21/09/2024
🌍 A Journey of Learning, Collaboration, and Compassion🌍
After two years of planning, we’ve embarked on a truly special journey with Emanuel School and Gennarosity Abroad, bringing together nine students and seven parents to experience the work we are doing in Kenya. The purpose of this trip is not only to expose the students to the beauty of this country but also to give them an understanding of the realities faced by many in low socio-economic conditions. This holistic approach ensures that we don’t fall into the extremes of seeing only wealth or only poverty—we strive for a balanced perspective.
We were warmly welcomed at Karunga’s Emanuel Kindergarten, not just by the kindergarten students but by the primary school students from grades 4, 6, and 8, who treated us to beautiful performances of song and dance. The highlight of the visit was the heartfelt gift from the Kindy children—gorgeous, handmade beaded bracelets in the vibrant Kenyan colors of red, white, green, and black. It was a moment of connection and joy that resonated deeply with everyone in our group. There are now 78 children who attend Karunga's Emanuel Kindergarten between the two classrooms.
We were also incredibly proud to deliver over 700 books and stationery items, generously donated by the EMANUEL SCHOOL COMMUNITY and PeachTree Kindergarten Early Learning Centre Punchbowl families, for the children at both the Kindy and the primary school. Seeing the students' faces light up at the sight of these educational tools was a reminder of the power of giving back and how even small acts of generosity can make a lasting impact.
Our group learned how I first connected with this community after my time as a student at Emanuel School in Australia. Inspired by my tutor David Whitcombe, who fostered my passion for social justice and humanitarian work after hearing about his time living in Namibia, it felt deeply meaningful to journey to Kenya with these values that I learned at school. The Jewish teaching of tikkun olam—the idea of repairing the world through acts of kindness—guides both Emanuel School and Gennarosity Abroad, and it’s humbling to see these values come to life through our work here.
We had the honour of sharing a traditional Kenyan meal with Mama Rose, who graciously hosted us alongside Stephen and Francis Otawa, two young men now aged 18 and 19, we support through Teremi Boys High School. Stephen shared his incredible story of walking alone for 14 kilometers aged 14 at the time from the orphanage he was living in to pursue his dream of getting an education—something we often take for granted in countries where schooling is compulsory. The goal of sharing these stories is not to evoke guilt, but to remind the students to appreciate their opportunities.
One of the most impactful stops on our journey was at Rhonda's Maternity Clinic, where we learned about the struggles faced by women in this community, including teenage pregnancies and high infant and maternal mortality rates in slum conditions. These eye-opening experiences have given our students a deeper understanding of how people their age live in different parts of the world. It’s about fostering empathy, not judgment.
We are also incredibly grateful to Love To Dream, an Australian company that designs innovative baby products, for their generous donation of items for the newborns at Rhonda Maternity Clinic. These donations will not only provide comfort and care for the little ones but also support mothers during such a critical time. In just a few days, we will be visiting New Hope, where we will continue to distribute these essential items to the most vulnerable. Acts of kindness like this highlight the power of collaboration and the far-reaching impact of generosity.
Our goal with Gennarosity Abroad is to change the narrative about how we, as guests, engage with communities in need. It’s important that we avoid the pitfalls of "white saviorism"—the idea that outsiders have all the solutions. Instead, we focus on projects that are run by Kenyans for Kenyans. This is key to sustainability and empowering people within their own communities to uplift each other. Typically, foreign students are often put in positions where they teach or “help” local children, but we believe in breaking down this power imbalance. Children should be playing and learning together as equals, not as if one is more intelligent or superior than the other.
This trip has also taught our students the power of education—that it’s not just about learning facts but gaining the skills and financial literacy necessary to break the cycle of poverty. Education is the key to unlocking opportunities and providing individuals with the means to shape their own futures.
Lastly, we’ve witnessed the beauty of community living here in Kenya—where disabilities, breastfeeding, and death are not hidden or stigmatised. By being exposed to these parts of life that we often shy away from in our own society, the students have learned that these experiences are part of the human condition. Communities that are open about such diversity are much more tolerant and accepting, removing the fear of the unknown.
This journey has been a profound learning experience for all involved, and we’re proud of the students and parents who have embraced this opportunity to see the world through a different lens. It’s not about charity—it’s about learning, understanding, and creating lasting change. Together, we are repairing the world, one step at a time.
A special thank you to Margaret Lowe, the Deputy Principal of Emanuel School and a dedicated Board member of Gennarosity Abroad. Her passion, commitment, and tireless contribution to bridging both the school and our charity have been instrumental in making this trip a reality. Without her vision and effort, this incredible experience, which has brought together two communities across the globe, would not have been possible. Margaret’s dedication truly embodies the spirit of tikkun olam, and we are deeply grateful for her role in this journey.
