They Have Big Dreams

Being a child who lives and grows up in the conditions we witnessed is not an easy thing.

Hi there, my name is Esther and I was a volunteer in Kenya at the Bella Rehabilitation Centre, a primary school in Nairobi. I learned of the Centre during a university minor programme, International Aid and Development. I was given the opportunity to teach English and Mathematic classes, help some of the students with homework and to help with providing a garden within the school area. Together with the students we made a beautiful mural to represent the Bella Rehabilitation Centre.

I am from the Netherlands, so when I traveled to Kenya I had a very real culture shock. Everything is so different than what I was used to. Together with one of the volunteer coordinators, Lydia Azenga, and my classmates we visited families in their homes and saw how hard it is to keep a family running with little income. Also there is a huge difference in value between being a man or a woman and being accepted into another family. These are just a few examples you will encounter when you choose to spend your time in the beautiful country that is Kenya. You will also see that the people are hospitable and care very much about your well being. They are interested in your view on things and they are eager to learn.

Being a child who lives and grows up in the conditions we witnessed is not an easy thing. That’s why Mrs. Bilha Azenga started Bella years ago. The pupils of Bella are hard workers and they have big dreams. I am touched by their optimism, enthusiasm and perseverance. They enjoy going to school and having access to learn because these students want to make a difference. I encourage everyone who is interested in development and experiences abroad to volunteer at Bella Rehabilitation Centre to help these pupils make a difference.

Esther Kornet