Moray School Bank visits Destiny Garden School

On June 8th 2024, Moray School Bank embarked on it’s very first volunteering trip overseas. Three adults and 7 young people flew to Mombasa, Kenya to volunteer with Destiny Garden School (DGS) on the outskirts of the city, in an area called Likoni. The team had been fundraising for around 9 months to make the trip happen and had gathered 270kg of donations for the school, including football kit, sports training kit, books, crafts, stationary etc.

 

They arrived at the school to a musical reception, where the children welcomed them with singing and dancing their song ‘Jambo Bwana’, which the team had learned before they left and were able to join in. They said ‘It was a delight to see them all laughing and having fun’. They were welcomed with open arms into the school community and were given a tour of the schools grounds.

 

 

While at the school the team played games, read books, did arts and crafts, took part in classes, played football and rounders, face painted and much, much more. It was a really fun trip allowing the team to spend quality time with children and learn about DGS and education in Kenya.

 

 

Debi Weir, Founder of Moray School Bank said ‘There were too many moments that made us smile to choose a favourite but it was special sitting in the field colouring in Moray School Bank pictures with the children, which they loved.’

 

 

The team joined the school football teams as they took part in a local football tournament, cheering them on from the sidelines. They didn’t win this time, but the volunteering team clubbed together and purchased new football kits for the girls team and a trophy so they could have a football tournament of their own. They had also fundraised £5000 to create a football field for DGS, which was finished when they arrived.

 

 

After 10 days of fun, the team had to say their goodbyes, there were lots of tears from the team and the children, as we had another day of fun! The MSB team delivered a session about Scotland, including teaching the children Highland Dancing and how to sing ‘Donald where’s your troosers!’ Then we danced the afternoon away with lots of fun and lollipops, a firm favourite with the children. Hakuna Matata from Kenya.

 

 

Extracts from an article first published on pages 54 – 56 in August/September 2024 Lifestyle Scotland magazine.