My name is Brian Connolly, I’m 16 years old, and I’m originally from Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. I am currently attending Clongowes Wood College - a Jesuit secondary boarding school in Co. Kildare, Ireland.

Studying abroad has already been an incredible experience for me, but one of the most meaningful opportunities it has given me is the chance to take part in this immersion trip to Nairobi, Kenya. A small group of us will be visiting St Joseph’s Technical School in Kangemi, a Jesuit school where we’ll spend time learning, sharing experiences, and taking part in workshops with students there. Our journey will begin on the 19 of March and conclude on the 3rd of April. This will allow us time to truly immerse ourselves in life there.

This trip isn’t just about travel. It’s about building connections, understanding a different community, and contributing practically. As part of the programme, we are raising money to support improvements and development projects within the school, which will directly benefit the students. We will send it over to the school after the trip has concluded. This will maximise our time to raise meaningful amounts of money for the school and truly make an impact.

Realistically, this is an opportunity I would never have had if I weren’t studying at a Jesuit school like Clongowes. The school’s focus on service and global awareness is what makes experiences like this possible.

Any support would be hugely appreciated and will go toward something genuinely worthwhile.

Thank you for reading and for your support.