Rams planning 2022 Kenya return following pandemic

Derby County Community Trust has announced it is planning to return to Kenya in 2022 to support impoverished communities after previous trips were cancelled due to Covid.

Rams in Kenya is an annual trip to the slums of Nakuru. However, because of the pandemic, two previous planned trips had to be cancelled.

But now, the trust is planning to take a team of volunteers to the African country in May next year.

Volunteers will spend their time funding the installation of running water, building classrooms, providing resources, supporting teachers and completing maintenance and site improvement.

Rams in Kenya started almost a decade ago, with just 13 volunteers. Since then, 300 people have taken on the adventure, helping transform the lives of people in Nakuru.

It was one of the first football club schemes to venture abroad – and has since inspired many other football clubs to get involved.

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Since it started, the Rams have achieved some amazing things across five partner schools, including creating a new library, building new classrooms while refurbishing existing ones, installing running water, building new toilets, improving security and making sure the pupils are well fed.

Volunteers are often in Kenya for 1 June – Madaraka Day. This is a national holiday that commemorates the day that the country attained self-rule and a special meal is provided for pupils as well as activities for the children.

Alongside the hard work in schools, volunteers also get the opportunity to take part in the Rift Valley Adventure Day, which is a visit to the Nakuru National Safari, Thompson Falls and The Equator.

There is also the chance to visit the Menengai Crater, an elephant orphanage and the giraffe manor in Nairobi.

Paul Newman, community manager, said: “It has been devastating to not be able to visit the schools in Kenya for the past two years and we can’t wait to return.

“It’s a life-changing experience, and whether it’s your first trip or you’ve been with us on several visits, the joy that it brings to our volunteers, as well as the children and teachers out there, is indescribable.

“There are tough moments, but the overriding feeling of achievement and knowing that you have helped to make a difference.

“There is support along the way with fundraising and preparing for the trip, with regular meetings and dedicated project leads.”

Every volunteer is tasked with fundraising to cover flights, transfers, accommodation and three meals per day, plus a contribution towards the Community Trust’s programmes at home and the Kenyan school projects.

The trust will be hosting a no obligation opening evening on Thursday 16 September, from 7pm to 8.30pm, where people will be able to get more information about the trip.

To attend that open evening or for more information about the trip please click here.