The family perspective: Creating lasting bonds on a ME to WE Volunteer Adventure
When nine-year-old Maguire Maloney and his sister Finnley, 8, learned they were travelling to Kenya with their parents, they were excited to see what the country really looked like outside of the movies. As a family, the Maloneys fundraised to build a classroom in Laila, a community that sits on the open grassland of the Maasai Mara. Eager to understand how their efforts had actually helped local children access an education, Maguire and Finnley were surprised at what they saw. They met local children—just a few years younger—and visited their school. They noticed many differences: smaller classrooms, students in bare feet and a library with dusty books.
“We got to meet the kids and there was a huge celebration and dancing to thank us for the classroom,” said Finnley. “These kids are so happy. It made me feel happy and loved.”
During the celebration, two men handed their mother a goat as a gesture of thanks. Maguire and Finnley named it Laila, after the community. Maguire said the event made him think about his own classroom back home.
“I’m really grateful we have a big school,” he said. “Our life is so much easier.”
Another highlight of the trip was going on Safari to see stunning views of the Maasai Mara landscape and encounter Kenya’s Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos.
“One of my favourite memories was being on safari” added Maguire. “We saw so many animals and even watched a baby wildebeest learn how to stand, walk and then run!”
With Maasai warriors as their guides, the family learned about traditional Maasai ways of life on morning walks, including weapons used to hunt animals and plants used for medicine. It was a trip unlike any other they’d experienced and through it all, Maguire and Finnley were happy to have their parents at their side.
“I felt that we really bonded on the trip because when we saw something amazing, we were able to share it with our family,” said Finnley.
Looking to connect with your family on a one-of-a-kind ME to WE Volunteer Adventure? Discover a new culture and make a difference together! Contact us to find out more.
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