Kenya- first trip- Africa

From Malawi to Kenya 

As a nervous Malawian teacher and a newly single mom, the decision to travel to Kenya for a teaching course was both exhilarating and daunting. The idea of leaving Malawi for the first time brought a mix of excitement and anxiety, amplified by the responsibility of navigating the journey.

The nerves hit hard as I stepped into the airport, knowing I had left a teary eyed two year old boy at home. My internal dialogue to stop me from breaking down was a reminder of why I had embarked on this course to begin with. I genuinely believed I had something to offer international schools, I believed I owed it to my son (Oluchi) to see a living breathing example of chasing your dreams plus I had that single mum social stereotype to beat. I was glad that I had a colleague (turned close friend) with me. She too was a single mum to two boys and we found comfort in knowing we had each other.  

Kenya looked nothing like Malawi, the lights, buildings and the people all seemed well put together. We arrived at Braeburn Schools, they were the African link that the University of Nottingham worked with. Our tutors flew over to carry out our first set of training.I guess we met halfway so to say. In that initial encounter with my 2015 cohort, I realised the beauty of shared experiences—meeting others pursuing the same course, each with their own set of nerves and aspirations. It was an eye-opener into what a school’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) support system could be, a network of like-minded individuals on a collective journey of growth. 

Beyond the classroom, Kenya offered a feast for the senses, one I was eager to dive into. The iconic giraffes of the Giraffe Centre was a must stop on my to do list. I had never been so up and personal with a giraffe before so my excitement brought out the inner child in me. Till today I find myself wandering down memory lane to the time I got kissed by a giraffe. Next on my list was a visit to the Masai Market. The vibrant colours that surround you as you walk through it have a way of making you feel like you are walking in another world- another time period. The market is like a window into the rich culture and diversity of Kenya. Every stall owner had a story about the history of the trade or the lineage of craftsmanship passed down. There was a sense of pride in their work, everyone in the market boldly declared that nowhere else in the world will you find craftsmanship at this level. I am yet to stand corrected. Like every good Malawian trying to make ends meet, I seized the opportunity to buy items from the Masai Market, not just as mementos but with the entrepreneurial spirit to sell back home in Malawi.

What stood out the most from my trip to Kenya, was the lasting connections forged during the teaching course. Fast forward 8 years, and the people I met in Kenya remain an integral part of my professional network. The bonds formed during that course transcended borders and time. This for me is a testament to the strength of shared passions and the global impact of education.

As I reflect on my first ever journey outside of Malawi, the desire to revisit Kenya has never left me. Kenya is not just a destination; it’s a chapter in my story, and I look forward to turning its pages once again and creating new memories in the country that opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. Perhaps next time I take along a not so teary eyed 11 year old boy.