2017 Trip – 23 July

Ameer Ali

Today is a week since coming to Africa and the past week has been amazing. However, today it has been a long good day, we all got up for 6 to get breakfast for 6:45 then afterwards we visited a school called “Moita Boys School” when we arrived to the school. Peter put me in a group of two students who were called Lawassa and Ninai. One of the is 17 (Ninai) and the other is 15 (Lawassa) at the start of the day there they took me on a tour of there boarding school. It was interesting because I learnt that there is 150 students in each dorm and round about 8 students in each dorm so all together there was 4 dorms. Later on the day we went back to the library where we sat and gave the students their sponsor letters. Each of there letter was very touching and emotional. After they read the letter I had to help them to write on back, both of the students had better handwriting than me! Once they completed the letter I gave them each of my profile letter about myself and they were amused what I looked like at prom. Now I have just arrived back at Snake Park, where I will be having dinner and going to the bar to play darts with my mate jack.

 

Rachel Smith

Today was Moita all boys secondary school and I was grouped up with a boy in form 1 Elias, a boy in form 3 John and a boy in form 4 Simon. They were all really nice, really interested in me and my life and really keen to show me around their school. Simon’s English was the best and he was chatting to me a lot. He asked me whether I was a Christian or Muslim and when I said I wasn’t religious he was so confused asking why and what I do on a Sunday if I don’t go to Church, he laughed when I said I just have a Sunday dinner and chill haha. When we played Aliens they all were really enthusiastic, sprinting around the school, I genuinely couldn’t keep up haha. John’s English was really good as well and he was really bubbly and chatty always telling me what he’d done. Elias’s English wasn’t as good but he was really sweet and he got really involved in the game. Simon had had a visit from his sponsors a couple of months ago so he didn’t have a letter but he said he really enjoyed them visiting. John and Elias had lovely letters from their sponsors and they wrote them such nice things back that will make their sponsors day when they read them! I gave them each a pack of cards and Simon tried to teach me a game but then all of a sudden two jokers were put down and I was out of the game… fair to say I didn’t understand it at all! After, we gave out hoodies and prizes which they really appreciated. The entire day was really fun. On the way out we passed the head teacher so I gave him the Subsea pens for all of the teachers to use (thanks Dad), he was thankful and asked me about my studies back home. We’re back at camp now just sorting out some of the project stuff then its Mexican for tea… get in boys. I’m absolutely loving meeting all the kids they are so dedicated to their education regardless of their background.

Loving life here! x

 

Olivia Sharrocks

So today we went to moita which is an all boys secondary school. I was grouped with 3 boys one called babu, joshua and zebedayo. They were all different ages as they were in different form groups. Then once we had got together we then gave them the letters from their sponsors like we did yesterday. It was really good to get babu as he was a child that my form group sponsored in year 9 so I got to meet him and tell him all bout our school and how we raised money for him to go to school. They told me how they go to church every Sunday for the older ones but every Saturday for the younger ones and that while they are at church they sing. They showed me their dormitories which was different to yesterday as the boys there is only one to a bed but in the girls there was two to a bed. After I had helped them write their letter back we then went and played the same game as yesterday but today was mad as the boys are so independent and ran away individually which was funny as I lost all three boys in under a minute.

Miss you all so much hope you are both having a good time in America and Connor I hope your not bored at home love you all so much not long till I’m home

Love liv xxx

 

Isobel Mason-Nixon

Hello everyone. I hope you are all okay and aren’t missing me too much. I hope the Carters are all okay as well.

So today was a day I was really nervous about and that was visiting Moita boys boarding school but I actually had a really good day. When we arrived at the school I was really nervous due to the amount of people who were there but I soon settled down. I was partnered with a boy called Jerimier and he was really good at English. The amount of questions he asked about England was crazy he must have been really interested. He took me for a tour of the place and it was a lot better than the girls boarding school as each boy had their own bed unlike the girls who had to share. The English level between the girls and the boys were crazy the boys understood a lot more. I met a boy called Babu who I sponsored when I was in Miss Taylors form in Year 9 which I honestly totally forgot about. They did a dance for us and we all got involved and it was so funny. When we were in the Mutatu when we were driving home me and David had a waving contest and of course I won. We are just getting everything sorted and chilling tonight and I am in desperate need for a shower!!!

I love you all and miss you like crazy. Stay safe and see you soon.

Izzy xxxx

 

Joe Carter

Hi all!!

I hope you are all doing well and have had a good day, even the Nixons.

Today was very exciting as we got to visit Moita boys boarding school. When we arrived all the boys who had sponsors came over and the amount was crazy, they were really excited and very happy. I was paired off with my old form groups sponsor and Mrs Ferguson’s sponsored pupil which was really good as I had the privilege of spending the day with them both and I also go to see where they study and sleep. To me the boys school is better than the girls one as each boy had their own bed. The two students I was with spoke very good English and there wasn’t much of a language barrier. The two boys were very interested in England as they kept asking questions about the weather and the local area. During the day we played game called Aliens and to my surprise my team won. The two lads both got the choice of picking a top for their prize and there faces lit up. I was able to give Immanuel the sponsor from before a Boro top and ball while Eeman and Rachel both gave him a Manchester united Top and he was really happy. I managed to get a few photos with both pupils so I am going to send them to the teachers.

Hope everyone isn’t missing me to much and ill be home soon ish.

Love and miss you all

Joe xx

 

Abigail Pentney

HI!

Today we went to Moita Secondary School which is just for boys. I was partnered with two boys called Daniel and Jacob. They both spoke perfect English and asked me lots of questions about England and what it’s like. They both wrote really good letters to their sponsors and were so thankful. They both wanted to be doctors and were so hopeful; it was amazing. When we were walking round all the boys wanted photos with me and got really excited. I don’t want to know what they were saying in Swahili! We played a really fun game called aliens which involves a lot of running and my team can second and they were really pleased because they got a t shirt each. They were so curious about England and it made me thankful for the education system we have. We’re just sorting out project equipment now then we’ll have free time.

We’re visiting another primary school tomorrow which should be really nice. I am still enjoying myself. I hope you’re having a fab time on holiday, it’s really nice weather here! Love you all lots,

Abi xxx

 

Sam Matthewman

Hi folks! Today has been great. I had an early morning shower again and a great breakfast with pineapple. We had a long drive to Moita in Mtatus and I got to meet my paired boys. Their English was quite good and they wrote letters back to their sponsors which were really personal. The students loved reading their letters and really appreciate the support they have. The ones I was paired with are trying their best to achieve great results in the final examinations so they can go to college to hopefully train as doctors. The students gave me a tour of the school which was interesting and then I presented a football to the school. The trip back was long and bumpy, but we got back and I’ve mopped the truck and helped Peter. There seems to be always something to do. We are at a primary school tomorrow and our next market is next Sunday, so I am looking forward to that. I am really enjoying it here and it is an amazing experience with so much still left to do! I am shockingly not missing my phone yet and I seem to be alright being outside my comfort zone. I hope you are all good and everything is going well.

Lots of love, Sam x

 

James Proud

Today we visited Moita boys’ school and got paired with three boys. My group consisted of Samwel, Loota, and Hobil. They were so eager to talk to me and show me around the school. The school was definitely bigger and there was only one boy to a bed. The language barrier was a lot less of a problem today so, although I loved yesterday, today was a little more enjoyable. No matter if you’ve seen it before, seeing some of the conditions can still surprise you. For instance, the toilet was just a hole in the floor. I think I enjoyed Aliens a lot more today as well because I was too slow for the boys so I had to wait in line while they ran and found the cards.

I am really enjoying my time here and the food is amazing. I thought I would lose weight on this trip but the food is too nice not to go for a second plate.

 

Joe Readshaw

Today was another early start, I’m slowly getting used to getting up at about 6 every morning. We headed to Moita Boy’s Secondary School, I was really excited about today because I was going to meet Jenny’s sponsored pupil Meja Langas. It was a further drive to the school, we even passed Kipok on the way there. Once we arrived I was partnered with two students, Meja and Imanuel, they both spoke very good English and were clearly very intelligent, we wrote a letter in reply to their sponsors, it was good to tell Meja about all the things Jenny has being doing in the past year, but it was heartbreaking to hear him ask for her to visit him again and when we would return. We played another game of aliens, this time it was much more competitive, both Meja and Imanuel were amazing at remembering the English and numbers. We then had lunch, I saved a packed of crisps from yesterday to give them both as well as some biscuits which I think they enjoyed. I got a picture with them both and then we headed back to the SnakePark to sort out the Lock-ups. It was really hard to leave the school and leave Meja, he seemed very quiet, but talkative if spoken to and reminded me of myself, I would really like to see him again, but at least I have a picture of him to show Jenny.

 

Lauren Dalton

Today was special as I got to meet our family’s sponsor, Daniel, and Moita Boys’ Secondary Boarding School. He was quite shy but very sweet, and he wouldn’t let go of my hand all day which was lovely. I was also grouped with another pupil called Saiguran, and as he was a bit older he was better at English, and he helped me and Daniel to converse

 

Jack Beckley

Today we went to Moita Boys’ Secondary and I met 2 boys called Mohamedi and Lioni and they both have very big aspirations Mohamedi wants to play for Chelsea and Lioni wants to be the president of Tanzania. They were both really nice and very competitive when it came to aliens. We had lunch with them and helped them write letters to their sponsors. I gave them a shirt each and when I gave Mohamedi a Chelsea shirt his face lit up like a Christmas tree. We’re going to two primary schools tomorrow. Missing all of you, lots of love, Jack.

 

Eeman Dad

Today we visited Moita Boys’ Secondary school. Last night, we were paired off with 3 students and we were given individual letters and gifts from each of their sponsors. After a full day at Kipok school I felt much more confident approaching the students and I was extremely excited to start the day. The matattoo journey was twice as long and the bumps grew significantly, making everybody’s stomachs turn. I was paired with Ezekiel, Elias and Cladui. Each approached me slightly nervously as I looked on with a huge welcoming smile. I don’t know why I was so eager to start the day, but I was intrigued to see the difference between both the boys and girls’ school. In actual fact, there was slight too no difference between the schools. The boys became extremely comfortable and open about their life experiences as we sat down to read their letters. Elias, explained how his father was never really home as his responsibility was the cattle and crops, and how he missed him. This changed my perception on what we take for granted – timings for work and our treatment of our parents. The other two boys were In awe of Elias’ attempt at writing a reply, as his English writing was slightly poor. They both offered to help explain the letter to him. Although, there was a significant difference in terms of age and ability, everyone was very accepting and helpful. The three boys were almost brought to tears by their sponsor’s letters and expressed how very grateful they were, which also brought me to tears. We played another game of aliens with the boys, this time however was the most stressful and competitive. My competitive nature reached its peak, and I felt more like a hindrance to the team as opposed to helpful. Peter shouted GO! And the students were gone… I genuinely lost my team for a good 10 minutes. I was obviously panicked, not because they were gone but because I had no chance of catching up to them. I realised that boys have little patience to stand in queues as opposed to the girls at Kipok! We had a nice lunch which consisted of a sharing of biscuits and crisps between the 4 of us. We ended the day with a traditional Masai dance which consisted of a lot of awkward bobbing from the AGS group and a lot of laughter from the students. Form 3 and 4 were presented with hoodies and shirts. I finally had the chance to meet Immanuel Soine – who my form sponsored. Rachel, Joe and I all presented him with gifts – Man U tees, Boro tee and a football. The day ended with huge smiles and a special place in our heart for everyone that we met.

We returned to camp pretty early and helped Peter sift through, project work. And we are now waiting for dinner, which is Mexican – BURRITOS!!!! Only an hour to go!!

Lots of love, Eeman xxxx

 

Anna Waddington

Jambo!

Today we went to visit the Moita Boarding School for boys. I was put with a group of three boys called Julius, Yohanna and Samweli. It was an hours drive in the mtatoos to the school and it was an incredibly bumpy ride. The school was a lot more modern that Kipock, I thought. First, we gave the kids letters from their sponsors and they were over the moon to get them. They loved the photographs that their sponsors sent the most. Then I helped them to right their own letters back. Julius and Samweli were amazingly good at writing in English but Yohanna needed a little more help. Then we played Aliens again like we did at Kipock. I lost my three kids like a hundred times because they shot off like a rocket. We were absolutely fuming we didn’t win. Then we all had lunch together. The kids asked me a lot about religion and were really shocked that we didn’t go to church every Sunday like they did. They were also really interested in our school system. They were also really interested in why I wasn’t married with kids yet haha. On the way back I sat with Luke’s friend Jack who was in his maths and form, He was telling me all sorts of tales about Luke- apparently they had a lot of fun in maths. When we got back to the Snake Park we could basically chill for the rest of the night. We went to see the snakes- we watched them eat full chickens and mice. They were also owls, vultures and crocodiles. Later we’ll be having tea and probably heading to the bar. Missing you all loads- please, please make sure your recording Ripper Street X

 

Georgia Linton

Hey!

Hope you’re all ok and I hope Tanika has had the baby! I would love to know but if she has I hope she’s ok and I can’t wait to meet her! Miss everyone more than anything.

Today has been a fun but tiring day. We went to a all boys school called Moita. The boys were harder than the girls as they’re so competitive and full on and obviously with the girls we were cuddling them all day. It was funny because the 3 boys I had which were Frank, Thomas and Baraka their dads have 2 wives and they have children with both wives and I was explaining that in England we only have one wife and how they should only have one wife and they just didn’t understand at all. Its sad how they look at women as second class but the boys today were very respectful and Thomas who I had kept offering to hold my bag bless him. We played a game called aliens where there are cards with a name and number on all around the school and you have to memorise the name and number on the4 card and run to a teacher and tell them the name and number to get a point. My team didn’t win which was sad as they worked so hard and the boys were so clever! We also got to eat with them in which I give all my food to them as I wasn’t going to go hungry and it was only one day. Then we give then their jumpers as it is cold for them which was lovely to see how happy they were but for us its boiling I’m constantly sweating! I thought I was going to be cold on the night and morning but I’m really not I’ve been boiling. Also the food here is amazing I’m eating loads and the drinks from the bar at like 50p so I’m drinking loads but I keep telling myself its for a good cause to make myself feel better lol.

But I am having a amazing time and I am so thankful I got to come here. It does open your eyes and I’m incredibly lucky. I’m missing Jack a lot too and I’m hoping he’s ok! It’s extremely challenging on all levels but the highs are amazing. I am so thankful for everyone in my life and I can’t wait to see you all.

Lots of love, G xxx

 

Stephanie Julier

Today we woke up early again (I’m going to have no problem with college) Round about 6 am and got ready for another long day ahead. I had cornflakes for breakfast with many slices of pineapple. We then hopped on a Mtatu and started a longer journey that Kipok to Moita an all boys boarding school. I got paired with 3 boys last night however one was absent so I had 2 instead. One boy was in form 4 which is there last year of school and he was excellent at English and the other was form 1 which is equivilant toi our year 7 and he wasn’t the best at English but the older one helped ,e the whole time. On the tour they gave me we saw their dormitories which is just 6 bed bunks in a small room which made me realise how lucky I am to have my room. We then saw the classrooms which were quite bear but it was Sunday so they had a day off from lessons. We then went to read their sponsors letters and wrote a reply and because the form 1 boy wasn’t good at English I had to bet terri (a helped on our trip) to translate his letter. The boy in form 4 however read his through no problem so I was pretty useless there. Then we wrote the replies and the boy in form 4 has better handwriting than me!! Once he finished I got him to help the other boy with his letter and while he was doing that I read through his reply and it brought me to tears. He kept thanking his sponsor for letting him keep his education. And he said he was working really hard to keep his family well and the fact that he thinks it relies on him just upsets me more. After we wrote the letter we played the game Aliens with them. The game is so different with the boys compared to the girls as the boys are quite rough and competitive. After we played aliens we watched the boys perform a traditional massai dance which is very unique. We then went home in the Mtatus. When we got back me and poly jumped into the showers which were amazing, I also washed all my clothes. Me and polly then found out that there was a mini zoo at our camp and went to see that, it was the snakes feeding time and they were eating chickens and mice which is something I’e never actually seen! We’re having Mexican food tonight and then I’ll probably play cards with polly and a couple others. I miss you all loads, I know I say this all the time but I really do, I love you all loads too tell the boys that I love them xxx

 

Polly Dowdle

This morning we woke up at 6:15 as we had to go to Moita Boys Secondary school which was an hour and a half away from Meserani Snake Park. Breakfast has been my best meal so far as it has been cereal, pancakes, and sausages on different days whereas I’ve had ham sandwiches for the past week for lunch.

Yesterday and today I finally had a chance to drink orange juice, although it was just sugar in a carton, and we’ve been having bananas with lunch. I had crisps and digestives with my lunch today and I haven’t been able to snack so I have been eating better. Dinner has been good most days as even if I haven’t been able to eat the entire meal the portions were big and I could eat the carbs. Today we are going to have Mexican food (veggie burritos and rice), which I don’t think I will like but I’ll eat all the rice.

Today at Moita I was paired with two boys and I helped them write letters to their sponsors. Their English was better than Severina’s and Peter said this was because they get better teachers as they are boys. We played some games with them and did a Maasai dance again, which was interesting to see their culture. On the way back I fell asleep in the mtatu, which is a small van with tiny seats as the truck was unable to navigate the roads. The roads in the bush are formed during the wet seasons so they are fluid and often places are cut off or roads are very bumpy.

Miss you xx (I’m thinking pizza, chips and curry splash from Acklam Fish Bar when I get home?? I’m having no junk food for three weeks and I hate plane food so I’ll be hungry)

 

Daniel Jones

Today we went to Moita boys school where I was paired with two boy Loinyeye Kapande and fototunatus Bernard both were really nice Loinyeye was the most talkative  and friendly so when I hade the tour of the school he talked the most and fototunatus was a lot quieter and shy but after being near him for a bit he stared talking more when it came to reading and writing a letter Loinyeye had no trouble whatsoever and got straight on with it fototunatus needed a bit of help but not much. I enjoyed talking to them and I enjoyed the day. Once we got back we had to sort out some laptops to see if they worked which took a while I then read my book while waiting for one of the diary laptops to be free tomorrow I going to be a busy day as we are going to two schools so ill have a lot to talk about.

 

Erin Williams

This morning I didn’t want to get up as I’d had a good night’s sleep, but we were visiting Moita boys secondary school. You might recognise it as it is the school that Onesmo goes to. He seemed happy to see me which was nice and we talked a lot throughout the day, I have a letter from him to give to you when I get back home. I was also paired off with another nice lad called Tatayai Saalash who was also very friendly although both boys were very competitive when it came to the game and I had to stop them from cheating a couple of times at first but in the end we had a system and we won fair and square. Neither boys needed any help writing their letters but once they were done we talked a lot and they were both really interesting and they were helping me learn more Swahili words, I have the list they wrote for me. I felt like a right idiot because I forgot to bring him the watch we bought him but I gave him a pack of cards and a couple of lollies instead and we can send the watch in our next letter to him – Lisa was really helpful when I was a little annoyed at myself for forgetting, I’m really glad I’m in her group as she’s so nice to us all the time but she’s still a good laugh. Onesmo also said that he really wants to meet the rest of the family. When sorting out the suitcases this afternoon David was making fun of Rhys which I enjoyed a lot but unfortunately everyone that knows Rhys seems to love him (I have a lot to live up to apparently) Today was the first day that I really wanted to be able top talk to you guys but I soon got distracted with the work so I wasn’t too upset. I am looking forward to seeing you all again though. Love you all so much, Erin x

 

Ellie Coulton

Hello, today has been a very exciting day. We visited Moita an all boys secondary school. This time I was assigned two boys and we all went on a tour around the school. This school was a lot more developed than the girls school I visited yesterday as they had a library and had a better education since they were boys, and males are seen to be a little more superior. This made me a little angry as girl deserve to be treated with a little more equality and sad because the girls where amazing and deserve a lot more. I sat down and read the letters with both the boys I was a little saddened by the face Sam was making when he found his sponsor was too busy with work to write to him. After reading the letters they began writing their own. They were a lot more independent than the girls I assume because they have a lot more understanding of the English language and didn’t need help. Once they had finished their letters we played aliens with them again, they were a lot more energetic and rowdy than the girls. After that we went and give them all hoodies to which the put them on immediately and it warmed my heart. Then the boys of the school excited to do a maasai dance and I joined in. Apparently I have a few admirers because if they dance and hug you it is an indication that they like you. Well any way we went back to the snake park and went to the zoo part which we didn’t know was there. Little did I know I was sleeping about 50 feet away from a crocodile. Its mind blowing!

Well goodbye love you all lots and I miss you all xx Ellie