In July, after months of fundraising including many a bucket collection, and an epic 435km cycle we were at heathrow finally heading for Kenya!
The hustle and bustle of Kisumu awaited us and 2 action packed weeks that enabled us to see all of the projects KOP helps to fund, including that which our own money went to, VIMA. We spent time visiting children supported by the VIMA project who receive help with school uniforms and fees as well as food supplements and health bills. It was great to see how well they are doing and hear about their big dreams for the future.
We also visited local rural health clinics and saw first hand the huge impact of HIV/AIDS in the area. Back in town we had the opportunity to visit 2 hospitals providing us with a great insight into the challenges faced by doctors in Kenya. We were talked through some of the cases that we wouldn't usually see in England and had a thorough tour of all the facilities.
Playing football with the boys from HOVIC, a center for street children, was a definite highlight too, our skills sadly no match for theirs! By the weekend we were in need of a rest but at 5:30 in the morning we found ourselves, heading for Lake Nakuru National Park! It was certainly worth the early start as we spotted flamingo, monkeys, rhino and lions amongst others!
Our second week was based at Kunya primary school where we were teaching health topics to the children. With science and practical aspects to impart and no idea of what to expect until we got there, it was quite a challenge. However we had a great time teaching the children about malaria and schistosomiasis through games and group work. We also taught them the importance of handwashing with a great song devised by Katie W! We rounded off our trip with some building at Alendu school. There were a fair few laughs from the local builders about our cementing skills but we were very proud of the final result!
Kenya is a beautiful country and it's people are extremely friendly. KOP gave us a unique opportunity to experience both and to hear first hand the stories of those that benefit from it's work. KOP Warwick 2010 had an unforgettable trip to Kisumu. We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated to our fundraising and look forward to next year when we hope another group of Warwick students will have just as good an experience as we did!
Read all about KOP Warwick's first trip to Kisumu Kenya in 2009 here!