Media Centre for Wildlife Research and Community Development in Kenya

Jessica Eddison

I woke this morning to the sound of Mkwiro’s alarm clock - the Mosque’s call to prayer and the goats! I always wake up a bit groggy but after breakfast of pancakes, fruit, Kenyan tea and spectacular views of the ocean there is no way I can be grumpy for too long.

My group were on community today, so we planned our lessons and headed off for a hectic day of teaching. The first lesson was English, which is always such a pleasure to teach as the children never tire of learning. Instead they ask so many questions!

After a quick cup of tea and some yummy biscuits made by the guys on camp duty it was back to the village for P.E. classes. P.E. is always energetic but so much fun especially when we play banana, banana, mango. This must be the most popular game on Wasini Island!

By lunch time everyone is starving and it is always gratefully received. We take a few minutes to catch up with the guys doing marine and forest and then its back to lessons. Today was creative arts where we taught the kids how to write poems. They came up with some brilliant ones that completely put me to shame. Later in the afternoon we headed off into the village to the orphanage. I love walking through the village; everyone rushes over calling your name. I’ve been here four weeks and am still struggling with all their names!

The orphanage is always the highlight of my day, just being there reading, talking and drawing with the children is so much fun. They are always so happy and excited to see us and the time always goes far too fast.

In the evenings we eat dinner as a group, always delicious and there is always a fight for seconds. If the people on camp duty are really nice they make flapjacks. That always makes people happy! We go through the days debrief, and cover plans for the next day, or discuss weekend plans – with so much to do and experience in this part of the world, it requires some careful advance planning!

Most evenings we go over to Paradise next door for a welcome cold drink and time to chat and a catch up with everyone. Bed time is always great after a quick look at the beautiful stars and a cuddle from Charlie the base cat. I can’t wait to crawl into my bed and although it sounds cheesy, I can’t wait for the next day to begin.

Jessica Eddison