Building links in Kenya: Mr Bell’s trip

My recent trip to Kenya centred on two key objectives: supporting Restart Africa, one of Shrewsbury School's primary charities, through the direct delivery of aid, and strengthening connections within the Shrewsbury community by visiting schools and engaging with Old Salopians and prospective pupils.

As a trustee of Restart Africa, my mission was to deliver essential clothing and footballs to the Orphanage. Having obtained permission from British Airways to travel with up to six bags, I departed Shrewsbury at 4am and made my way to Heathrow. In the queue to board the plane, I unexpectedly met Charlie Kensie, who previously taught Geography at Shrewsbury, and his wife, Chloe, who was Deputy Housemistress of The Grove. Charlie left to rejoin the army.

Upon arrival at Nairobi airport, I navigated a lengthy discussion concerning the duty I should pay on the T-shirts generously donated to Restart by Jemima N (G, V), of Mima a Rose fame. After a sustained effort for over 30 minutes, I was eventually cleared when the customs computer system crashed!

On Sunday, I had the privilege of visiting Restart with Mary Coulson MBE, who founded the charity. It was incredibly rewarding to distribute a large amount of clothing and footballs directly to the children. I was given the opportunity to chat with them and shared many lollies, which were enthusiastically received.

While in Kenya, I also undertook visits on behalf of Shrewsbury School, connecting with prospective pupils and engaging with our wider community. The trip included a visit to The Banda School, where I met some future Salopians joining us in September and the Headmaster, James Moss-Gibbons. I also hosted a drinks party in Nairobi for individuals with a Shrewsbury connection, attracting 25 attendees despite local protests, including recent Old Salopian Tim Strebel.

My itinerary also included a visit to Kenton College, where I received a warm welcome from the Headmistress, Sally Weston. I then went to Kibera, a large slum area in Nairobi, thanks to Neha Chudasama, who runs a Fairtrade business with local residents. I enjoyed meeting them, seeing their work, and distributing some T-shirts, which were gratefully received. They even wanted to present me with a mirror as a token of appreciation.

I concluded my school visits at Peponi House, where I was kindly met by the Head, Tracy Handford. Finally, I travelled to Gilgil and Pembroke House, arriving on Friday in time to enjoy lunch and judge their House singing competition. The following day, I staffed a Shrewsbury tent at the Ndume Rugby 7s tournament, engaging with many interested families and Pembroke children. While in Gilgil, I was also royally entertained by the Nuijtens, allowing me to catch up with a good number of Old Salopians. After chapel on Monday, I began my journey home, considerably lighter in terms of luggage!

Giles Bell

Admissions Tutor and trustee of Restart Africa