A Once in a Lifetime Adventure: Kenya 2025
Sixteen of our incredible Year 10 students have just returned from the adventure of a lifetime – an unforgettable 10 day expedition to Kenya with ‘African Adventures’. Our journey began in the early hours of the morning, with a 1.30am meet at school before flying from Manchester to Nairobi via Paris. Tired but buzzing with excitement, we arrived in Kenya’s vibrant capital, ready for what would become a truly life-changing experience.
We kicked things off with a visit to Nairobi National Park, where the city skyline forms the surreal backdrop to wild lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, ostriches, buffalo, impalas and more. We also visited the David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary, meeting rescued orphaned elephants and learning about the inspiring work being done to protect Kenya’s wildlife. Did you know that an elephant’s skin is actually quite prickly?
It was in Nakuru, during our five days volunteering at Ungana Academy, that hearts were truly touched. Our students threw themselves into every moment, teaching in classrooms, running lively sports sessions and even tiling an entire classroom from scratch! They bonded deeply with the pupils and staff, creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Our group didn’t just bring their time and energy, they brought generosity and compassion too. Thanks to the kindness of our wider community, we delivered vital donations including toothbrushes, crafts, stationary and sanitary products. In a particularly special moment, our students led a ‘Period Power’ lesson for girls in Grades 4 to 6, helping to break taboos and empower young women with knowledge and confidence. We were also thrilled to donate two projectors and photocopiers to support learning at Ungana Academy made possible by the amazing contributions of our sponsors.
A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our sponsors listed below for making a real and lasting difference…and that’s not all…thanks to the incredible generosity of Penwortham AFC, Ungana Academy now has a full home and away football kit! The students were absolutely thrilled and it’s safe to say those kits will be worn with pride.
After a breathtaking visit to Meningai Crater, we spent a morning in a traditional Maasai village, learning about their culture and way of life. Then it was on to a truly unforgettable two-day safari in the Maasai Mara, where we saw elephants, lions, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, crocodiles, giraffes and even cheetahs in the wild! The students’ sense of wonder was unforgettable. We wrapped up with a fabulous visit to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, before boarding our flight home via Amsterdam – tired, emotional, and forever changed.
This was more than a school trip. It was an experience that opened eyes, challenged hearts and inspired futures. We couldn’t be more proud of how our students conducted themselves, with kindness, resilience and an eagerness to learn from every moment.
Huge thank you to our sponsors:
- Penwortham AFC
- Urban Kitchens
- Flue Direct Ltd
- Embroidery Unit
- Roberts & Co Estate Agents
- Peter Booth Opticians
- Ref Stuff www.refscorer.com
- CBC Comprehensive Building Consultancy
- NWES
- Riddell tps
- Store IT
- MenoTribe
- Rap conveyors
- Interbelt
- Kerrigan Ltd
- Braymale
- vulcanconveyors
- …and all the families, friends and supporters who donated and cheered us on from afar.
Asante Sana! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Mrs Honeyman
Associate Assistant Headteacher
