Volunteering in Kenya with Evie Grace Foundation was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Volunteering was always something I wanted to do. I just wasn’t sure what organisation to go with or where to go. Luckily, a friend of mine had volunteered with Evie Grace Foundation before and highly recommended it to me. From researching the Foundation and discussions with the Founder Maddi, I knew this was going to be an amazing experience. At the time I was looking at volunteering I was going through some personal struggles and honestly it was the experience I needed to reset my goals for the future and (as silly as this sounds) find myself again. Volunteering with Evie Grace has honestly given my life so much purpose and I’ve never felt so determined to be the best version of myself.
My biggest fear before the trip was safety and throughout the whole trip, Maddi ensured all her volunteers were safe and cared for. Additionally, the volunteer house was in a safe area with high fencing which gave me peace of mind. I am known for being a fussy eater, however I loved all the meals!
As a pre-service primary teacher, I wanted to volunteer in Kenyan schools, and from the moment I discussed this with Maddi, she went out of her way to contact schools she thought needed the most support. Unfortunately, the school we planned on teaching at shut down the week before I arrived in Kenya. However, that didn’t stop Maddi from finding me another terrific school to volunteer at that I absolutely loved! I taught a Grade 5 class where I had the opportunity to observe Kenyan teaching, plan my own lessons and teach full days with the class as if it were my own classroom! During this time I built strong connections with these students and enjoyed reading them stories from children’s books as they never get the opportunity to read children’s stories in school as they don’t have the resources. It was just magic seeing their excited faces as they got to enjoy things we as Australian’s take for granted every day. I especially enjoyed teaching the female students about menstruation and working with Evie Grace Foundation to provide them with free reusable menstruation kits which they can keep at home. The girls were so excited as they would not be able to afford these at home.
Another rewarding experience I was lucky enough to be apart of during my time in Kenya was mentoring young teens about mental health and teaching them effective coping strategies to deal with trauma. It was heartbreaking hearing their stories but something I will never forget. Additionally, whilst in Kenya Maddi organised a trip to Merciful Redeemer orphanage where I taught dance and loved spending time with these special little humans!
Maddi also organised some amazing sightseeing activities for us volunteers to enjoy! I particularly enjoyed the elephant orphanage and feeding the giraffes!
Lastly, the most memorable part of my volunteering experience was spending time with the former street boys at Global Hope Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. I have never met a group of children who have been through so much trauma, yet are the kindest most beautiful human beings! Over 100 boys live together and share bunk beds and food. Yet they have created a family, and I feel so honoured to have seen these special bonds. I made so many strong connections with these boys and I miss them so much every day.
Although I was only able to spend a short amount of time in Kenya, this experience has honestly changed my life for the better and allowed me to realise how I can make a positive difference to the lives of many. I am so excited for the journey I will continue to take alongside Evie Grace Foundation. The work this foundation does for people in need is truly amazing and I couldn’t recommend it more!
Written by: Carly Finn
