RSIS Kenya 2011 Final Report - Round Square

ROUND SQUARE
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
PROJECT KENYA 2011

AIMS: To build a classroom for Riadira Primary School and ease the problem of overcrowding in the
classrooms.
LOCATION: Riandira, near Sagana, 104km north-west of Nairobi, Kenya
STAFF: Kate Anderson - Overseas Leader – St Philip’s College - Australia
Carlos Cazorla – Assistant Leader – Salem School - Germany
Gordon Ingram – Team Medical Officer – England
Jorg Taenzler – Adult Participant - Germany
Peter Ndungu – Kenyan Leader – Starehe Boys’ Centre
James – Driver - Starehe Boys’ Centre
Joseph – Security Officer – Starehe Boys’ Centre

FROM START TO FINISH AT THE WORKSITE

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS TEAM LIST
Name:
Brooke Griffin
Victoria Cant
Mimi Deacon
Rachel Herold
Rebecca West
Rebecca Mathieson
Nicole Lindbeck
Thais Bordarampe Lahoud
Alejandra Ibarra Dias
Andrew Griffith
Victoria Stuckey
Ben Angus
Natasha Wells
Kamogelo Vilakazi
Candace Barritt
Daniel Herrmann
Lauren Kinmont
Dhananjay Singh Hada
Tandej Sarkaria
School:
Westminster School
Westminster School
St Clements School
St Clements School
Gordonstoun
Gordonstoun
Bunbury Catherdral Grammar
Markham College
Markham College
Ivanhoe Grammar School
Ivanhoe Grammar School
Ivanhoe Grammar School
St Cyprians School
St Cyprians School
Bishops College School
Bayview Glen School
St Stithians College
Mayo College
Mayo College
STAREHE BOYS’ CENTRE PARTICIPANTS
Cyrus Obuja Pascal Aringo Joshua Korir
Edwin Karanja William Mbae Georffrey Moenga
Eric Juma Richard Gituku Ian Achira
Festus Maseki Noah Kipkemboi Moses Muthoka
George Toya Newton Mwavu Mark Orina

Leader’s Report
December 2011 saw me back in Kenya for another RSIS
project. We were off to Riandira Primary School near Sagana,
north of Nairobi. Students travelled from all continents of the
globe and united at The Starehe Boys Centre and School in
Nairobi to begin the adventure. Nineteen international
students met with fifteen boys from the Starehe Centre. Our
group also included Peter, James and Joseph from Starehe,
Gina and her cooking assistants, Chengo, Felix and Milaki,
plus Carlos, Jess and Jorg.
Excitement built as we drove north to Savage Camp, near Sagana. We drove past the school on the way
there and students got their first glimpse of what lay ahead. Very quickly routines were established;
sleeping and washing procedures, work clothes that could be worn for several days, the latest possible
time one could get up before breakfast and the playing of cards in every spare minute. Chess also
featured heavily with everyone vying for the title of “project champion”
The work was physically taxing on all. The tools were basic: spades, wheelbarrows, plastic buckets,
planks of wood and the directions were sometimes confusing! However, the enthusiasm of the students
never wavered and very soon the walls were starting to rise above the ground. As the walls rose each
day, so did the level of excitement and achievement: strangers had gathered initially, unsure of each
other and nervous within themselves and very swiftly, friendships were formed. The three work groups:
Harambee, Simba and Bantar encouraged pride in their members and teamwork was evident from the
beginning.
The work was broken up by a day of rafting on the Tana River. The morning proved to be action-packed
with spills out of the rafts, water fights between groups and shrieking as we raced down rapids. Everyone
ended up swimming at some point during the day but thankfully most of us avoided the unexpected swim!
A visit to the local church and smaller group visits to local homes also gave us respite from the work.
Students experienced the singing, clapping and rejoicing that occurs in Kenyan services and then walked
to various homes to gain an insight into daily life. This was a confronting experience for many and one not
to forget, particularly as students had previously been involved in purchasing some essentials to give as
gifts to the home owners. It was remarkable to see that a family could survive on as little as US$1 a day
and made us all the more grateful for our own families.
Markham College in Peru had worked hard to
raise funds for Riandira Primary School. Alejandra
Ibarra Dias and Thias Bordarampe Lahoud came
into Sagana with the Head Teacher, Christopher
and I and we employed a carpenter to make 80
desks that the school will receive by the end of
January. This will certainly make class more
comfortable for the many children who can now sit
with one other student as opposed to four!
It was a sad farewell at Starehe on Dec 22nd
when the international students headed off for the
cultural phase of the project, a visit to the Maasai

Mara National Park. Strong friendships had been formed in such a short space of time and the memories
made will hopefully last a lifetime.
In another act of generosity, Westminster School in Australia had raised funds to purchase a watertank
for Legacy School in Narok, on the way to the Maasai National Park. Brooke Griffin and Victoria Cant
handed over funds for the tank, which had already been purchased for the school and we had a tour of
the beautiful little school which is changing the futures of many children already. The watertank will
ensure there is sufficient water for eating, drinking and washing by the many boarding students at the
school.
I would like to thank all the participants who challenged themselves over the three weeks and
congratulate them on achieving our goal. Thank you for sharing yourselves with the group, for stepping
outside your comfort zones and for making the most of every opportunity that presented itself. I feel
blessed to have been a part of this project over the previous few years and am a firm believer that
students from Round Square schools have the ability to have an impact on this world.
I hope that Kenya remains in the forefront of your minds and that you may one day again, find yourselves
on African soil.
Kate Anderson

Deputy Leader’s Report
I was very excited to go back to Kenya and check the
classroom we built last year. I was also looking forward to
meeting my Kenyan friends: Peter, Gina, Christopher,
Harrison... as well as the families and children we met at
Riandira last year. I was pleased with the changes I saw at
the school due, partly, to our contribution: a new garden, a
vegetable garden, tidy classrooms and a sense of pride at
their school.
From the moment I met the first few participants I felt this
year was going to be great. Most mornings we would get up with a song performed by some of our
students. It was a brilliant start to a day of mixing, moving bricks and washing dishes. But it was not all
just hard work; there were opportunities to talk, play games and get to know each other.
Our international team was ready for the action and teamed up with the Starehe boys. I was, once again,
inspired by their stories and how they want to make a difference in their communities. Most of them want
to give back to their people by becoming doctors, engineers, lawyers or teachers. I hope they will
remember the time we spent together.
Even though the work was hard and the days hot, we all achieved a great deal and had a good time
getting to know each other. This group learnt the different jobs very quickly and needed very little
supervision. It was a pleasure to work with such committed and enthusiastic people; they made our
experience much more enjoyable. It was not just work; we laughed, sang, played cards, danced, kung
fued, played volleyball, had competitions, gazed at the stars and collected great and wonderful memories.
My two favourite activities are always the visit to the church and the home visits. Going to church is a
unique experience to most of us and it is an opportunity to introduce ourselves to the community. They
are very welcoming and grateful for the job RS is doing. During the home visits, we have the chance to
participate in the everyday life of a family and find out more about their expectations, living conditions,
values and traditions. This year I took some of the international students to the supermarket to buy the
food for the families a few days before the visit. This way our students could have a better idea of how
much a few dollars can be stretched and what sort of food these people can or cannot afford. It was eyeopening.
I was very sad to leave and say goodbye to all these wonderful people, from our students to our Kenyan
friends who make us feel welcome. I feel very privileged and I am grateful for this unique experience. I
would like to finish by thanking Kate for sharing three wonderful years with me; Kenya will not be the
same without you.
Thank you all for the success of this project.
Carlos Cazorla

Jorg Taenzler Adult Participant
Dieses Project was eine wunderbare Eifarahrung in
meinem Leben. Ich nehme sehr viele positive Eindrύcke
aus diesen Projekt mit. Ich werde die Zeit nie vergessen.
Ich weiβ jetzt wie gut es uns in Europa geht, Es war eine
sehr schōne Zeit mit den Schuzern zuarbeiten Jetzt bin
ich aber auch froh wieder nach Deutschland zu meiner
Familie zu fliegen.
This project was a wonderful experience in my life. I’m
taking many positive memories from this project. I will never forget this time. I know how easy things are
for us in Europe. I had a very good time working with the students. I am also very happy though, to go
back to Germany to see my family.
Gordon Ingram (A.K.A. Jess) Medical Officer

WORKING GROUPS
Group Name Meaning Group Leader Group Members
Bantar
Casual
conversation
Carlos
Brooke Griffin
Dhananjay Singh
Ben Angus
Rebecca West
Thais Bordarampe Lahoud
Candace Barritt
Lauren Kinmont
Newton Mwavu
Moses Muthoka
George Toya
Edwin Karanja
Simba Strong as a lion James and
Joseph
Cyril Obuja
Victoria Cant
Tandejajit Sarkaria
Rachel Herold
Rebecca Mathieson
Alejandra Ibarra Dias
Natasha Wells
William Mbae
Noah Kipkemboi
Mark Orina
Geoffrey Moenga
Eric Juma
Harambee Let’s pull together Jorg Daniel Hermann
Mimi Deacon
Andy Griffith
Nicole Lindbeck
Kamogelo Vilakazi
Victoria Stuckey
Pascal Aringo
Richard Gituku
Ian Achira
Joshua Korir
Festus Maseki

DAILY SCHEDULE
Morning wake up song by any interested parties
Breakfast
Wash up and clean up
6.30am
7am
7.30 – 8am
Walk to work site 8 – 8.30
Work session #1 8.30 – 10.30
Morning Tea 10.30 – 10.45
Work session #2
10.45 – 1pm
Return to camp/ wash up 1 – 1.30
Lunch 1.30
Personal time
2pm – 4pm*
Domestics 2 – 4pm
Tea 4 – 4.15
Group activity
Dinner
4.15 – 5.15pm
6pm
Personal time 6.30 – 8.45pm Domestics must
assist with dinner clean up
Tents
Lights out
9pm
9.30pm
*Domestics: Group is to report to Gina at 2pm to assist with dinner preparations. They will wash up from
lunch as well as afternoon tea; then begin dinner preparations. They are then to wash the dishes after
dinner.

DOMESTICS GROUP GROUP ACTIVITY
Monday Dec 12 th
Visit the work site and meet
Christopher and Harrison
Tuesday Dec 13 th Banter #1 Individual group discussions
Wednesday Dec 14 th Simba #1 Sports and brains tournament
Thursday Dec 15 th Harambee #1 Own time: swimming, washing,
sleeping
Friday Dec 16th Banter #2 Rafting
Saturday Dec 17 th Simba #2 Own time
Sunday Dec 18 th Harambee #2 church and home visit
Monday Dec 19 th Banter #1 Volleyball
Tuesday Dec 20 th Simba #1 Church and home visits, final
rehearsal, letter to self
Wednesday Dec 21st Harambee Cultural Night
Thursday Dec 22nd Harambee #2 Departure day

CULTURAL NIGHT: MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Kamo
Rebecca 2
Banter
Canadian Crew
Harambee
The Aussies
Simba
South Africa
Nicole and the internationals
Panda
BIB
Peruvians
The Incredible Indians
Daniel Herrmann
Edwin and the band
The Starehe boys
Scottish Dancing
La Cucaracha remix
“Canadia the Musical”
Words fail me!
Songs of home to educate the world
Roar like a lion
Siya Vuma
Christmas carols
Kung Fu Fighting
Du-Et
A Spanish masterpiece
Songs and dance
Hamlet monologue
A musical extravanganza
Surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOME VISITS: Lauren Kinmont
On Sunday 18 th December, our group travelled to a local Kenyan
country household. After the long walk, we arrived at the house
and were met with the sight of three delightful young children. The
oldest brother arrived soon after and told us that their mother had
gone to the church to meet us; unfortunately she had gone to the
wrong church. We laughed and played with the children until the
mother returned.
The small house had only three rooms that were very compact
(about four by five meters). Outside there was a mud walled room
used as a kitchen and around the corner stood a separate building
for the oldest brother to sleep. We learned that it is tradition in
Kenya for sons to be circumcised at age 13-14 and to then receive
a separate room apart from the house. A raised building was
situated next to the house which contained the livestock. The
family had two rabbits, a cow with a calf, and had recently been
given two puppies as a gift. They owned two acres of land which
was separated between living space and crops. This was a small piece of land in comparison to others in
the area. In the nearby town there was electricity but not in their house. The family was lucky enough to
receive fresh running water that was placed a few years earlier by an international company. The water,
which they paid for by volume, came from the river which was transported by pipes and purified by a
company before coming to the single tap near their home. If the water level was low in the river, they
could go without water for a long time (up to three months).
There were five people living in the main house: the wife, husband and their three youngest children. Out
of the four children, the three youngest attended the primary school in which we are working at. The
father was not present for our visit because he was out trying to find work, doing small jobs around town.
The women are expected to stay at home doing manual work such as weeding and looking after the farm
while also cooking and cleaning for the family, while the men bring in money. They eat mainly dairy,
maize and beans which is home grown and then cooked over a fire. They store the food for winters and
droughts by drying the beans/maize. The family is Christian and celebrate Christmas by slaughtering a
goat if they can afford it. Otherwise they will eat ugali and everyone will go to church for the celebration.
Women do not get circumcised and will stay with the family until they get married and then they will move
to the man’s house. The dowry for a woman is more if she is beautiful or a virgin, it is set by woman’s
family but can be debated down by man’s family.
We gave the family gifts of food and they were extremely grateful. After a tour of the house we went out to
work in the fields with the family. Even though it was a Sunday and they usually don’t work, they still
helped us as we cleared their fields of weeds. We had lunch and shared our packed lunch among
ourselves and the children. We then asked questions about their lifestyle and way of life. We learned that
if anyone in their household were to become ill there is a local clinic which they can visit; it is very western
with doctors and not many medicine men. If the illness is very severe then there is a large hospital in
Sagana. When asked about the foreigners in the area they said that they really appreciate the building
project that we were completing. They can see the positive as more people can now go to school. They
would like to see more help in the home perspective as they often struggle to get food or pay for the
school/water fees. The education is good as they believe that God will help them get a good job when
they finish school. It was very satisfying to know that we were making a difference in the community.

Harambee group home visit: Tori Stuckey
Our home visit was only a 3 minute walk down a dirt trakl opposite the Riandira Primary school. The
home comprised of a small mud brick house (similar to our school room) and an adjacent shelter where
food was stored and prepared. We met the father of the household, Jamlick Maina, who gave us a brief
overview of his lifestyle. He has a wife and 3 female children. They live on a one acre block where they
farm corn and house 18 chickens, 2 goats and 2 cows. The two younger children go to school at Riandira
primary school, while the oldest daughter, being 21 years of age, does not attend school.
Chores include farming, weeding, collecting water and firewood, caring for the animals, cooking and
cleaning. The father was a mechanic in Nairobi, where he earnt money to send to the family. However, he
found life tedious so opted to live in the countryside. In addition to his immediate family, Jamlick also
supports his parents and 2 brothers. One brother works at White-water Adventures, while the other one
farms next door to Jamlick. He also had 3 sisters, two of which are married, and one who had died.
The family sources their water from a nearby well which is piped to them. They must pay 200-300KSH
each month for this water. Each day, the father must feed the animals then care for his crops. The young
children play games such as skipping, in between helping with the chores. The children must go to
primary school under all circumstances, and the father strongly believes that they must complete school
before getting married. The family lives on approximately 100KSH each day, which is not always
available, or practical. This money pays for onions, flour, cooking oil and vegetables. If they run out of
money, they must eat their own crops or work on other farms also. Jamlick has lived on this property for
his whole life (46yrs) and plans on staying there.
In preparation for Christmas, Jamlick is saving money to buy wheat flour,
and intends on sacrificing one of his chickens. He also hopes to save
enough money to buy fruit juice for his children. This came as a shock to
Harambee because we did not expect something so common as juice to
be considered such a precious commodity to anyone. This also opened
our eyes to the sheer poverty that this family is facing. Jamlick also
explained that he expected a good harvest for his crops soon. When
asked about his faith, Jamlick told us he believes in God and attends the
ACK Catholic church next to the primary school. He is always appreciative
of what happens in his life, as he believes God intended it to be so.
Next we talked to his eldest daughter, Janet Muthoni, aged 21. She did
not get the chance to attend high school because her family could not
afford the school fees. She lives with her family so she can help with the
farming and chores. In her free time, Janet likes to help out at her church
because she appreciates God’s influence on her life. In the future, she would like to work in Nairobi
because she believes there are more jobs available. However, she has no qualifications yet, and so must
stay on the farm. She does not enjoy her lifestyle, however is not yet ready to start her own family and so
must stay on the farm to support her parents and younger sisters.
After our chat, we helped the family by contributing to their chores. We weeded, swept, washed dishes
and collected water, then delivered some gifts to the family. Overall, Harambee gained a hugely
appreciative and crucial understanding about the harsh lives of many individuals. This experience of
visiting a single family opened our eyes to the reality of poverty, and directly demonstrated to us the plight
of millions of people world-wide. This further enhanced our passion to help the people around us who are
not as fortunate as we are.

Student Comments Candace Barritt: Bishop’s College School
I was in Canada at my boarding school Bishops College School when I heard the news that I would be
going to Kenya from December 10 th to December 28 th , knowing I’ll have to leave my parents, family,
friends for over my Christmas break, and also missing Christmas will be the first.
I’m not a person that gets home sick, and after doing an exchange with round square last year to
Australia I thought it would be a good choice to go on a service project to do something I wouldn’t
normally do- build a school for children!
I live in Bermuda but go to school in Canada, so when I arrived in Nairobi airport knowing that I would be
going on the big adventure- by myself, this would be another step to becoming a grown up. On the drive
to the school, we passed one of the largest slums in Kenya, and that was one of the things that shocked
me because you hear on the news and in books that we have poverty and slums, but seeing one in
person makes me feel better about building a class room that would educate more than 30 students.
I arrived at the school Starehe Boys Centre wihich has high security (common in Nairobi) with the
expectation that we would start building soon. When I did arrive there was already to students from Peru
and two from India, and meeting a few of the boys that would helping us do the work for the next week
and a half. Every few hours students would arrive from all around the world. We bonded with the group
for two days, playing varies games and sports.
We arrived to Sagana and we were staying at a public camp about 1km away from the work sight. We
were set up with are tent mate who we would be spending the next 10 days together which was great as
we could find out about their school and work alongside them. My tent mate is Tash from South Africa, so
I got some insight from her about the differences she sees in Kenya, even though she is in the same
continent.
Every day on the work site I would do something different, from moving stones, hammering wood,
cementing walls, metal work. I have never worked with any of these tools before, but after using them and
learning from professionals how it is done, its’ quite easy. Also seeing how old methods of construction
are being used – that was really interesting.
I’ve learnt that being a woman with rights is something I should take seriously because some girls don’t
get to go to school. I’m grateful that I go to a Round Square school where women are treated properly
and we can see how privileged we are and maybe we can help those less fortunate than us in the future.

Noah Kipkemboi: The Starehe Centre
Aha! Oyeeahh! Yes! That’s it! I’m happy I’m in central Kenya. The school, quite great, just like where I
come from. You can’t forget your past but you can change the present to better someone else’s future,
that’s exactly what we are doing.
Simba group and all the groups in general are great there are nice personalities in each. Oh, I almost
forgot; the food...superlicious! The forks and blunt knives scare me a bit though!
I dream for the day all “schools” in Kenya will be schools and have a conducive environment to study in
and this is a small step that we have just taken. I do believe this is not just about Africa, but many parts of
the world, where things need to change for the better.
I hope the leaders Round Square is building through the projects will change resource management and
customs for the human race. Round Square is great, god bless all.
Tandej Sarkaria: The Doon School
RSIS Kenya 2011 was an awesome experience and a memory I will cherish all my life. It was very
satisfying to build a classroom. One day when I come back to Kenya with my family and show them the
classroom I helped build it will be one of the proudest moments of my life.
I made some wonderful friends from different parts of the world and I will make sure I meet them again in
life. The friends I made include the leaders who were awesome and very co-operative. The best part was
that we had so much fun to go along with the work we did. I learnt so much about different cultures of the
world and I think I am a wider person after this experience.
The family visit made me feel very thankful to God for giving me the life I have. The cultural phase was
fun and a perfect mixture of fun and work overall. Tomorrow when I say goodbye to everyone it will be
very difficult and I will feel very sad, something I didn’t expect when I initially came to Kenya.
Moses Kojuku: The Starehe Centre
What a privilege! I lack words to describe this project so far. This is due to what I have encountered and
what I have already learned. This chance I can straight forward call “a golden one” because it took me
hard work to make it and be considered as an attendant at this international project.
It is fortunate for me to meet people from all over the world and share many things in life and academics
at large. It is during the project that I have learnt many games that before I considered worthless, but
what someone considers bad could be useful to another therefore it is important to appreciate anyone’s
ideas or games.
You never know what lies beyond the horizon unless you become part of thee horizon because it was not
until I shared a lot with the international students that I became enlightened. It has always been my
assumption that all international students have a higher ability and capability than African students but the
assumption has been proved wrong because all of us have the same ability to do something, thus we are
all equal. Thank you all who made it possible for me to attend the project and long live Round Square!
“Determination determines determined determination.”

Rebecca Mathieson: Gordonstoun
At first I was very reserved when meeting all the new people on the project, I found it overwhelming
however, after a couple of days of bonding and group activities I felt more comfortable around everyone.
The project was great fun and you get a sense of overwhelming happiness when you finish a job and see
the face of the teachers and head teacher as they look at all you have achieved. The most positive part o
the trip was when the internationals emptied their bags of donations and we saw the vast amount of
potential these resources could have for the students in need. Everything we gave was well received.
Overall, I loved the group of internationals and the surprise at the end of the trip made Christmas away
from home easier than anticipated.
Newton Mwavu: The Starehe Centre
I’m absolutely thrilled to get this chance to participate in a Round Square service project. Special
gratitude to those people who took some of their time to plan something like this for us. Then, special
thank you to the founder of Round Square and the current director for this opportunity. From my
experience in Round Square I have learnt:
People don’t care about your intentions; they care about what you actually do.
If everybody was satisfied with themselves, there would be no hero’s and so Round Square has
the hero’s.
Acknowledge your history without being controlled by it. No matter what happens in your life, how
you interpret events is up to you.
Ben Angus: Ivanhoe Grammar
The RSIS Kenya trip was one of the most memorable, enjoyable and amazing trips I have ever been on.
The people I have met from Kenya and from the other RS schools are some of the most interesting and
all over beautiful people I have ever met and we all shared some funny moments as well as some eye

opening and surprising moments. I don’t think I have ever had more fun or done anything more rewarding
in my life and I think that everyone who has the opportunity to do this in their life should do so.
Ian Achira: The Starehe Centre
Once again, proud to be Kenyan – all thanks to Round Square! I never knew Kenya was such a beautiful
place until I came to Sagana. Today we went rafting and this was fabulous. This has made me believe the
world is a big place....no scratch that...we have all come from different parts of the world with one goal in
mind, to make the world a better place.
The project so far? WOW, fantastic! I never imagined I could ever help in building a house or room in any
way but I am becoming an expert mason. Laying brick after brick takes patience, endurance, sacrifice and
determination and this is what it will take to heal the world. I am very proud that Round Square gave me
an opportunity to contribute to the welfare of innocent children - those that are thirsty to be filled with
knowledge.
I thank everyone who made it possible for the Round Square project 2011 to happen and for me to be a
part of it. I thank all the friends I have made. I love Kenya!
Thais Bordarampé: Markham College
This project has changed my life. I will never be able to fully express my feelings and thoughts about this
trip. Describing the country itself is something which I find difficult since its so different but at the same
time, similar to mine. The people are just amazing; they did a wonderful job at making us feel at home
and shared all they had which was really appreciated.
All of the internationals were also amazing and we all got along very well from the beginning. The project
itself was something very touching. We all joined together for the same purpose and the fact that some of
the Starehe boys are perhaps as unfortunate as the kids who attended the primary school was something
I found very nice. They all wanted to “give back to the community” and I liked that.
Seeing the Maasai people at the end after spending some days at the safari lodge was something really
shocking since it was so opposite to what I was experiencing at the lodge. It really made me cherish the
opportunities that I have and made me realise how little some people have but how they cope with it while
we worry about things that are insignificant in comparison.

I want to thank everyone who made this possible: the RS organisation, Kate, Carlos, Jess and his poop
journal, Jorg, the Starehe boys, Mr Peter Ndungu, the internationals and Kenya, a country which will be
special to me forever.
Festus Nzioka: The Starehe Centre
This is the most memorable activity I have done
in my life, especially when it comes to community
service. Staying with students from all over the
world in the same camp was a good opportunity
to learn different cultures and customs.
Building at the worksite gave me more pleasure
than anything else because it gave me the
chance to give back to the community what it has
so kindly given to me. “From those to whom
much has been given, much will be required.” It
was fun to work together and ti really seemed amazing how the work seemed easier than it really was.
The most fun was when I turned 17. It was my very first time to celebrate my birthday away from home
but I enjoyed it because everyone made me feel happy and I felt that I belonged to a big community and
not just my family. Thanks to all.
Lauren Kinmont: St Stithian’s Girls College
This project has been an experience I shall never forget because of the beautiful sites we saw and things
we experienced that we would never have been exposed to. This place and trip would not nearly have
been the same without the people that have joined us; from the leaders and fellow RSIS students to the
Starehe boys and the friendly “jambo’s” from passing strangers.
I have experienced another country, another culture and another side of myself. We made a difference in
another person’s life by building a classroom, making donations and spending time with other people. We
were not just tourists but helped change lives, even if it was only a small moment in our own life.

Geoffrey Moenga: The Starehe Centre
It’s been a moment of my life; a moment not worth regretting for the absolute expenditure of every second
of it! Changing someone’s life for the better and making it more gorgeous to enjoy is all I’ve always
anticipated and this has really been a good chance for me to maximise on. I must thank all those who
considered me for this and really saw fit for me to participate. I’ve learnt a lot that I can tell that the
outside world could be of importance in life...and this includes:
Cooperation: despite the fact that we are of different backgrounds, sexes and all have different
interests we were able to tackle the tasks we were given and did them by cooperating with each
other.
Attitude: at first the task ahead seemed too difficult to me but at the same time everyone was
motivated to succeed and with zeal we really did it.
Hard work: the effort that we put in made it possible and fantastically possible.
The interactions we had with the internationals were really an experience and quite full of things to learn
from each other. Long live Round Square!
Rachel Herold: St Clement’s School
This trip is an incredible and life-changing
experience. From the moment I arrived in
Nairobi to the time at the worksite, the rafting,
the Starehe boys, the safari lodge and Kenya
completely stole my heart. I loved how easy it
was to hang out with students from all over the
world and I know now that I have friends and
places to stay on every continent.
The Kenya trip is unique because we work with
15 Starehe boys from the Starehe Boys Centre
and School in Nariobi. They made the trip loads of fun and were fascinating to get to know. The work was
very rewarding as we saw the walls of a classroom rise from the ground.
My absolute favourite part of this experience was the opportunities we had to get to know the children
living in the community and attending the school that we were working on. Despite language and cultural
barriers we made friends and learned about one another. These children, more than anything else, taught
me to appreciate everything that I have and not to waste anything.
The safari was an amazing experience to share with my new friends. Visiting the Maasai village was
shocking and eye-opening and something I will never forget. I only hope I can bring the emotion it
inspired in me back home so that I can take on new initiatives and do something to help the women of the
village who may never have the opportunities I have had.
Before I left home I was told I would fall in love with Kenya and I did. The welcoming people, the sparkling
hope in the children’s eyes, the breath-taking landscapes and the majestic animals all make up the
country I hope to return to one day. I am so thankful for the opportunity Round Square has given me to

learn from Kenya and for the incredible friends I have made. I have found a home and family here and
saying goodbye will be one of the most difficult things I could imagine. This is an experience I will
remember fondly for the rest of my life and I hope to continue with international service work in the future.
Thank you to Round Square, Starehe School and everyone on the project for giving me this experience of
a life time.
George Toyya: The Starehe Centre
A fabulous moment in my life - the Round Square has enabled me to have such a good experience that I
have never had before. Everyone has been an amazing person to me and I have enjoyed each and every
moment that I have spent with everyone. I have also learnt a great deal of lessons and these include:
It takes a lot of time to build a good reputation but a minute is good enough to demolish the work
of years.
If you decide to be patient be patient throughout, if you decide not to be then don’t, but it’s better
to be anyway since it doesn’t hurt at all.
Not all people will love you for the good that you do and the achievements that you make but
most people will hate you for the wrong that you do.
Do all you can, whenever you can and wherever you can for golden chances knock once at every
man’s door.
Thank you very much Round Square for this opportunity that you have granted me. I will love it forever.
Natasha Wells: St Cyprians School
Describing the moment on the trip in words would be impossible. This trip has been life changing and
every moment has been taken in and won’t be forgotten.
The bonding we had before the project in Sagana for a day was great fun. Learning a bit about the
students was interesting and the Starehe boys were interested in getting to know us internationals all very
well. You could tell by the way they talked, that they were very proud of their school.

When we were in Sagana it was obvious what could be achieved when people work together and the
team work was unbelievable. There was a sense of accomplishment on the last day when we finally
finished on the “lintel bars”
Playing sports with everyone was very funny and enjoyable to watch the boys in action. The cultural days
when we visited the families were an eye opener. I loved playing with the children and learning one or two
words in their own languages.
The whole project has exceeded my expectations and was spectacular in every way. Spending Christmas
without my family was something new and amazing. I can’t have imagined anything better than singing
Christmas carols, playing cards, eating with hippo’s and opening crackers. This was my best ever
December and I am so thankful to have been selected to be here. Thank you Round Square for this
opportunity.
Edwin Karanja: The Starehe Centre
This has been one of the bets experiences of my high school life in that it is amazing to see people come
from many areas of the world to help society. Everyone has been putting a lot of effort in building a
classroom for a school, which I find sweet and loving.
Everyone has been amazing and meeting people from different places is wonderful and makes you want
to travel and explore the world. This is my idea of everywhere...
South Africa = weird!
India = crowded
Australia = a lot of fun
Bermuda = nice beaches
Canada = full of songs, noisy and cold
Peru = silent
Scotland = old and official

Dhananjay Singh: The Doon School
The Kenyan Project 2011 – no words can explain it because it is a sum of emotions and different
experiences that can only be felt and experienced by those who were there. In simple language, it was
unique, wonderful and different but yet so simple as we were a family. We made different friends and
some, like me, found new brothers and sisters.
We used our muscles to mix motar,
we used our brains to solve the
small challenges that we faced
during the trip and we even used
our hearts to make friendships that
will last forever. When we were in
our rafts speeding and splashing
through class 4rapids adrenaline
rushed through our veins. When we
were in our minibuses taking
pictures of the king of the jungle our
hearts pumped with excitement.
And lastly, when we were
representing our country during the
cultural night we felt full of pride.
So, overall I can say that this project was worth everything to me. All those who were here gained
something. It was a success not only for the children who will sit in the classroom but it was a success for
us all.
I actually didn’t talk about family....don’t think I was homesick. How could I be homesick when I was with
my family?
Richard Gituku: The Starehe Centre
Don’t know what to say since everything is so mind blowing..I wish the days did not move as easily as
they did or I would get more days, but anyway everything must come to an end soon.
Though this is my country I haven’t had the opportunity to do such a project that has been offered by
Round Square and that makes me swell with joy since I know many kids are going to benefit from my zeal
and passion for the build and hopefully come to Starehe as it cares for people with disadvantages.
Getting to know the students from all over the world who gave up Christmas for Kenya touches me since
good guys still exists in this world and to socialise with them and learn their culture and build strong
friendships is wonderful.
In my group members in Harambee, cooperation was steadfast in the building and games and it makes
me proud to be a part of the group. The badges we got are a constant reminder of one another not only
for my group but the other groups as well. I wish for many more Kenyan’s to benefit from the Round
Square project and Starehe to be taking part in the project. Long live RSIS!

Kamogelo Vilakazi: St Cyprians School
Wow, I never thought a trip just a couple of hours
north of my own country could change my life so
much. Coming to Kenya I was expecting a totally
different place but I found a place slightly different
from home but yet so comforting and homely.
I tried not to think too much about the people and our
group dynamics before I left because I didn’t want to
get disappointed but it turned out our group was
perfect, if that even exists. We all slotted into where
we belong and I really loved our team spirit. I learned the Swahili phrase for Harambee, which means we
pull together and I watched it in action as we got together and created something truly amazing, brick by
brick.
I never expected a group of teenagers to just get together and learn so much about each other and form
such strong and fierce friendships in such a short space of time. This trip has truly opened my eyes to the
fact that the problems in Africa are the same and it shall take a large effort for us as a continent to change
and we require more trips like this.
I know that hard work pays off. I will miss each and every student that was on this trip. There have been
memories made that I doubt I will ever forget and the people I met will always have a place in my heart. I
plan to continue doing work like this throughout Africa. Trips like this are necessary for us youth to realize
that we can change the world and to appreciate the things we have. I am grateful to my parents, my
school and the teachers who made this possible. Asante RSIS, Liz Gray and everyone else who made
this trip possible.
Pascal Aringo: The Starehe Centre
It’s been super so far, everyone having fun and working hard at Riandira School. We’ve done so much so
far, from ground level all the way to the lintel. I credit this to the cooperation of the whole Round Square
team.
I must admit I enjoyed the rafting so much. It was my first time rafting and I hope to get another chance
later. I also loved my group, Harembee – during work at the school and also other group activities, much
appreciation to the group members.

Rebecca West: Gordonstoun
This has been an experience of a lifetime, however cheesy that sounds! I have spent the last 3 years
listening to other people talking in chapel about how going on a project has changed their views on life
but I never really believed it. The thing that made me decide to come on the Kenya project when I first
heard about it was because of the constant media coverage Kenya was getting and the fund raisers that
were going on at school. I wanted to see the problems for myself.
This project has made me realise how privileged I am, not just to have an education but also food on the
table, a loving family and friends and a nice home to live in. The thing I have learned most about on this
trip is myself and how even if you are ill or dying from the heat, you have to carry on because the end
result is worth the struggle. I am very grateful for this opportunity and to meet and spend time with such
wonderful people.
Joshua Korir: The Starehe Centre
The RSIS at Sagana was really good, in fact good is not the perfect adjective that can summarise every
activity that took place. I really enjoyed meeting people from different parts of the world, playing together
and most importantly, working together. My group was called “Harembee” which means “let’s pull
together” and we really did.
I must thank the Round Square organisation for enabling underprivileged schools such as Starehe to
participate in such a project. I wish to have another opportunity to participate in another project in the
future as it is a way of giving back to the community.
Alejandra Ibarra: Markham College
Jambo! This was the first word I heard when I arrived. I met so many wonderful people that I really need
to thank. I came to the project very enthusiastic but also very nervous about how people would judge me
and how I was going to survive three weeks without my family.
The truth was that as soon as I arrived at The Starehe Boys Centre I received so many smiles that I forgot
I was nervous and started having a good time. As I was one of the first to arrive I was able to welcome
everyone else from Scotland, India, Australia, Canada and South Africa.

We worked hard during the ten days of the project and still had time to have fun and build friendships.
This project made me gain confidence and also made me realise that no many fights people may have
they can always pull together for a common goal.
I would definitely repeat this experience and would like to encourage everyone to take part in an RSIS
project as they won’t regret their experience.
Cyril Obuja: The Starehe Centre
It’s been one heck of a ride for me. 10 days with people you never expected to see with personalities that
are amazing. This project has been “da bomb”. No doubt Simba has been the most vibrant group around,
with people like Noah and yours truly, the team has been efficient in whatever they did! The adult leaders
ensured it was just like a holiday and we felt like one big happy family.
I really felt deep warmth inside when we went to visit the homes. It was like a blessing in itself, looking
deep into the old ladies eyes. I saw a very happy woman; I don’t think words can express whatever
emotions present at that moment. I feel so sad it has come to an end but I still want to keep in touch with
everyone.
Victoria Cant: Westminster School
“The happiest people in the world don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything
they have.” The people on this trip have proved this quote to a T. People came from all over the world,
from different backgrounds, families, religious beliefs and cultures, yet we all came for one reason: to
make a difference. Through the process of building we have achieved the goal we came to achieve. We
have also achieved many other things: made friends for life and seen things that some people only dream
about.
The cultural phase was a fantastic reward and fitted the Kenyan stereotypical movies like “The Lion King”
Overall this was a trip of a lifetime, something that I will never forget. The memories made will stay with
me forever, but memories aren’t made alone, what makes memories special is who they are made with.
Mark Orina: The Starehe Centre
“Looking into the future – make a difference forever”
My experience in the project has no words to describe it, it is
priceless and most of all forthcoming in every way. Building
a classroom for the school which will last for a hundred
years or so and I was a part of it!
The people I have met and interacted with are amazing and
honestly are the most diverse I have seen in my life. Just the
thought of what most of them have sacrificed to be on this project leaves me in awe and reverence for
how much young people like myself would do to make a difference. They remind me of J.F Kennedy who
said, “Footprints on the sand are not made by sitting down”

Victoria Stuckey: Ivahoe Grammer
This trip has been incredible in so many ways. Not only did I experience Kenya’s unique culture, I was
able to learn from other team members about their own cultures. The cultural phase was the most
significant to me personally. In addition to the safari being a jaw-dropping experience, visiting a manyatta
was life-changing. No words can describe the way I felt when I saw the tiny, dark, crumbling and smelly
huts that the Masai people call home. It was fascinating to understand their lifestyle and to realise that
this experience represented hundreds of individuals who are deprived of health care, safe drinking water,
sufficient food and who lacked basic human rights. The clear gender inequality shocked me as I did not
realise before I left home that people still lived like this.
The experiences I have had on this trip have been life-changing. I will go home with a refreshed and more
realistic outlook on the world in which we live. This RSIS trip has given me a new energy to work towards
making a difference in this world and heading to a brighter future.
I recommend this trip to anyone and everyone who wants to better understand the reality of life for most
of the developing world. It frightens me that most people will never experience what have seen on this trip
because the lessons I have learnt are crucial for everyone on the planet to understand.
Noah Kipkemboi: The Starehe Centre
It’s amazing how fast we have finished the project. I have learnt a lot including no matter how much good
you do this can all be bought to ruin by a foolish action. I thank all the staff and hope that they can think of
me in better light in future years as I have learnt my lesson.
God bless Round Square and the project and Starehe’s good reputation, thanks to all.

Daniel Herrmann:
“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so..” Hamlet by Shakespeare
Well, I definitely thought this project was good, in fact it was fantastic. One of the highlights of the project
was meeting and getting to know the Starehe boys. Whether we were building a wall, mixing cement or
simply playing a game of chess, they always had a smile on their face. Another highlight of the trip was
the preparation of the goat feast. It was an eye-opening experience to ses the goat slaughtered before us
and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to skin it myself.
And then of course, there was the safari! It was amazing, everything from lions to elephants was just too
cool, I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to see them. The Masai manyatta was another great
part of the trip as I was fascinated to see another way of life so drastically different to my own.
My fellow travellers really came to life for me on the safari. Whether we were discussing the education
system, philosophy or corporal punishment, there was always an abundance of vigor and passion. This
trip was truly a wonderful experience.
So, in response to Hamlet; to me, this project was amazing.
William Mbae: The Starehe Centre
I consider this chance to participate in this project a once in a lifetime opportunity and that which calls us
to explore our passionate faculties of humanity. RSIS provides each one of us with an opportunity to give
back to a society which is greatly in need of our sacrifice.
For starters I would like to thank each and every person who has availed themselves for this project. You
have set yourselves apart from many who can only receive but will not give back to humanity. It is a
beautiful sight to see students from all over the world united by one purpose. Living to fulfil one goal and
all zealous about what they are doing. Amazingly, all are focussed and cannot wait to lay the last brick of
the upcoming classroom, set a book at it’s right place in the school’s library or weed the bushy compound
surrounding the visiting homes.
I am convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that the Round Square spirit is what the globe earnestly
needs to transform its caverns of shame to sites of pride. I am proud to be taking part in this year’s
international project and my heartfelt appreciation goes to all participants.
May God bless you richly, I love you all.
Nicole Lindbeck: Bunbury Cathedral School
What can I say about dec 10 th – 28 th 2011? The first thing I would say is that the monmths of planning,
fundraising and organising definitely paid off. I hope I speak for everyone when I say that every minute of
this trip has been an incredible learning experience and that we have all taken something from it.
From arriving in Kenya and the “getting to know you” stage, to discussing poop journals with each other,
to cultural night on the final night of the project, to white water rafting and safari-ing, everything was
brilliant! I am so very glad I took the opportunity to come on this trip and explore an entirely different part

of the world with an entirely different culture. Coming on this trip once again reminded me not to take
anything for granted and to appreciate and respect everyone. I have met some amazing people, both
local and international and forged some friendships I hope to keep. I completely encourage anyone with
the opportunity to get involved in Round Square because you won’t regret a second.
Andy Griffith: Ivanhoe Grammar School, Plenty Campus
After much anticipation I finally found myself on the Kenyan RSIS project. I will never forget meeting
everyone, both the internationals and the Starehe boys after arriving a day late. We all got to know each
other extremely quickly and within minutes of arrival we were playing soccer and singing songs, which
made us good friends instantly. The Starehe boys were fascinating and insightful with their stories and
information about Kenya and particularly their school and we all learnt a great deal from them.
Once the project started in Sagana the true
significance of the trip began to become clear.
Everyone joined together in an efficient and hardworking
team and I was amazed at what we
managed to accomplish within a short space of
time. I always felt extremely satisfied after a hard
days’ work and enjoyed seeing the thankful looks
on the local’s faces as we walked back to camp.
Finally, completing our work on the classroom
was immensely satisfying and I will forever feel
proud of our team’s efforts at the primary school.
Saying goodbye to the Starehe boys was
incredibly difficult and emotional and it was
amazing to think how close we had come in only two weeks.
The cultural phase of the trip that followed really exposed us to the true Kenyan culture and was
fascinating and enjoyable. We had such fun on safari and spending Christmas together. The visit to the
Maasai village was a huge shock and difficult to comprehend and will forever leave an impression on me.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences in Kenya on the RSIS project and I will always remember it for the
rest of my life. I hope my new friendships continue to grow over the years.
Mimi Deacon:
The past three weeks have been incredible. I learned a great deal about myself, other cultures and Kenya
itself. The people I met on this trip are wonderful and I am so happy I chose to be a part of this
experience. The combination of service work and a cultural phase was really fun. Many of the
experiences I had on this trip could be considered once in a lifetime; visiting the manyatta, building a
classroom and spending Christmas Day by a hippo-filled river. However, because I loved it so much,
there is no way I can avoid coming back to Kenya later in life.
Like I said, every part of the trip was amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people or a
better experience. At the end of this trip I can safely say that my eyes have been opened. So much of
what I have seen and done will stay with me forever. I feel so lucky to have had this Kenyan experience
with such a great organisation.

Brooke Griffin: Westminster School
RSIS Kenya 2011...words simply cannot describe the memories, experiences or inside jokes.. I’m sure
every student, international and Starehe came on this project with great expectations and goals; I do
believe they have been exceeded for all. I could never have imagined the bonds that were going to be
formed or be so sure they won’t be broken.
Hard work, exhausting and draining may well be fitting terms to suit our journey. Exhilarating, fulfilling and
eye opening however, are the terms which over-ride the others.
Chengo’s Fish Sauce Recipe!
Onion
Garlic
Ginger
Lemon juice
Water
Coriander
1) Lightly fry onion, garlic and ginger.
2) Add water and lemon juice.
3) Sprinkle with chopped coriander and serve either
on or beside fish.

Chengo’s Mandazi (sweet buns)
White flour – 2 cups Eggs - 1
Sugar – ½ cup
Lemon rind
Margarine – 2tbsp
pinch of salt
Milk or coconut milk – ½ cup
Cardamom powder – 15g
Yeast – 15g
Cinnamon powder – 15g
Bring all ingredients to room temperature before
mixing them together. Mix all the ingredients together,
adding more flour if necessary. The dough should be
soft, but not sticky. Roll the dough on a lightly floured
board until it is about 1/4 inch think. Cut into triangles
and fry in hot oil. Fry until both sides are golden
brown. Remove mandazi from oil and drain on paper
towels or newspaper. Serve warm.