Somak ET Kenya Brochure

28 Somak Holidays After a week of awe-inspiring animal sightings, stunning sunsets and much-appreciated luxury, Amanda, Tolly and the group were lucky enough to visit Voi’s extremely under-funded Kalela Primary School and get to know a different side of Kenya. As we drove through the rusted gates and across the red dust of the small, uneven schoolyard, some of the school’s 965 children ran to meet us, wearing their huge smiles and scruffy uniforms with beaming pride. The school’s charismatic headmaster showed us around the grounds, happily pointing out the new visitor-funded projects, sneaking us into classrooms, and explaining the challenges facing an ever-growing student population supported by a minute budget. Classrooms were packed with kids; outnumbered teachers did their best with a few battered old books and a good dose of enthusiasm. The headmaster’s own office was a miniature yet well-kept space no bigger than a large cupboard. At the end of the tour, a showcase had been organised, and a group of young children sang, danced and performed in several languages from several cultures, delighted by the occasion and thrilled to be listened to. We arrived not knowing what to expect, but were incredibly moved by these children with so little given to them, who were, nevertheless, so full of life, so warm and open. Happiness truly is a state of mind, and it’s only when you see how little some people have, that you truly appreciate how much you take for granted. Visiting Kalela made our adventures in Kenya so much more than just a holiday, it created a true life experience. Somak cares Pupils at Kalela Primary School Kalela Primary School