Oxford pupils return from two-week charity visit to Kenya

The group travelled to the rural community of Musanda in western Kenya to work alongside the Nasio Trust, a charity with roots in both Oxfordshire and Kenya.

Based in Abingdon, Nasio supports children through education, healthcare and community development.

The charity is celebrating 25 years of impact this year, having transformed the lives of more than 600 children since its founding in 2001.

Greyfriars Catholic School pupils were in Kenya for a two-week trip. (Image: Greyfriars Catholic School)

To mark the milestone, a church service will be held at Dorchester Abbey on June 14.

Despite a challenging journey that included long delays and disrupted flights, students arrived to a warm welcome from the local community.

Staff said one of the most striking aspects of the visit was the kindness and hospitality shown by everyone they met.

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During the visit, students worked alongside local families, helping to carry water, support basic medical care and build homes for those living in unsafe conditions.

Working together with local builders, Nasio staff and community members, they helped to construct two houses that will provide lasting security for families.

Greyfriars Catholic School pupils were in Kenya for a two-week trip. (Image: Greyfriars Catholic School)

Students also attended lessons in local schools, learning alongside Kenyan pupils.

Despite limited resources, the school said they were struck by the focus, discipline and strong work ethic of the students they met.

The experience offered a “powerful lesson” in service as the students saw first-hand the impact of working for others and alongside others.

The trip also gave students a new perspective on daily life.

Many families in Kenya live without running water or electricity, yet the community is “rich in resilience, joy and care”, the school added.

Students also took part in football matches against teams from Mumias Muslim School.

The games were closely contested and played in a positive spirit, bringing together students and the wider community in a shared sense of enjoyment.

Each evening, the group gathered to reflect on the day, ending with a shared rendition of the song “Happy”, which became a defining tradition of the trip.

Greyfriars Catholic School pupils were in Kenya for a two-week trip. (Image: Greyfriars Catholic School)

The visit concluded with the completion and handover of the houses, alongside the planting of trees to mark the group’s legacy in the community.

Sean Dingley, assistant headteacher at Greyfriars Catholic School, said: “This experience taught our students that service is at the heart of leadership.

“They saw communities working together with generosity and dignity, and it has left a lasting impression on all of us.

“We returned not only proud of what was achieved, but deeply grateful for the relationships we built. It is a place that has stayed with us, and one we hope to return to in the future.”