Derby County Community Trust’s Rams in Kenya initiative continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of children living in the slums of Nakaru, Kenya. Since its inception in 2012, the trip has seen over 500 volunteers take part in the life-changing experience helping to improve education, sanitation and infrastructure in partner schools. Facilitated by African Adventures, the trip not only benefits communities out in Kenya but also contributes to Derby County Community Trust’s programmes back at home in Derby.

2025 saw a group of 76 volunteers head to Kenya between May 17^th and June 1^st. Volunteers on both the one week and two-week trip spent time supporting the St. Trizah, Ungana, Jubilee, Cherish and West End schools. 

Depending on the school they were based at, volunteers engaged in various activities, such as teaching English and sports, constructing kitchens and toilet blocks, painting classrooms and building furniture. The teams also spent valuable time with the school pupils, dancing, singing and playing games. Witnessing first hand how small actions lead to lasting change was an unforgettable experience for all.

Whilst there volunteers also had the chance to experience Kenya’s natural beauty through the Rift Valley Adventure Day, which included a visit to Nakuru National Safari, Thompson Falls and the Equator. 

The impact of the work of Derby County Community Trust in Kenya is immeasurable. Madame Valentine, Founder and Director at West End School said: “I think I should write a book about Derby, they have just created a conducive learning area for the kids and for that the children have really improved academically, now they feel that they belong to the community. Each time they come to West End, magic just happens.”

Paul Newman, Head of Community at Derby County Community Trust and Trip Lead said: “This year’s trip to Kenya was as special as any of our previous 11 Rams in Kenya trips. It really is a life-changing and life-affirming experience, whether it’s your first trip or you’ve been several times, the joy it brings to our volunteers, and most importantly, the children and teachers in our schools is indescribable.  The trip really does bring out the very best of everyone on the trip, and whilst there can be challenging moments, our volunteers also experience magical moments and  just knowing our volunteers are selflessly coming together to make a difference in their own individual, and to simply help the most deserving of children and communities makes the trip so unique.

If you are thinking ‘could this trip be for me?’ I would encourage you to come to our no obligation open evening in July. We’d love to see you there.”

Rams in Kenya will return in 2026 with the aim of taking over 100 volunteers for the first time. If you would like to find out more, an open evening will be held on Wednesday 23^rd July 2025 at Pride Park Stadium. 

This is a no-obligation evening, so the Trust encourage anyone who is interested in exploring the opportunity to join them in Kenya to attend. Asante Sana!

Register your interest in the open evening here.