Lift New Forest

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Kenya Trip 2026

May 29, 2026

Our Kenya 2026 expedition has been a truly unforgettable and life-changing experience for everyone involved. After arriving in Nairobi, the group travelled to Nakuru, taking in the breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley along the way. The week began with visits to two local schools, Greentech and Gracekids, where students were immediately struck by the warmth, joy, and resilience of the children, despite living and learning in conditions of extreme poverty and with very limited resources.

Throughout the week, our students worked closely with children ranging from just 18 months old to 8 years old, building meaningful connections through learning, play, and daily activities. What followed was a powerful and emotional few days,as our students immersed themselves in volunteering—supporting lessons, building furniture, laying a classroom floor,and distributing donations brought from home. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our school community, we were also able to donate clothes, shoes, stationery, books, and classroom resources, all of which were received with enormous gratitude and excitement. These contributions will continue to support the children and staff long after our visit has ended.

Simple moments, such as playing games, blowing bubbles,reading together, singing songs, and even helping children wash their hands, proved to be some of the most impactful experiences, highlighting how small acts of kindness can mean so much. Despite witnessing difficult living conditions and levels of poverty far beyond anything many had experienced before, our students showed outstanding maturity, empathy, and resilience throughout the trip. They adapted incredibly well to the challenging environment, approached every task with positivity and compassion, and consistently demonstrated respect,gratitude, and a willingness to help wherever needed. Alongside the challenges of working in very hot conditions, many students stepped confidently into teaching and leadership roles, showing remarkable determination and teamwork.

As the week progressed, it was inspiring to see the projects take shape, culminating in the completion of 22 chairs and a fully tiled classroom ready for use. The final day of volunteering was both celebratory and emotional, as donations were shared—described by staff at the schools as “it feels like Christmas”—and heartfelt goodbyes were said.

Thanks to the incredible success of the charity golf day organised by Wade Horton in partnership with Aero Park, the expedition also raised enough funds to leave a lasting legacy beyond our visit. The money raised will continue to support the feeding programme and sanitary programmes run by African Adventures, helping to provide essential daily support for children and families within the local community. We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported the fundraising events and helped make such a meaningful contribution possible.

The experience was rounded off with a safari, visits to the Equator and Thomson Falls, a celebration evening, and a special trip to a Giraffe Sanctuary before heading home. This journey has given our students a deeper understanding of the world and different cultures, a renewed sense of gratitude, and memories and connections that will stay with them for a lifetime.

A special thank you to the staff team who made this trip possible.

Following the overwhelming success of this expedition, we are already beginning to plan the next volunteering trip for our current Year 7 and Year 8 students, giving another group of young people the opportunity to experience this incredible journey of learning, service, culture and personal growth.

To read the full article and for more photos, please click HERE to the newsletter.

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