From February 25 to March 6, the ten students from the Salesian house "Don Bosco" in Hechtel, Belgium, embarked on an immersive journey to Kenya. For ten days, they participated in the daily life of a shelter for street children. "A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said the students.
For the past two years, third-year high school students at their institution have had the chance to dedicate one hour per week to an activity of their choice. "For example, they can take an extra hour of Spanish, mathematics, or even Chinese," explained supervising teacher Marc Van Dyck. But there is also another appealing option for the more adventurous students—an experiential trip to Kenya, where they spend ten days at a shelter for street children in Ukunda, a coastal town near Mombasa.
"The initiative has taken off," said Van Dyck with a smile. "About 40 students applied. They were asked to write a motivation letter, and based on that, ten students were selected."
"We spent ten days at the Kebene Children's Home, an institution created to take in children living on the streets. During the COVID-19 crisis, authorities also requested that the shelter accommodate young girls who had experienced early pregnancies. Now, the center houses around 150-160 children, including the babies of these young mothers. The facility provides care not only for the children but also for the young mothers," explained Van Dyck.
The residents at Kebene receive more than just food and shelter—they also get an education. "For example, they learn how to sew, giving them a way out of the cycle of poverty," he added.
After months of preparation, cultural immersion, and small fundraising initiatives—including selling drinks and handmade crafts, seeking sponsors, and organizing a fundraising event—the selected ten students finally set off on their long-awaited adventure in late February.
In preparation for the trip, Van Dyck helped his students brace for potential culture shock, covering everything from navigating local transportation to dealing with delicate issues. "At the shelter, there are young mothers who became pregnant as a result of violence. These girls have painful pasts, and encountering such realities can be distressing… We wanted to prepare the students for this while also allowing them to fully experience it," he said.
Now back in Belgium, the students have reflected on their extraordinary journey. "We are immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this project. We laughed, cried, sweated a lot, and most of all, we learned so much. Kebene will always have a place in our hearts," they shared on their Instagram page, where their entire adventure can be revisited.
