busy and all the projects you take part in are fantastic and really worthwhile. The first two weeks are spent in the elephant sanctuary. We saw a huge herd of elephants on our first game drive! The camp is stunning and the views incredible. It’s really good to be somewhere secluded to start with because it really helps the group getting to know each other. Although the camp facilities are pretty basic, it’s really not bad at all! WARM bush showers, flushing toilets and comfy tents! Oh and the food...literally the best food I have ever tasted! I have never been healthier than I was in Kenya!
Makongeni village, where you will go for 5 weeks (4 weeks then another one at the end) is just awesome. You stay in bigger safari tents and because you are there for so long it really gets to feel like home. You get to know people and children in the village, the food is awesome again and the staff are lovely. Make sure you visit the Cove, it’s a 45 minute walk from camp and is well worth the visit! Weekends off are great fun, make sure you visit Nomads beach bar, it’s a 15 minute walk up the beach from Forty’s Beach Bar where I am sure you will end up on nights out. There are some really cool acrobat beach boy people who do amazing shows there at weekends, also don’t miss Kim4Love, amazing live music on the beach at a bar between Nomads and Fortys!
The beach is indescribable, the sea is so clear and the water so warm!!! Make sure you get African clothes made from the Rafiki Kenya tailors in the village and make sure you meet the guy who makes wooden animals, they are so much better (and cheaper) than the ones in the tourist shops!! We helped paint the Rafiki Kenya hospital out there, make sure you check up on that, I expect you may be working there anyway. Chanukeni orphanage is so much fun, it’s pretty hard work, building the new classroom and kitchen but so rewarding!
Tsavo Camp and Kiteghe village - the ten weekers in your group will get to go to Tsavo and Kiteghe. Kiteghe was the best week for me (everyone should stay for ten weeks, believe me!!) you stay in a little hut called a banda, its super comfy and based 600m up a mountain! The views are breathtaking and the village so friendly and peaceful. We worked at the school, climbed the mountain, helped out with farming and met local cultural dance groups and basket weavers. We cooked for ourselves this week, and even ate goat! It was a really amazing opportunity to get to live like the locals do. Tsavo camp is also really cool; again you stay in huts called bandas with the best bunk beds ever! Be careful not to leave food supplies in your room though, because a wild cat broke in and stole mine! You will be able to get supplies and use the internet in Voi Town. Make sure you take the chance to go on safari when at Tsavo because although you see most of the animals in the sanctuary (we were lucky enough to see lion twice!) its so much better on the real safari.
The projects here, especially at Sasenyi school are really rewarding. The school is the most desperate school in terms of needing help you will see out there, it is really harrowing to talk to the pupils and staff. We discovered that the camp is perfect for playing 40-40 in, its all very fun. Sunset rock was stunning as well, I am sure you will be taken there, it is in the sanctuary where the camp is based and it really is amazing to see the African sun setting.
I am so jealous of you all heading out, I wish I was coming again! You are probably all quite nervous, I know I was, but believe me, it is the best thing ever! Everyone in Kenya is so friendly and welcoming. Another place to visit, while in Makongeni is Ngiri Bar, they put on films for leapers and you can go chill out there (get a taxi from camp) in the evenings and eat very cheaply, we watched Notting Hill and Wimbledon! The owners are so nice. We also went snorkelling and deep sea fishing at weekends, so good! The staff out there are so helpful with organising what to do at weekends.
And now onto my request!! While in Makongeni, the eight of us met two little boys called Mwatete and Danda, there are 5 and 3 years old and live in a house right next to the school (ask Combo, the project manager who they are...). We spent a week helping put together the garden by the school for the children to grow things to raise money. While we were there these two little boys followed us everywhere. We found out that they are not in school because they no longer have a father and their mother could not afford it.
We made the decision to sponsor the pair of them through school (eight years of primary plus one year nursery). We have paid for their nursery year, which will start when you are out there in January and got all their books, equipment and uniform sorted before we left Kenya.
We would all really love to see a picture or two of them in their uniforms/at school/in the village so we know they are getting on well. Combo (again, project manager, he lives in the village and is a LEGENED!) has offered to keep an eye on them for us and will definitely point them out to you if you tell him you have heard about the two boys. It would mean so much to me if one of you would be able to do this and put them up on face book, the leap site or even email them to me on your return.
I expect you will all be touched by the poverty out there and want to help in the same way we did, it really is a most moving experience. Another thing I would suggest, is that if any of you have old clothes or even childrens clothes you can take out there it would be a really good idea. Especially when you get to Makongeni people ask for your clothes and belongings, we gave away most of our things when we left but I really wish I had taken things out especially for the children. Also footballs, tennis balls, Frisbees, anything at all are hugely appreciated.
If any of you have any questions, I would be more than happy to email about Kenya, I could talk about it for DAYS!! I took nearly 2000 photos, loved every minute and can’t wait for the chance to go back one day. I will follow your trip on the Leap Blog! Thank you for reading this, I really appreciate it Jen xx
Jenny Amy
My Leap changed my life!
I went on the September 2009 Leap to Kenya and had the most incredible time. It was, without a doubt, the most amazing experience I have had and one that will never be forgotten! The variety of projects my group took part in made the whole thing so rewarding and interesting. I really feel like we made our mark and we definitely made a difference.
I graduated from university in the summer, worked to save for Kenya then left in September not knowing what I wanted to do career wise. I didn’t have a gap year before going to university so decided to take time out after. Going to Kenya was definitely the best choice I could have made! Whilst out there, we worked in three different schools. We painted educational diagrams on the outside of classroom walls, we played with the children, helped put together a new netball court and volleyball court and helped with two different tree nurseries/gardens. The most incredible opportunity I had in two of these schools however, was teaching. The thought of teaching had crossed my mind in the past, but I thought it would be something I came back to later on, but my experiences in Kenya have altered this decision.
In Makongeni, we got to teach an after school club, classes of up to 50 children from the village who came for extra lessons after school. As they just turned up when they wanted to, they were all different ages and ultimately varied in ability. We had no time to plan. We were just given a book and asked to teach a topic of our choice. I loved the challenge of thinking on our feet and coming up with exciting ways to work with the children. Finding means of breaking the language barrier was really fun. We came up with themed games, physical activities such as acting out words we were learning, we also made great use of the black board.
We took the children out onto the field by the school where we all had a run around and every afternoon was finished with the hokie kokie, a definite favourite! We had our project manager, Rosie on hand to help with the naughty ones and to translate when needed, but considering the circumstances and lack of planning, all our lessons went fantastically well.
I loved every minute of teaching so when later on in the trip we were given the chance to teach again, this time at Kiteghe Primary School in the Taita district, I jumped at the opportunity.
This time, we were given time to plan ahead. I taught science with James and Matt and Helen took English classes. It was really good to be able to plan ahead, especially with science because we even managed to find resources to do demonstrations and experiments. Kenyan schools obviously do not have the same equipment as we do in England, it was very limited, but everything we did was so hugely appreciated by the children.
Talking to the children and staff out in Kenya was intensely inspiring. We met children who walked for hours to get to school and studied till late at night only to get up at the crack of dawn to return to their books. Education is valued so much out there; it is often the only way to escape the poverty of village life.
My experiences lead me to making the decision to become a teacher back in England.
As soon as I got back I started to apply to do graduate teacher training next September, squeezed a week of work experience in at a local school (where I interestingly sat in on a science lesson teaching 10/11 year the same lesson James and I delivered in Kiteghe. Noting the difference in experiments shown and resources used really emphasised the poverty I had witnessed out in Kenya).
I have now got myself a job as a teaching assistant in a primary school and have a set idea of exactly what I want to do, who knows, maybe one day I will be a head teacher!!
It is all down to the Leap and my trip to Kenya. To anyone who is thinking of going, I would say DO IT. I am clearly biased, but I would 100% recommend the Kenya Leap to anyone, it is AMAZING and may just change YOUR life!