Talking about my experience in Africa brings back a mix of emotions – it was both challenging and incredibly beautiful. When I left home for University and the migrated Brazil to the United Kingdom, I thought I could handle anything. But arriving in Makuyu, a village in Kenya where I stayed for two months, I quickly realised that the needs of the people there were much greater than I anticipated. However, I believed in the process and remained patient, which allowed me to find other ways to improve their lives.

It was while working on a project called “Dreamland x Reality” with the village’s teenagers during their two-month break that I went deeper into their dreams and aspirations, as they hold the future of the village in their hands. Spending hours each week listening and talking to them made me realise that, despite the challenges, they have many dreams. As a coach, my role was to help turn those dreams into reality and find better ways to achieve them.

It was an incredible experience.

Although there were difficulties, such as the lack of basic amenities like bathrooms, showers, and running water, or even what was for us luxury of eating meat, the smiles on the children’s faces as they arrived at school every morning made up for it. It was intense days of school activities, including English lessons and helping in the kitchen to prepare meals. But it was so rewarding to know that we were somehow contributing to the future and development of an area in great need.

I want to express my gratitude to Dr Sophia Khalique, who helped me during the initial stages of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, as well as my supportive friends and family who were there for me throughout the entire period I was away. Their assistance made a significant difference, and I couldn’t have done it without them.

Johann