In October 2018, students from our 14th Vocational Program class left Machakos for their first field trip. They headed to Lake Nakuru National Park on the annual field trip, but it wouldn’t be just the animals and beautiful landscapes that amazed them.
Students gathered at the Huduma Center bus station in Machakos Town hours before the bus even arrived. The sun had not even risen, but the students were not going to miss a chance to see more of their country.
As soon as the bus left town, many of the students reacted as if entering another world. They pointed out small and strangely-shaped mountains not five miles from their homes. They marveled at an airplane that flew high overhead. All the while, the students had a chance to interact with Jitegemee staff on a more personal level. Curious students asked questions and sparked interesting discussions.
The most interesting part of the bus ride, however, was the first and only sightseeing stop: the Great Rift Valley. Students got out of the bus and simply gazed over the massive rift for over half an hour. They seemed to be trying to take in every square meter of land in the valley, seeing what it had to offer for their viewing pleasure.
After hours of driving through exciting landscapes, staff and students arrived at a hotel in Nakuru. Though the students were excited to be staying at a hotel, they listened attentively that night to staff talk about the importance of learning and taking full advantage of field trips like this. Fortunately, students also got the chance to release some of their energy in the form of song, dance, and poetry recited to their classmates.
The next morning, everyone boarded the bus to Lake Nakuru National Park, boarded a different bus, and were guided through the beautiful landscape. The views of the lake and land were as stunning as seeing buffalo, monkeys, and other wild animals; the students kept their eyes glued to the windows the entire time. They even had a chance to exit the bus in front of one of the largest flamingo gathering sites in the world.
After many hours of travel, the students finally returned home, but with more knowledge, perspective, and wonder than before.
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