Kindness and the ability to share to some children in this country does not come naturally. Many children here may get upset about not receiving a certain toy. This boy in the youngest class showed one of the purest acts of this throughout my project. Every day we would hand out shoes to the children and this little boy had some of the worst. When we arrived, his toes were all visible as both is leather shoe and sock were worn through. I thought it was only right to give him some new shoes. However, every time I put new shoes on his feet he simply took them off and gave them to another student. I asked him why he did not keep them he simply replied “I will not take until all the people have good shoes.” By the end of the week I gave him a pair of boots that he could call is own as all the children now had shoes. He beamed with happiness and I think you’ll agree that this genuine smile is something that every child deserves to wear every day.

In February 2019 I will be embarking on a charity project to help support people in one of the most underprivileged areas of the country, Nakuru. Our main aim whilst in the country will be to help renovate a few of the classrooms at Jubilee Academy, a school funded and run by African Adventures. I will be teaching the children in larger class sizes helping educate students some basic maths and English skills and learn more about our country as well as their natural surroundings.

Many of the children that attend these schools are walking anywhere between 1-3 Km to get there, many without food in the morning or evening when the get to their living areas. That’s why this school has a feeding programme which means each child gets a healthy portion of locally sourced food with a high carbohydrate content to keep them going. In October 2017 on my last visit to the school I helped prepare food and then serve it to the children. Seeing their faces light up just to receive basic food is something I will always remember.

We will also be taking over children’s shoes and clothes with us to donate, something some of the children would not usually have easy access to. The children were so pleased to receive these and many couldn’t believe that they now had a new item of clothing they could call their own. This young girl Elizabeth needed some new laces, I went to my suitcase of donations and on my knees re laced her shoes. She was so happy.

In addition, we will also be taking any donated items to help with building and school supplies such as small hammers, saws, screwdrivers as well as books, pens and chalks. Last year all of these resources were adored by both students and teachers. At the academy the students in the highest class were in need of exercise books and pencils in particular. These were desperately needed as they had not been able to afford paper or books for all students. I gave them to the head boy who promised me they would be shared and looked after. With a tear in his eye he said,

However, to carry out this work and help these children I desperate need again I need to collect a large sum of £1830 to cover my travel costs, accommodation, food and in-country resources. As a student myself these amazing people will always be close to my heart. I hope that you will reach out for this worthy cause, on behalf of all the children and teachers at Jubilee Academy, Thank You,

Rosie Howard-Miller