Lurgan College

A Journey of Service and Growth: The Kenya Trip 2025

From Thursday, June 26th to Sunday, July 6th, 2025, 17 sixth-form students embarked on a profound and life-changing journey to Nairobi, Kenya. Accompanied by staff members Mr. Irvine, Mr. Uprichard, Mrs. Abraham, and Mrs. Barbour, the trip was a collaborative effort with our long-standing mission partner, Mission Africa, based in Belfast. The purpose of this expedition was twofold: to serve the local community and to provide our students with a unique opportunity for spiritual and personal growth.

The preparation for such a significant trip began many months in advance. Throughout February and March, students and staff met weekly after school to prepare diligently for the task ahead. Following Mission Africa’s 'Come, See and Go' programme, these sessions were a blend of spiritual and practical training. We engaged in Bible studies, held informative sessions on African culture and effective methods for sharing the Gospel with children, and honed skills in leading worship and presenting memory verses. The practical planning was equally meticulous, with students meticulously preparing games for the children and creating detailed rotas for the various projects they would undertake, from painting classrooms to assisting in the special needs department of Comet School, the school we have formed a partnership with. Rotas were also established for leading Holiday Bible School activities with the Key Stage one pupils of Comet school in the afternoons, visiting a local old peoples' home, and organising our daily devotional sessions and evening entertainment. This thorough preparation, rooted in fellowship and shared purpose, laid a solid foundation for the journey. 

The journey itself began in the early hours of Thursday morning, with our departure from Belfast City Airport, followed by a long transit via Heathrow to Nairobi. Upon arrival late on Thursday evening, we went directly to our accommodation at the Kijiji Resort, nestled within the International University campus. Our days were a whirlwind of activities, beginning with a prayer meeting each morning. Food, while an adventure, sustained us through the demanding schedule. On our first Friday, we embarked on a trip to a local shopping centre to stock up on essentials before visiting a remarkable jewellery-making initiative where ladies from a local slum crafted beautiful pieces. Their hospitality and vibrant dance performance left a lasting impression on our entire team.

Saturday was dedicated to serving at the Compassion Project, a truly inspirational initiative linked to the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. Led by the incredible Jackie, the project provides teaching and sports for children who, for financial reasons, are unable to attend school. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to play games with over 100 children and support their classroom learning. Later that afternoon, we were invited to play volleyball with the youth at Gracepoint Church, an impromptu and joyous occasion that perfectly highlighted the spirit of community. Sunday morning brought a powerful and vibrant two-and-a-half-hour church service, where we even attempted to join in with songs in Swahili. We were blessed to be invited to a communal tea before visiting the Giraffe Sanctuary and enjoying an impromptu dance with Maasai warriors, a truly memorable cultural exchange.

The core of our mission unfolded from Monday to Friday, following a consistent pattern of purposeful work. We travelled daily to the Comet School, where Lurgan College students divided into two groups: one for painting classrooms and the other for working as classroom assistants in the special needs department. Each afternoon, we took charge of Pre-School Children and all of the Key Stage One children for a Holiday Bible School, filled with games, songs, stories, and craft activities. Working with 3 to 7 year olds was interesting, exciting, and to be honest, exhausting! In the late afternoons we were also privileged to spend an hour visiting a local old peoples' home, chatting and singing with the residents. On our final Friday, we were delighted to share cakes, biscuits, juice, and a large consignment of brand new, donated clothes with the elderly residents, an act of service that was both humbling and joyful. After tea each evening, we came together for a devotional to reflect on the day, pray, and prepare for the next. This busy and full schedule was a constant reminder that "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13, NIV).

Our final Saturday began with an exhilarating 5 am safari, offering a glimpse into the raw and breathtaking beauty of God's creation. Witnessing the animals in their native habitat was a powerful experience, underscoring the truth that "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1, NIV). After returning to pack up, we made our way to the airport for our midnight departure from Nairobi, ready to return home.

It is impossible to quantify the profound impact this trip will have on each of the students and staff. This was not a restful holiday, but an intensive and demanding schedule that required immense teamwork, unwavering commitment, and an extraordinary willingness to step outside of comfort zones. We, as teachers, were incredibly proud of our pupils. Each one of them embraced every opportunity with courage and enthusiasm, developing new skills and abilities. The bond of fellowship formed with the local communities and within our team was a tangible blessing, reinforcing that "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God" (1 John 4:7, NIV). This trip will be an experience that the pupils will never forget, and Lurgan College is immensely proud of each and every one of them. 

D Irvine 

Kenya 2025