Having been a Trustee since spring 2021, it was with huge excitement that I travelled to Nairobi to visit the projects and people of The Turning Point Trust for the first time, as part of a team of 8 from the UK (Directors, Trustees, and friends).
During the week, we had the privilege to visit all three sites (Mashimoni, Laini Saba and Kianda) and to see the incredible work in action. From watching the children develop their computer literacy skills in the IT lab to learning football techniques with Coach Brian, from seeing the joy, nutrition, and empty plates that the feeding programme brings to the excellent resources the library provides to children across the Kibera community – it was just fantastic and gave a real insight into the day-to-day impact.
It was abundantly clear the enthusiasm for learning that the children have and how utterly happy they are to be in school, fantastically supported by the dedicated teaching and pastoral staff, who work so hard.
A particularly powerful part of the trip was the time we spent with Margaret and Daniel, the social workers, visiting homes of the children. It’s hard to articulate just how challenging the conditions are in Kibera and it was a truly humbling experience, reminding me how very fortunate I am to have been born where I was. I was struck by how incredibly welcome we were made to feel by the children’s families, welcoming us strangers in with warm arms, and sharing so openly with us their stories and dreams. The gratitude they have that their children are able to benefit from the love, care and opportunities of The Turning Point Trust was so palpable. It was particularly moving to hear how many of them had recently successfully undertaken the newly launched Parenting Course, equipping them with key skills. For some, it really has been a game changer for the better in their relationship with their children, how amazing is that.
After a whirlwind week, our trip sadly came to an end, and I left Kenya full of emotion and feelings. Huge pride for what The Turning Point Trust does, helping those who need it most. Immense gratitude for all our staff for their dedication, hard work and love that they pour out every day. Sadness and despair that there remains such inequality and poverty in our world. But also, an overwhelming sense of hope, determination, and enthusiasm for what not only I as a Trustee can do to continue to support, but what we can all collectively achieve to hopefully help even more children and families.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for what you do to support The Turning Point Trust. It is truly making a difference in transforming lives, restoring hope, and allowing these children to reach their God-given potential. We couldn’t do it without you.
– Lucy Woodcock, Trustee.