Mentorship Camp provides a unique opportunity to focus purely on personal needs and the development of girls. Taken away from the daily routine and burden of household and family chores provides valuable time and space to create a learning environment to explore personal identity, define personal goals and critically analyse obstacles to success.
Supported by female Kenyan mentors, the small groups work through activities which use discussion, creative art materials, traditional songs and dancing to express their thoughts and ideas. As we progress through the programme, the girls identify those issues which pose greatest threat to their ability to make informed decisions and achieve success. Individually and collectively, they explore how they themselves, their family, the school, the community and Amuka Foundation can help to address and overcome these challenges. Establishing peer mentorship is a positive outcome of this approach.
The full participation of Head Teachers in the Camp and this exercise significantly enhances their sense of hope and awareness of support available to them. This mechanism potentially lessens the burden and worries of non-payment of school fees, pregnancy, access to education materials and being deprived of time for study.
Camps hosted in 2019 and 2024 have been supported with substantial shipment of donations of clothing, footwear and sports equipment. On arrival, each girl is issued with tee shirts, toiletries, blanket, bedding and hoodie. Donations are distributed, providing much needed resources to ensure their full participation in all activities.
Members of the UK Board of Trustees who have attended the Camp have personally incurred full costs of travel and accommodation, as well as sponsor one girl’s attendance at Camp.
The transformation of girls throughout Camp is quite remarkable. For the majority this is the furthest that they have travelled away from home, and for some the first time being away from their families. Stepping off the bus slightly bewildered, we watch their transformation to lively, energetic, confident and focused young women. On return to Karare, we continue several of the activities and lessons with them, building upon what they have learned and strengthen their plans to overcome obstacles along their ‘Journey to Success’.
Sponsorship for each girl to attend a five-day mentorship camp is £250.