2015 Trip – 27 July

Joe Garrens

Today has been a very good day. The day started with an early morning shower which was definitely needed, the fact that it was cold didn’t even bother me. Once we were all cleaned and have had our breakfast we set off for Kipok Girls Secondary Boarding School. We spent the full day at the school and started off by getting paired off with two of the sponsored students. My students were called Anna Charles and Elizabeth.

They took me to one of their lessons that they were in and it was maths. I was amazed at how fast they were able to solve the questions and give demonstrations, however their lessons where quite short. Once that had finished they had a break where we started to talk about their life and how it compares to mine back in England. I also gave them both letters from the students back at Acklam Grange. They then showed me their dormitories and I was shocked at how small they are and the fact that two people have to share one single bed, so that means that there were 4 girls to one bunk bed. It made me reflect on how lucky I am to have such a simple thing as a bed as I complain when Kaitlyn wants to sleep in my bed every now and then but they don’t complain about sleeping top and tail each night with a girl similar to themselves. I also captained the volley ball team to their first win!! We then also did a barn dance with them which again I smashed it 😉 bet you’re proud. I hope everything is all well at home and I can’t describe how much I miss you all. Not long until I am back! Love you all!

 

Felicity Holden  

Had the best day meeting Janeth and getting to spend the whole day with her when we went to Kipok school, it was such a surreal feeling to be actually meeting her. While at the school I gave her the letter dad wrote, the photo Em gave me and the sewing set that grandma gave me to give to her; she really appreciated all the gifts and letters. We did a barn dance while at the girl’s school which was so much fun we laughed so much and got on really well. When being shown around I was shocked at the conditions of the dormitories and the fact that the girls have to sleep 2 girls to a bed was just a shock to me. But overall the day was great. I was a little upset when she had to go. Meeting Janeth further strengthens the fact that what we are doing truly changes people’s lives. I have also just said bye to a girl who is going to do A’ levels after not being able to as she couldn’t afford it. This whole thing has made me see how lucky we all are and how we take so much for granted and that we don’t appreciate the littler things and the people that are closest and always there. Love you lots, kisses xxxxxx

 

Aaron Jardine

Today was really nice; once again it was an early start as we had to be up as we went to Kipok girl’s school. I was paired up with two sponsored pupils and they were both really lovely, we sat and did a lesson with them first and I was put in a math’s class and was quite impressed with what they were doing. They then took us around the dormitories where I learned that there were two girls to one bed which does make you think about how lucky we really are. We then had lunch with them and did a barn dance, the smiles and laughs were really good and made me realize how something little such as doing a dance with them can make them smile a lot. Anyway there are four days left I thinks which will fly by, I hope you are all well and will see you all soon.

 

Josh Cooper

We are now settled back into the Meserani Snake Park once again. This morning, we visited Kipok Girl’s School. I met two girls called Angela and Severina, who are both sponsored by the Meserani Project. They were both very interesting and spoke very good English. I and Danny Appleton sat in a lesson with our girls, where they asked us questions on Biology and Maths. It’s very unusual to see how advanced the work is that they do at their first year of secondary school. For example, Severina was learning about how AIDS and Malaria develops in humans. I literally only learnt about his in my A Level Biology course! We then sat down outside and ate lunch together whilst taking pictures with eachother. It’s always great to see how excited the children from Tanzania get when they see a camera! After dinner, the Acklam Grange Volleyball “B” team (which included myself) played the Kipok Volleyball team. We finally won a game! Whilst the “A” team are yet to win a game. Finally, we performed a barn dance, whilst being partnered with our sponsored girls. For the first dance, I was partnered with Severina, and for the second dance, I was partnered with Angela. I really enjoyed my time at Kipok School and I will always remember the two girls that I was paired up with, due to their difficult background that was hidden behind their happy personalities. Only a couple of days left now, see you all soon!!

 

Helen Roberts

Meserani snake park we are back. Today we went to kapok girls secondary school. I met two girls called Marian and Baby ad they showed me around their school. I think the school was very similar to the boys school like the class rooms were similar the scenery was the same but the dorms were not as similar. Their dorms were much worse. There were three dorm buildings to house over 400 girls 12 and up. The buildings were not strong and were not big enough to fit enough people in and they didn’t have enough beds for every child. They slept two to a bed top and tail which meant that they could get 34 in a room. Yeah you heard me. This made me sad but then later I heard that they treat this like a hotel cause they have so much which they don’t at home. The rest of the day was uneventful but the morning was very heart provoking. Hope everyone at home is fine lots of love xx

 

Matthew Naylor

Visited Kipok girls school today and met Nembris and she is brilliant. She was a little shy but she warmed to me and we had many good conversations we spoke about our families and this made me feel so close to her and understand the real life she lives not just the words written on her page. She is so special with such amazing aspirations and dreams which just shows how desperate the kids out her are to make it out of here. Sarah she loved the presents loads and had the biggest smiles on her face, also I have got some class photos and a video you will love. Missing home 😀 x

 

Jenny Readshaw

We just visited Kipok Girls’ Secondary School to meet the 42 sponsored pupils. I was paired off with two of the girls and spent the day with them. We played a game of volleyball and won against them which was good and we also did a barn dance with them which they all seemed to enjoy. I was paired with one new pupil so I had to interview her. She was second in her primary school so she was very clever which was great to see. Now we have spent all afternoon at the park (mostly in the bar) so it has been very relaxed. Tomorrow we are going to Meserani Chini and then Arusha Market. Tomorrow is our last day at the snake park and I’m sure we will all miss it.

 

Jordan Mace

Today we went straight to Kipok which is a girl’s secondary boarding school. I was paired off with 2 girls one called Sindani, who was 16 years old and Elizabeth, who was 17 years old. They showed me their work and all around their school. I was really shocked when they told me they have 2 people to one bed so people don’t even have their own bed. But I was so delighted when Peter told us that we were using the race night money to pay for the more beds so some girls can have their own beds. We played a Volleyball game against the girls and finally won our first game. After they showed us the beds and the volleyball game, we had a barn dance with them again and all the girls from the school looked like they had such a good time from the smiles on their faces. Also I had a really good time too and seeing how happy we all made them give me a really big smile to see them having a good time. Anyways, I love you all so much at home and my girlfriend. I miss you all too and I will see you all soon. Bye J

                            

Daniel Appleton

Today we went to an all girls school. It was a lot similar to when we went to the all boys school but because I’m a boy I was a lot more popular. One of the girls I was paired with had the highest exam results in her year and I was really impressed with how smart she was. I was involved in our first volleyball win today which we were happy with but it was an all girls team so we couldn’t take anything less than a win. Afterwards we did our barn dance routine which we learnt at the start of the trip. It was a great idea to do this because all the girls loved it, even if they didn’t quite grasp it. It’s really lovely to see how something as small as a dance can make the girls so happy. It was the same when we handed over our volleyball strip. I’m so happy that everyone has given me the opportunity to come to Africa and experience all this. Still looking forward to seeing everyone and should see you soon.

 

Josef Ramsay

Today we went to Kipok which is an all girls secondary school. It was similar to the all boys’ school because we did the same type of things at both. We first sat in a lesson with the sponsored students from the school, the lesson that I sat in was form 4(last year) mathematics. Afterwards we went with our students for break and then went to play volleyball. We finally won a game of volleyball even though it was quite a hollow victory because they were not very good and we were also giving them points. Afterwards we had a picnic and then a barn dance which was good fun. It was mad seeing where the girls were staying because they were in bunk beds and also doing top and tail. We all decided that we were going to use the money we made from the race night to buy new beds for the new dormitories that are currently under construction. Hopefully the girls will appreciate this and I’m glad it will be able to give them a bit more freedom.   Missing you all, love you x

p.s. tell Isaac if he cleans my room before I get back ill bring him a mint present. 

 

 

 

 

Kieran Potter

We started the day at Kipok girls boarding school which was very similar to the all boys school that we visited previously. We stared by sitting in a lesson with them which was actually a really good experience as it shows how different our learning environment is. It’s actually quite sad to see the classroom environment, it’s not clean at all and the tables are very small too. And even some windows were just frames, no glass. I was then shown around their school grounds like the dorms and kitchens. I found that in each dorm are multiple bunk beds and each bunk bed has to sleep 4 girls. It’s awful to know that they won’t be able to have a good night sleep as the beds are too thin to lay comfortably on them. The next activity we did was a game of volleyball, Kipok VS AGS. And we FINALLY won a game, but it wasn’t a good feeling victory as the Kipok girls, even though they really did try and weren’t sore losers, weren’t the best at volley ball and to make things a bit of a better game we had to lose a few points intentionally. But overall the game was still enjoyable. Everyone were great sportsmen and women. We finished our visit with yet another barn dance which was very tiring but again was very enjoyable. I’m over the moon to see that even in the poor conditions; the girls are still enjoying their education and putting 110% into their studies. This trip has shown me lots of new things and given me lots of new experiences and I have realized just how much we take for granted in England. I’m definitely going to remember everyone I have met on this trip and I will never forget how happy they are, even when they don’t have anything close to what we have at home. I love and miss everyone so much, not long now till we are home, but I’ve loved every minute. See you all soon. X

 

Jacob Jardine

Visited Kipok girls boarding school today had a very similar feel to Moita boys school. We started out by sitting in a lesson (African History), all about the Iron Age. Surprised then I was actually able to join in somewhat to the lesson. Then we had a tour of the dormitories pretty shocked to say the least. It was two people per mattress on a bunk bed and more than 30 people in a room. Then also I was shocked by the dining hall and the conditions that the food is cooked and prepared in. It was a dark room with lots of grime and mud on the wall something you would see in a Oliver Twist movie or 17^th Century England.

 

Lizzie Nicholson

Today was such a mix of emotions! We spent the day at Kipok Girls Boarding school which I have been looking forward to for over a year! I sponsor a girl called Stela Michael and today I met her for the first and probably only time. I was really nervous sat in the Matatu because I had no idea what to say or if she would even recognize me because that would be so awkward, however, as soon as we walked up to the girls, I saw her with Peter pointing at me and waving. I have never felt so happy! I smiled and waved back and as we got paired up we gave each other the biggest hug as if we have known each other forever! I will never forget that moment. I loved getting to know her because I got to see firsthand what me and my mam were paying for and it is 100% worth it! It took me a while to realize just what type of life she is getting. Truth be told, I was slightly appalled at her living conditions at first (there are bunk beds which have to sleep 4 girls and the dorms are so dark it is unbelievable). However, I had to remind myself where she would be if we were not sponsoring her. This life is like a hotel in some respects to all the girls there. I feel so guilty knowing that they appreciate their quality of life so much yet there are so many things at home I take for granted. I feel more affected today than any other day on the trip. Even sat here now outside I still can’t stop thinking about how lucky we are back in England yet how unappreciative we are. I don’t understand why things here have to be this way. However, I need to keep reminding myself how happy those girls are and that they don’t know any better. I am pleased to say that there will be funding in order to build more dorms for the girls. After spending a great lesson with Stela (unfortunately it was Kiswahili so I understood nothing) I gave Stela her gifts. She loved them and took me to her dorm. She then gave me a gift which was her bracelet. I was so touched because she told me it was precious but she wanted me to remember her. I was really fighting back tears by this point! It was so difficult to say goodbye but I knew we had to eventually. She told me to say hello mam and thank you so much. Love you all at home and I can’t wait to see you all! Xxx

 

Abi Pentney

Today we went to Kipok Girls boarding school to see the sponsored pupils there. I was put with two students and I went and sat in a chemistry class that was ridiculously hard!  I was embarrassed to say that I was studying A-level Chemistry when they asked me to help them and I struggled. Afterwards we had a picnic and taught them our barn dance- they really enjoyed it. I’m really excited for the next few days and I’m apprehensive to come back home to “reality.” We’ve still got the giraffe sanctuary and market to do but I think I’ve started to get a feel for the non-touristy aspect of Africa and what we take advantage of. Don’t have too much fun without me on holiday! I love you all x

 

Lorna Davison

We went to Kipok Girls boarding school today and I met two of the students, one was in form one (year seven) and the other was form four (year eleven), the girl in form four was seventeen too. Basically, something awful happened to her when she was younger and it was quite an ordeal and it got me thinking about how much more protected we are from horrible things happening to us at home. And also, how much harder it is for girls out here even though it’s hard for everyone because when they aren’t allowed to go to secondary school they’re likely to be married off to someone like twice or three times their age. When they are in education, the bad things can still happen as they aren’t as protected by laws etc etc and how we’re wrapped in cotton wool and kept away from things like that happening. And how it’s so mint that she’s gone through an ordeal and is still at school trying to get an education which shows just how much education means to people here. It was a really good day though as we’re having free time now and are just chilling in the sun at the bar. Anyway, having a great time, see you soon! Xxx

 

Jess Taylor

Today we went to kipok girls boarding school to see the pupils that we sponsor there. I was paired off with the young girl that Ms Crawshaw sponsors so I wanted to make a good impression.. haha and get to know her. Unfortunately, her English was quite poor which made it difficult but she was lovely! And really pretty! We had great fun doing our barn dance though near to the end of the day. After that we came back to the snake park and David kindly took some of us to the garage to get some biscuits and crisps haha.. so much for eating healthy. I cant wait for my final days out here as its been such an amazing experience and id love it to end on a high! Missing you lot loads see you soon!x

 

Rhys Williams

Today was the last visit to a secondary school which was Kipok girl’s boarding school. The plan for the day was to run it much like we did at Moita School and it went very smoothly. First we met the girls and then we got put in to one of their lessons so I ended up in a maths class which was very interesting. They do all maths without a calculator and they calculate with pie as if it was a simple number.

            We then listened to the school song, played volley ball… and won and then we headed over for a picnic which we all enjoyed. After we ate lunch we hosted a barn dance which went down a treat, however, I stepped on a juice carton and soaked my foot and then lost my sandals so I have a bit of a dirty foot. The day was truly amazing and the girls were fascinating but they were missing so much. They had to sleep two to a bed and they have no room what so ever. That did stick with me for a bit but then we are trying to help makes me feel better.

            Now we are back at camp and we are having a deep discussion about Christianity and other religion. Though I don’t think I have been able to convert anyone everyone involved is very interested.

 

Sophie Sidgwick

Today we went to Kipok Girls Secondary School, when we got there we met up with the sponsored pupils and went into one of their lessons. I went into a maths lesson in which the students were learning how to calculate the volume of three dimensional shapes. Although I’ve covered this topic myself it was still very interesting as they were taught it in a different way. I was looking at the questions before they had to start them and I expected them to pull out calculators but not one person did, simply working everything out with long multiplication. I was paired with a form one student and a form four student, we played cards and they showed me their dormitories. They have bunk beds and they sleep two pupils to one single mattress, I imagine that it would get really cramped in there when everyone was there. It shocked me that not every bed had a mosquito net as I expected that in a school here it would have been a necessity. They sang the school song to us and we played a volleyball match about them (not me personally) but we actually won this one!! After that we had lunch and then did a barn dance which was really fun. The money that was raised at the last race night is going towards buying more bunk beds for the school so that some of the girls can have a bed each which would be great for them! We’re back at snakepark tonight and are just sat around talking waiting for tea time.

 

Elizabeth Huck

Today we went to Kipok girls school which was extremely eye opening. We saw their dorms and how they lived which was shocking. In one bunk bed there is 4 girls sleeping in one; to make it worse not all of them had mosquito nets. It made me quite upset to think that they are living in cramped conditions and that they aren’t protected from such a horrible disease. At the school we did the barn dance and played a volleyball match which you could tell everybody enjoyed. Doing the barn dance made me so happy as when I was dancing Jenipher, the girl I was paired off with, was laughing and not because she was embarrassed but because she was having fun. I was so happy because such a simple thing made her so happy. We came back to camp and have had a really relaxing afternoon which I have appreciated as I am so tired now that we are near the end of the trip. See you guys soon, love and miss you lots x