In the summer of 2018 I took part in a volunteering expedition to Kenya, Africa, with the organisation Camps International. We stayed at five camps in total, meaning we took part in a wide number of activities and projects. These ranged from physically straining and enduring tasks such as construction to cultural activities such as visiting the local communities and experiencing their fascinating way of life.

To choose my favourite part of the trip would be near impossible due to the challenges each project presented. Achieving the tasks was extremely satisfying on a personal level and they each gave us plenty of team-building and skill-learning opportunities. My favourite example of this would be when our team were asked to construct ‘lion lights’ for a bomber (paddock) located near the first camp we stayed, named Camp ‘Athe River’, in which The Wildlife Foundation operated. Our task was to build a trench around the perimeter of the bomber so wire could be laid down beneath the soil to supply power to the lights also placed around the edge. This prevented lions from attempting to hunt the animals kept in the bomber and in turn protect the lions from being hunted as a consequence. Completing this project resulted in our group working more efficiently as a team and we learnt new skills such as how to use the fairly basic tools available. We all felt content upon finishing and we all knew we had really made a difference for those that rely on the animals for their livelihood.

As well as taking home new friends, skills and the delight of completing various projects, my expedition has also enlightened me as to how content the people are with their lives. When compared with my own, their lives are remarkably different, yet that doesn’t bother them in the slightest. While staying at Camp Muhaka, we completed some activities at their local school, such as painting in the nursery, varnishing their desks and laying down new foundations for the flooring in their classrooms. It was while working at the school that I interacted with the children who wore no shoes and played with homemade balls consisting of tied-up rags. We played football on a pitch made up of sand and tall grass.

It was while plastering the walls on a new house for an elderly gentleman living in a derelict shack that was too old to repair that I realised the modern attributes of a western lifestyle are not necessary when it comes to living a satisfying and enjoyable life. After talking with these people of varying ages, everyone had a happy and friendly attitude, as well as dreams and aspirations. One man even had plans to become a doctor for the community of Muhaka! After witnessing and experiencing the incredible way people such as the Maasai Mara tribe live, it allowed me to understand how truly lucky and fortunate I am to have the life I do and the opportunities that arise from it.

I would like to say a tremendous thank you to the Aaron Lewis Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to travel to Kenya. Without the award, it would not have been possible. I am extremely grateful as it has allowed me to partake in a once in a lifetime opportunity that has provided me with knowledge, friends and experiences that will never be forgotten.

Jacob, age 18, is currently studying a joint honours Sport and Creative Writing course at Derby University