Pupils from Greyfriars Catholic School in Cowley have returned from a fortnight-long humanitarian expedition to Kenya, working alongside a charity focused on supporting vulnerable children and their families.

The learners journeyed to the rural settlement of Musanda in Kenya’s western region to team up with the Nasio Trust, a philanthropic organisation founded in both Oxfordshire and Kenya.

Based in Abingdon, the trust assists young people through schooling initiatives, healthcare provisions, and community advancement schemes.

This year commemorates the charity’s 25th year of operation, having enhanced the wellbeing of more than 600 children since its founding in 2001.

To mark this anniversary, a special ecclesiastical gathering is set to occur at Dorchester Abbey on June 14.

Notwithstanding a challenging voyage characterised by lengthy delays and cancelled flights, the pupils received enthusiastic welcomes from village inhabitants.

Staff members reported that the kindness and openness of local people left a considerable impression on the visiting party.

Throughout their visit, the students partnered with local households, helping with fetching water, providing basic health assistance, and building more secure accommodation for those living in hazardous conditions.

Collaborating with indigenous builders, Nasio staff and community helpers, the team constructed two dwellings that will offer permanent security for families requiring assistance.

The learners additionally engaged in educational activities at neighbouring schools, studying together with Kenyan children.

Even though resources were scarce, school representatives noted their admiration for the commitment, discipline and clear sense of direction displayed by the pupils they met.

The expedition delivered a meaningful learning opportunity in civic engagement as students directly observed the outcomes of joint initiatives.

The visit also gave learners exposure to daily existence in the area.

Numerous Kenyan residences have no piped water or electrical supply, yet the community displays remarkable resilience, joy and care, according to the educational institution.

The group also played football against teams representing Mumias Muslim School.

The contests were closely contested and played in a positive spirit, bringing together learners and the wider community in collective pleasure.

Each evening, the party gathered to review the day’s occurrences, finishing with a group rendition of the song Happy, which evolved into a defining custom of the expedition.

The visit concluded with the completed residences being officially handed over to families, alongside tree planting to represent the group’s enduring gift to the region.

Sean Dingley, deputy headteacher at Greyfriars Catholic School, explained that the expedition showed their pupils that helping others forms the foundation of genuine leadership.

They witnessed communities working together with both generosity and self-respect, making a deep impression on everyone who took part.

The school returned feeling proud of what was achieved but also grateful for the bonds created. It remains a place that stays with them, and they aspire to return someday.