News: Students visit Kenya for an Enrichment trip

Group of student smiling at the Jubilee Academy — Kenya enrichment trip

Some of our second year A Level and Sport students recently took a 10-day trip to Kenya! The trip was organised by the Enrichment and PSD Team with African Adventures

Students were tasked with raising money to go on the trip. They worked hard organising bake sales, swimming competitions, a group fundraising day at Portland Centre with Notts County Foundation and various other activities to raise £2314 each!

Ahead of the trip students also took part in team building activities, to get to know each other which were supported by NCF.

During the trip to Kenya, students and staff took part in a variety of excursions and activities. They visited an elephant orphanage, the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, a Rift Valley adventure day safari, hiked down Thomson falls, visited and took part in experiments at the equator, had a tour round a tea/coffee plantation and a giraffe centre.

They worked with a partner school ‘Jubilee Academy’, where they volunteered for 5 days. They took on DIY projects that involved painting the new kitchen and decorating the front school gate. They also played outdoor games and led on mindfulness colouring in the classrooms with students, alongside preparing a graduation lunch for them.

We spoke with Anna, one of the High Pavement students on the trip, about the experience. She said:

The experience was incredible, it felt amazing to help out at the school and see the impact we had on the children and their families. After the trip I’ve learnt to be a lot more grateful for what I have and to not take things for granted.
Anna — High Pavement Sixth Form student

We also heard from Mya who said:

During my time in Kenya, I had a life-changing experience that truly opened my eyes to the realities many people face.

This journey deepened my sense of empathy and made me appreciate everything in my life much more, teaching me not to take anything for granted. It also strengthened my desire to help others in the future, showing me how even the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone else’s life.
Mya — High Pavement Sixth Form student

We spoke with Leanne Anderson, our Student Enrichment Lead and trip lead about the impact the opportunity had on herself and the students. She said:

This trip has reinforced my belief in the transformative impact of international experiences, which broaden our students’ worldviews and cultural perspectives.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have planned this trip of a lifetime and to have led this group of amazing students who left an incredible mark on the local community.

Their dedication, compassion and enthusiasm made me so proud, and I can’t wait to hear what their futures hold for them!
Leanne Anderson — Student Enrichment Lead

Liam Perkins, one of our Pastoral Tutors was also on the trip and shared his insights on the trip. He said:

Our time volunteering at Jubilee Academy was truly remarkable. Watching the students engage in a cultural exchange and meaningful renovation work was extremely rewarding. The connections formed between our students and the children at Jubilee Academy were profound and will last a lifetime.

I hope the college work again with African Adventures to give more student the opportunity to engage in this life changing experience.
Liam Perkins — Pastoral Tutor

For any members of staff that may be interested in future opportunities for themselves or their students, please contact Leanne.

Any students that may be interested in similar future trips, please let your tutor know or contact Leanne directly.

Contact details for Leanne: Leanne.Anderson@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk