This summer, after completing my GCSEs, I’ll be stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on my first ever overseas challenge. In July, I will be one of 18 Barnard Castle School pupils travelling to Kenya on a three week expedition. Working alongside Maurice Wanjala and his team in Kenya, our goal is to raise £13,000 to help build an early years classroom for the Saiwa primary school.

This new classroom will create a safe, nurturing environment for young children, giving them the foundations they need for a brighter future. If we are fortunate enough to exceed our fundraising target, the additional funds will go towards building a vital water tank and latrine block, a small building that contains basic toilet facilities, providing clean water, improved sanitation, and supporting long term health and sustainability in the community.

Barnard Castle School partners closely with The Kipsaina Education and Environment Partnership (KEEP) to deliver safe schools, community infrastructure, clean water, and sustainable livelihoods through social enterprise. Together, we share a vision of conservation that works with people, empowering communities while protecting precious ecosystems.

Your support, whether through a donation, sponsorship, or simply sharing this page can help us create real, lasting change.

Over the next few months, I’ll be fundraising through a 12 hour danceathon with my friends at school, a sponsored walk with family and friends, several 5km runs, selling personal items on Vinted, and donating part of my earnings from my job. I also have a few more ideas up my sleeve I will keep you updated.

Thank you so much for considering supporting this incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Warm regards,

Lily Fyfe

Year 11, Barnard Castle School