In April, Kenya Connection organized a 3-days Camp for our Form 3 and Form 4 scholarship students. The purpose of the camp was to help the students rejuvenate and take a break from books before reopening schools. In addition, the camping site chosen was to help the students appreciate nature and wildlife conservation as advocated by the William Holden Education Centre in Nanyuki.
On Thursday 25th April 2024, The Kenya Connection team met with form 3 and 4 students at Akiba School at 9.00am. After loading the luggage in the bus, one of the students prayed for journey mercies and the bus left for William Holden located in Nanyuki town.
On the way, students were thrilled to see hills and beautiful sceneries along the way. The first stop was at Karatina where everyone had Lunch at Roska Restaurant. Afterwards, Winnie, Asherrey, Banice and Joseph leaving the students under the care of Stacy and Michael, the bus driver; they went into the town market to buy and pick some pre-ordered foodstuffs required for the camp. Later on, the journey continued. However, the campers arrived a bit late at the campsite due to the rains.
At the campsite, an introductory session was held at the Bonfire meeting space, where everyone received instructions from camp directors Mr. Ng’ang’a and Mr. Kibet who facilitate student camps at William Holden. After the debrief, students and the Kenya Connection team ended the day by preparing supper and afterwards retired to bed. The students were allocated their sleeping tents designated animal names on the entrance like “ Ndovu.”
Early the next day, at the bonfire space some students were already awake holding tight to their Masai Shukas and sharing how cold the sleeping tents were to the point they could not sleep tight despite having their beddings spread. To warmup, they started their first morning activity of preparing breakfast with the help the Winnie, Banice and Stacy. As breakfast was being prepared other students were assigned tasks by Joseph and Asherrey like cleaning the washrooms as required by camp directors. Afterwards, everyone had breakfast and got ready for the first educational session of the day facilitated by one of the camp directors.
Everyone assembled at the Library for the session. Mr. Ng’ang’a kicked off the session by giving a brief history of William Holden followed by a depth exploration of the animal species held in the orphanage. After that, students accompanied by Asherrey, George, Stacy, Malcolm and Banice left for the Animal Orphanage tour at Mt. Kenya Safari Club which was a few kilometers outside William Holden camp. On the way there, everyone enjoyed a short-lived game drive before coming to the orphanage.
Upon arrival at the Orphanage, Mr. Kibet showcased the various animal species held there and how they came into the orphanage. Animals showcased were; African bongo, 300 years plus Tortoise, Baboons, Monkeys, Owl, Ostriches, Ilamas, birds, Lions, Cheetahs and a Leopard. The students enjoyed a session with the animals before returning to the Campsite for Lunch prepared by Winnie and Joseph.
After a late Lunch, Students changed for games activities facilitated by George and Malcolm. An hour later, the games were cut short by the rain. Some students assembled at the bonfire while some girls joined Winnie, Banice and Stacy in Supper preparation.
On the last day of the camp, Saturday 27th April 2024, Students started their day with a moment of refreshing followed by the first session which was to take a Nature trail in the William Holden Nature Trail Site . After the nature trail, they proceeded to the tree nursery where they were able to see the different species of trees being grown in there. The students were saddened to hear that they could not visit the Fish Pond because it was swept away by floods the other night when it rained and the campsite was flooded. In addition, they were able to witness growth of trees planted by Visitors who came to William Holden years back.
Furthermore, the students were taken to the Biogas production center in the campsite. They were taught on how Biogas is produced and why it is renewable energy is important. Afterwards, the students ceremoniously were guided on where to plant their tree which will represent their group visit at William Holden. After tree planting, students returned to the campsite for Lunch. Afterwards, they did general campsite cleaning before leaving for Nairobi.
-This article was written by Banice Makau, a Kenya Connection Team Member and graduate of Akiba School.
