š From Dream to Impact: My Life-Changing Volunteering Experience in Kenya
By Saina Mirpuri, 14, Australia
āDreams become reality when thoughts become actionsā
Jambo! That’s hello in Swahili, the native language in Kenya. Iām Saina Mirpuri, a 14 year-old girl from Australia. During the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer for 4 weeks with the organisation Stand Up Shout Out (SUSO), based in Nairobi, Kenya. The experience I had was immersive, exciting and I found myself in new places I never thought Iād see. SUSO focuses on environmental conservation in communities around them. The passion this organisation has truly allows them to bring people together and make a difference.
A Dream
I have always been passionate about making a difference, no matter how small. From leading workshops to organizing food drives at my school – I was striving to learn, teach and bring people along the mission of raising awareness through education, incorporating eco-friendly choices into our lives and helping our community come together. I was on the lookout for a volunteering opportunity – and after research I was inspired by the work that was being done in Africa. Despite the initial setbacks I had from organisations mostly due to my age, I discovered SUSO and my persistence paid off when SUSO accepted me. The joy I felt was unmatched, – as I couldn’t believe that my dream was finally coming true. I remember first virtually meeting Phoebe, (Chief Of Operations)Ā from SUSO – and can remember how genuine she was, which made me even more grateful I got this opportunity.
The Journey Begins
A few months passed by, and messages and calls were exchanged. As a family we decided that I would be accompanied by my father for this trip.Ā Amongst the various projects SUSO works on, I chose to participate in the two that aligned with my interests:
- Engaging students in a restoration initiative in the Amboseli Ecosystem through tree growing, conservation education, setting up a student tree nursery and providing scholarships for their schooling
- Setting up a mangrove tree nursery in Mombasa and Wasini Island with around 5000 – 10000 mangroves with the community and help guide and fund their plans to continue their work and support their ecotourism efforts
The next step – fundraising – was initially daunting. I organised bake sales at HT and PPSĀ and it was heartwarming to witness the generosity of the students. With the incredible support we were able to surpass our goal ($).
Heading To Africa š
In June, my excitement peaked as I arrived in Kenya on 17th June. Meeting the SUSO team was an unforgettable experience and their warmth made me feel instantly at home. Connecting with Peter, Phoebe and the rest of the team helped set goals for my volunteering program ensuring our ‘Gen Green’ project inspired current and future generations to drive change.
- Engaging students in a restoration initiative in the Amboseli Ecosystem through tree growing, conservation education, setting up a student tree nursery and providing scholarships for their schooling
- Setting up a mangrove tree nursery in Mombasa and Wasini Island with around 5000 – 10000 mangroves with the community and help guide and fund their plans to continue their work and support their ecotourism efforts
Ambitious Amboseli
The Gen Green Team immediately got to work on our first project, engaging kids in a tree restoration project in a rural town called Amboseli. We carefully planned budgets, activities, timings and places for our 4 day trip which started with a 3 hour drive filled with local African music – it was such a vibe! As soon as we entered Amboseli National Park, we were greeted by Craig, the most photographed elephant, with the largest tusks in Africa, and his herd – a truly magical experience. The SUSO family came together for dinner sharing great food and even better company.Ā
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The next morning, we left to Ildepen community, where we were received a warm welcome. The land was beautiful, the people were kind and thrilled with the tree saplings we had brought. At the local school we taught the children how to plant saplings fostering a heartwarming connection between the Gen Green team and the kids and despite occasional language barriers. Meanwhile, other SUSO members began grass restoration efforts to change the dry land. Throughout the day we visited various schools and communities including Ildepen Community and High School, Lemongo Community and Primary School, Osiot Community and Primary School. Some of my favourite moments included joining the group dance with the Osoit community, witnessing the children of Ildepen High School perform traditional African welcome song and receiving tokens of appreciation from the elders of the Ildepen community.
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That night, the Gen Green team prepared for the Gen Green Day – a full day workshop at Oldonyo Oibor Primary School filled with tree planting, educational lessons and plenty of games and activities. Their excitement was infectious as we bonded over shared interests and traditional African games like Commander. The kids were captivated by an eco magazine session by Kat Kids. Together we planted around 70 saplings together and awarded the Oldonyo Oibor Primary School choir with a (AMOUNT) scholarship, thanks to our fundraising efforts.Ā
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The Gen Green project successfully laid the foundation for fostering sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. Knowing we empowered the children in Amboseli by giving them the steps and resources to create a lasting change was fulfilling. Yet in many ways, they empowered me even more and it is an experience I will cherish forever
Mesmerizing Mombasa
After returning, we dove into our 2nd project – establishing mangrove restoration projects in Mombasa and Wasini Island. The 5 hour drive to Mombasa flew by with games and team bonding.
In Mombasa we met the Wasini Womens Group, who are dedicated to restoring mangroves. We donated essential tools, before diving into the hands on mangrove planting process. As the tide rose, we formed a human chain to transport the mangroves exhibiting teamwork and resilience.Ā
Next at Bidii Creek Conservancy we discussed ecotourism opportunities and donated 5000 mangrove saplings. The planting process, in thick mud, led to hilarious moments like my dad and I getting stuck. By the end we planted 100 mangroves and potted 7500 mangroves.Despite facing challenges like limited funding, low ecotourism, and scarce resources, these communities remain driven in their mission to restore and protect their environment.
The friendships and cultural experiences I experienced were special. From the connections with the Gen Green crew to the vibrant Kenyan culture of song and dance – the good vibes were endless.Ā
Nurturing Nairobi National Park
The final event of my program was a tree planting day at Nairobi National park. It is the only national park in the world within a fast growing capital city. My mother and sister came from Australia to join me for this event making it even more special.Ā
The Gen Green team and I led the event after selecting 35 candidates across Nairobi through an engaging recruitment process. On the day, we kicked off with team chants and logo drawings to establish team bonding. Planting trees was not an easy task with knee high grass. We had brought the saplings from our very own tree nursery and planted 70 trees of Olea Africana, Acacia Mellifera and Acacia Xanthophloea which took us close to 3 hours.Ā By the end of the day, we had 35 new passionate SUSOnians, who continue meeting every month as they work towards their mission!
Reflections
This trip to Kenya will always be the most life changing experience. I learnt so much, met so many people with a similar vision to me, and collectively made a difference. There were challenges at all times but the end result always made me feel like I was on top of the world. I learnt to not stick to a daily bubble because there is so much to see once everyone breaks out of their bubble.Ā
I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this journey and am inspired to continue advocating for sustainable practices and environmental awareness in my daily life. Kenya will forever hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the beauty of nature and the resilience of those who strive to protect it. I realised that we have so much and yet we are never happy, whereas those who have little to nothing are so happy with the little things. During my time I was also able to learn many skills, such as impromptu speaking, project planning, report writing, mind mapping and budgeting.Ā
Iād like to acknowledge my family for supporting me throughout this entire journey and making this opportunity possible, especially my father for actually physically being there during these 4 weeks and making the experience 1000x better. I couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks to Ramya Aunty, Zac Uncle and Amartya for hosting us in Africa, constantly keeping a smile on my face and helping me with everything I needed. Peter and Phoebe, this experience wouldn’t have been complete without you. As my mentors you guided me, taught me and I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity you have provided me. To the Gen Green Team – Gaby, Brittany and Louiza, you were the best teammates I could have asked for and I hope we can continue to work on projects in the future. Thanks to the SUSO family, the communities in Amboseli, the conservancies in Mombasa and the volunteers at NNP – you were the most genuine, heartwarming and welcoming people. Finally to Huntingtower, Pinewood Primary School, Viva Energy and friends who donated, you made this experience what it was and you changed the lives of people in so many communities. Asante Sana (Thank you so much)!
This journey has left an indelible mark on me, reaffirming my commitment to sustainability and the belief that small actions can lead to significant impacts. I will always carry the memories of camaraderie, learning, and the renewed sense of purpose in protecting our planet’s natural wonders.Ā
If you feel inspired to act now, it’s not too late! You can donate to SUSOās various projects here: