Joyous Return to our Partner School Lerang’wa

Generations of Old Cats will forever remember their trip to Caterham’s partner school Lerang’wa. Summer 2024 brought a welcome return to Lerang’wa School for our 14th visit, but the first since 2019 due to Covid travel restrictions. 20 Lower Sixth pupils spent nine days at the school, preparing and delivering lessons in English, maths, art, music, and sport. With class sizes of 60 to 120, the Lerang’wa staff provided crucial support, especially with Swahili explanations. Caterham teachers also helped but by Wednesday, halfway through the week, our pupils were running lessons solo. We visited the local market and a Masai village home to many pupils. The second half of the trip was spent enjoying northern Tanzania with a safari, a Kilimanjaro trek, swimming in Kikuletwa Springs, and shopping at Masai markets.

The Sixth Form pupils clearly found the trip as impactful as Caterhamians who have visited across the years of this meaningful partnership:

“I don’t think I can say I have a best moment because the whole trip was absolutely amazing, however I think saying goodbye to the kids was one of the most highlighting memories I will cherish. it was so emotional and made me realise that even though we were there for a week we created such a special bond with these kids that is so unique and just made me appreciate the week and them even more.”

“My favourite part of the trip was by far the week spent with Lerang’wa school. Although bittersweet and very emotional, our final day with the students was the highlight. We exchanged our gifts and got to celebrate the week we had just spent together. I got to give Standard 2 their Caterham friendship bracelets which they happily wore for the rest of the day. This I will remember very fondly.”

“A had a truly life changing experience and he has returned with a broader perspective of the world. He better understands the privilege he has and was shocked to see living conditions for the kids and their families. He was amazed that regardless of circumstance everyone was always smiling and so happy to see the school group.”