Team Anga Kenya Expedition

This summer, a group of 34 students from Wade Deacon High School travelled to Kenya as part of an incredible expedition that none of us will ever forget. As Team Anga, we spent time at Camp Muhaka, Camp Tiwi, Camp Kasigau, and The Wildlife Foundation, taking part in a wide range of activities that challenged us, taught us new skills, and allowed us to make a real difference in local communities.

One of the most rewarding parts of the expedition was working alongside local people. We helped to build homes for local mothers, often known as 'Mama's Houses', and supported community projects that aimed to improve daily life for families in the area. It was hard work, especially in the Kenyan heat, but it was incredibly rewarding to see the difference our efforts could make.

We also immersed ourselves in Kenyan culture. We spent time with local communities, learned about their traditions, and even took part in cooking lessons where we made delicious mandazis and chapatis. These experiences gave us a real insight into daily life in Kenya and helped us build strong friendships with the people we met along the way.

Another highlight was trekking up the beautiful Mwalulu Hills. The hike was challenging at times, but the teamwork, encouragement and breathtaking views at the top made it all worthwhile. Standing at the summit and looking across the Kenyan landscape was a moment many of us will never forget.

The wildlife experiences were truly unforgettable. During our safari in Tsavo East National Park, we were lucky enough to see some of Africa's most iconic animals, including elephants, giraffes and lions in their natural habitat. Seeing these incredible animals up close was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a real highlight of the expedition.

We also took part in a walking safari, where we learned about conservation and the local ecosystem. As part of this experience, we helped set up animal camera traps, which are used to monitor wildlife and support conservation efforts. It was fascinating to learn how scientists and conservationists protect Kenya's unique wildlife.

At Camp Kasigau, we worked closely with local farmers to help deworm their goats. This turned into one of Team Anga's greatest achievements. Through teamwork, determination and lots of hard work, we dewormed an incredible 190 goats in a single day, breaking the camp's previous record. We were all extremely proud of what we accomplished and the positive impact it would have on local farmers and their animals.

Throughout the expedition, we also learned a great deal of Swahili. By speaking with local people every day, we quickly picked up useful phrases and greetings. Before long, many of us were confidently using Swahili in conversations, which helped us connect even more with the communities we visited.

The Kenya expedition was so much more than just a trip abroad. For Team Anga, it was an opportunity to step outside our comfort zones, learn about a different culture, support communities such as the Ikonge Basket Weavers, experience incredible wildlife and develop skills that will stay with us for life. We returned home with amazing memories, new friendships, greater confidence and a much deeper understanding of the world around us. As Heidi reflected: 'Kenya was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I loved helping the community and learning about the culture of Kenya. I made the most fun, happy, once-in-a-lifetime memories and I had the best teachers and friends by my side.' Seb also reflected on the perspective he gained from the experience: 'I realised that the world is not always as I had imagined when I saw children with very little smiling more brightly than people who seem to have everything. Being without the comforts of home for four weeks was extremely hard, but it has made me appreciate the things I take for granted every day so much more. I am forever thankful for all the memories.'

For Team Anga, Kenya was not just an expedition; it was a life-changing adventure. We will never forget the people we met, the challenges we overcame, and the lessons we learned along the way. Jacob summed up the impact of the experience perfectly: 'Kenya taught me that no problem is too small to fix. Kenya taught me that people you would never have thought to speak to will become your friends. Kenya taught me that the key to life isn't grades or what career you have or even how much money you bring home every month, it's about making a difference in this world whether that's being a lawyer, entrepreneur or volunteer. Most importantly, Kenya taught me who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. It taught me so much about myself that I would never have figured out if I didn't come on this trip. It was unforgettable.' Miss Keenan, Miss Jones and Miss Hughes couldn't be prouder of all the students involved and all they have achieved!

Asante sana for the memories, Kenya!