Our Hearts Are Full – Another Incredible Trip to Kenya

I’m writing this with a full heart, still processing another incredibly special trip to Kenya and to Educate the Kids at Jolaurabi School. As I sat in the airport on the way home, exhausted but deeply grateful, it felt like the right moment to pause and reflect on everything we’ve experienced, achieved, and felt over the past couple of weeks.

Every time we return, the welcome is just as warm as the last. Songs, hugs, smiles, and yes… a few tears too. Saying goodbye never gets easier, because Jolaurabi really does feel like a second home.

What We Achieved Together

This trip was a busy one – in the very best way. With an incredible team of volunteers, we managed to:

• Fit over 800 pairs of shoes
• Give every child two pairs of socks
• Distribute over 90 food parcels to families in the local village
• Hand out hats, toothbrushes and (much to the children’s delight!) sweets

Visit sponsored families and spend precious time in their homes

We also celebrated birthdays in true Kenyan style – if you’ve never experienced a “Kenyan shower”, imagine being joyfully drenched with water and laughter… it’s unforgettable.

One particularly special moment was being treated to cake and coconuts by Mr Mambo, the father of one of the pupils sponsored by my mum. These small, generous gestures say so much about the warmth and gratitude of this community.

The Reality of Life in the Village

Alongside the joy, there are always moments that ground us in the reality of life here. Over the last few days, we visited families who are just about managing, and others whose poverty was genuinely shocking.

Life here can change in an instant. Medical bills are huge compared to incomes, and when someone in the wider family becomes ill, there is an expectation to help – even if it means losing your savings, your business, or your ability to pay rent or buy food. It’s a constant balancing act.

And yet, the community spirit is extraordinary. Food parcels are rarely kept for one household – they are shared with neighbours, because everyone understands that next time, it might be them who needs help.

Education That Changes Everything

What Educate the Kids provides through Jolaurabi School is nothing short of life-changing. The standard of education is exceptional, and the hope it gives each child is incredibly powerful.

The school has now grown to include lower secondary education, meaning pupils can stay at Jolaurabi through to their Grade 9 exams (similar to GCSEs). This is huge – but it also brings new challenges. One very real need right now is furniture, particularly chairs. We are currently trying to raise £1,500 to help make this happen, and every contribution genuinely makes a difference.   

Make a donation via the Educatethekids.com website (follow this link and click on "Make a Donation") - be sure to mention in the comments box its for furniture! Thank you

A Visit That Touched My Heart

One of the most emotional days for me was visiting Hawaa, one of the little girls we sponsor – some of you may remember her from a previous video about bringing shoes to Kenya.

A few years ago, a foot injury led to a traumatic hospital visit for Hawaa, and during that time we also discovered her mum had been struggling with severe high blood pressure. For less than £10 a year, we’ve been able to buy her medication annually, and we helped her set up a small business making and selling samosas locally.

This year, I learned she has saved enough to buy a piece of land and is now able to build her own home. The pride on her face, the security this brings her family, and the joy of discovering she is now a grandmother again… it honestly brought tears to my eyes. This is the ripple effect of support done properly.

Thank You – Truly

This trip would not have been possible without people. So many people.

To this year’s volunteer dream team – Joy, George, Hetty, Nadine, Livia, Sarah, Sarah, Edie, Barbara, John, Millie, Wendy, Debs, Maddie and Louise – thank you. And a very special thank you to Ruth, who couldn’t travel this year but worked tirelessly behind the scenes getting cases packed and ready.

Thank you too to every single person who donates worn-but-wearable shoes, socks, pants, or contributes financially towards extra cases. Your generosity is felt in every smile, every step, every child walking confidently into school.

How You Can Help

Sponsoring a child costs just £11 per month, and it genuinely changes lives. If you’d like to know more, I’m always happy to chat, or you can visit the Educate the Kids website to find out how you can help support these incredible children through education.

We’ve had a ball, Kenya. My heart and soul are full, and I already can’t wait to be back next year.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Tanya x