The Very Hungry Caterpiller and other stories

I joined this expedition to make a difference in Kenya, volunteering in the community in Mkwiro village. I really feel like I am. I have only been in the community for a week but have already met so many wonderful people, adults and children, all enthusiastic to learn and grateful of our presence.

A highlight of this week was a Creative Arts lesson we gave to a class of 7-9 year olds. We read and acted the story of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ with props, posters and costumes. I was the caterpillar who transformed into a beautiful butterfly with colourful glittery wings we had made the day before. We gave the class a chance to act the story out themselves, they were all eager to try on the wings and cover their faces in glitter!

-- Me as the 'Beautiful Butterfly'--

Another important part of the week was the soap making classes being attended by Mkwiro and Shimoni Women’s Groups. GVI were invited to join the class which taught women how to market and label the products once they were made. The teacher, Joyce, was incredibly energetic and kept the focus of the class. She even got us and all the women to sing a Swahili nursery rhyme complete with actions! The women are keen to start making the products they have learnt, which includes body lotion, soaps and hair products made from locally sourced products such as Aloe Vera and Neem. This will be an important source of alternative income and opportunity for independence for the women in both of these groups.

--Learning to make soap alongside the local women's groups--

We’ve been involved in so many different community projects this week. It’s been hectic but well worth every second of hard work. Next week holds more English and Arts lessons as well as reading at the Orphanage and Earth Club; we can’t wait!

The Very Hungry Caterpiller and other stories