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Transforming Lives: My Journey to Kenya with One Woman At A Time

Transforming Lives: As the founder of The Wellbeing Farm, I am heading to Kenya with One Woman At A Time to witness and support the life-changing work being done there. This trip isn’t about luxury or leisure—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering empowerment, and using privilege as a force for good.

Over the next 19 days, I’ll be travelling with supplies that could make a real difference: laptops, books, sanitary products, sewing machines, and sports equipment. My luggage is full of these essentials, leaving little room for personal items. This trip is about priorities, and mine are firmly focused on the women, girls, and communities we are going to support.

Starting the Journey

Packing for this trip wasn’t just about deciding what to bring; it was about imagining how these supplies will help people. With the incredible Jean Anderson by my side, we packed items donated by our community, including laptops from Rapid IT Ltd, trainers for professional runners, and 150 picture books for a school library. Every item carries the hope of creating change.

But this isn’t just about bringing supplies; it’s about connecting worlds. The work we do at The Wellbeing Farm, as a B Corp-certified business, is rooted in sustainability and equality. Supporting One Woman At A Time reflects our commitment to making a positive impact—not just in our local community but globally.

Witnessing Resilience in Kibera

The journey begins in Nairobi, with a visit to Kibera, Africa’s second-largest slum. Walking through Kibera is an eye-opening experience. Despite the extreme poverty, the resilience and community spirit of the people here shine through. These communities are finding ways to thrive, creating solutions to challenges that many of us can’t imagine facing.

Meeting the women and children here has reminded me why this work is so important. Seeing their strength in the face of hardship reinforces the need for action. It’s not enough to empathise; we must empower.

A School Visit That Changed Everything

In Eldoret, I visited a private primary school that left a profound impact on me. Walking through classrooms with no water, no electricity, and holes in the roof was heart-wrenching. The conditions these children face just to receive an education are unimaginable.

What struck me most was their resilience. These children walk five miles twice a day to fetch water from a borehole. Aged as young as four, they make this trek in the heat, carrying heavy containers back to the school. The water they bring is used for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.

Witnessing this struggle firsthand broke my heart but also deepened my resolve. Access to clean water shouldn’t be a privilege; it’s a fundamental right. This visit has strengthened my commitment to finding sustainable solutions for schools like this one.

Exploring Solutions for Clean Water

While at the school, I discussed potential solutions for their water challenges. Installing a water tank could significantly reduce the burden on these children and teachers. However, the rocky terrain and cost of drilling closer to the school present significant challenges.

The resilience of this community, despite these difficulties, inspires me to push harder for change. Clean water transforms lives. It’s not just about meeting basic needs; it’s about creating opportunities for education, health, and hope.

Empowering Women in Ortum

In Ortum, the core mission of our trip comes into focus: empowering women and girls. We distributed reusable sanitary pads, provided trauma care, and celebrated the success of women who have graduated as nurses, teachers, and small business owners.

We also helped establish a resource centre in partnership with Rapid IT Ltd. This centre will provide access to technology, education, and training, giving women and girls the tools they need to build better futures. Seeing these initiatives in action reinforces the importance of our work. Empowered women create empowered communities.

Turning Privilege into Opportunity

Transforming Lives – This trip is a reminder of the privileges we often take for granted. Clean water, access to education, and basic hygiene are rights, not luxuries. Partnering with passionate Kenyan activists, we aim to turn privilege into opportunity for those who need it most.

Every conversation, every story, and every moment here has shown me the strength of these communities. They are not defined by their struggles but by their resilience. They remind us that meaningful change happens when we listen, learn, and act with purpose.

Inspiration and Connection

This journey is about more than delivering supplies or solving problems; it’s about building connections. Immersing myself in this experience has enriched my perspective, both personally and professionally. The stories I’ve heard and the people I’ve met remind me why The Wellbeing Farm exists: to create meaningful impact, celebrate community, and lead with compassion.

Even simple moments, like being on a boat and seeing a hippo, have offered inspiration. But these moments are balanced by the sobering reality of life for many here. This is not a tourist trip. It’s a journey of learning, collaboration, and change.

Bringing It All Back Home

As I reflect on this experience, I feel more committed than ever to the mission of One Woman At A Time. Supporting women and girls in Kenya aligns perfectly with the values of The Wellbeing Farm. Weddings celebrate love and new beginnings, and this trip symbolises giving women and girls the chance to begin anew.

When I return, the lessons I’ve learned here will guide my actions and inspire our work at The Wellbeing Farm. Every event we host, every partnership we create, and every initiative we support will carry the spirit of this journey.

How You Can Help: Transforming Lives

If this story has moved you, I invite you to join us in supporting One Woman At A Time. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, every action makes a difference. Together, we can create lasting change—one woman, one girl, and one community at a time.

Moving Forward with Purpose & Transforming Lives

This trip has been a testament to what conscious business can achieve. It’s about turning values into action, privilege into opportunity, and connections into empowerment.

As I continue this journey, I’m reminded of the power we all have to make a difference. Whether through small acts or large initiatives, we can create change.

Every step matters. Every effort counts. Let’s walk this path together, for a better, more equitable future.

15 Nov 2024