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Gathimba Edwards Foundation
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Home › Volunteers › Caroline Tough

Caroline Tough

myles Volunteers

 


“I have known Myles Edwards, one of the co-Founders of the Gathimba Edwards Foundation for many years.  I remember feeling both inspired and excited when he set up the Foundation with Gideon Gathimba.  I was really keen to see first-hand how the charity was making a difference to kids in Kenya.  I know a number of volunteers who had been on previous GEF trips and hearing about their very positive experiences helped me make up my mind to join the Building Trip in 2017.  

 

I had the trip of a lifetime, here’s why: –

 

  • With the help, love and support of an army of people I raised £9188 which covered the cost of the building materials for 2 houses – one was dedicated to the memory of my Dad and the other one was dedicated to the memory of my cousin. It also funded a series of health seminars for families which The Gathimba Edwards Foundation support.
  • I met some incredible Kenyans and experienced a very warm welcome to a country I now love. I met and worked with amazing volunteers from the UK, Kenya, Australia and the US. All the volunteers poured so much love and passion into the House Building Project.
  • As someone who had never even dabbled in DIY activities before the trip, it was very exciting to learn some new skills – sawing, glazing and fitting internal walls! Darren Cocker, the Project Manager is a great leader.  He was in full control of the build and was always on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance.  It was a real privilege to be part of a team that built four houses for families in need.  There was even an opportunity to get to know these amazing families, who later became our friends!
  • I can’t put into words how special it was to meet my sponsor child, Dan. He is such a wonderful person.  I had the opportunity to spend quality time with him. He even taught me a few Kenyan dance moves!
  • I attended the awe-inspiring house opening ceremony. The speeches, singing, and dancing and (happy) tears are imprinted on my memory.   I will never forget how excited the families were about moving into their new houses!
  • I visited The Pavilion Village Orphanage in Karatina. The Orphanage inspired Myles Edwards and Gideon Gathimba to set up The Gathimba Edwards Foundation. I now understand first-hand what drove these special people to set up GEF in the first place.  I met a remarkable wee boy called Ian who I’ll always remember. He told me that his parents had died.  When I offered my condolences, he smiled broadly and said ‘thank you’….  The kids keep smiling despite so many challenges….
  • I ran 6 times on Kenyan soil, at altitude. As a runner, this was a great thrill, and really helped my fitness. I even got the chance to run with the co-founders of GEF who are a Kenyan Olympian and a Scottish title holder!!!!
  • At the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, I was ‘kissed’ by a giraffe!
  • I visited an elephant orphanage, and Nairobi National Park.
  • I laughed and cried, and learned so much during the House Building Trip to Kenya. I felt as though I had an opportunity to detox my mind. I’m truly, truly thankful for all these experiences, I can’t wait to take part in the Building Trip in July 2018.  I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to help to build 5 houses this year, one of which will be for Dan, my sponsor child, and his family.”

– Caroline Tough


 

Volunteers

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Neil McArthur (Trustee)
Darren Cocker (House Building Chief)
Anke Esser, Germany

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About

Gathimba Edwards Foundation aims to provide as many Kenyan children as possible with the opportunity of a bright future.

We do this through:

• Supporting school, college & university fees
• Supplying school uniforms, books and shoes
• Hosting educational seminars
• Building houses or improving existing homes
• Supporting families to grow their own food
• Enabling families to start their own businesses

We also support children in Scotland with severe disabilities via the Neil Jaffrey Initiative.

Gathimba Edwards Foundation is a charity registered in Scotland. Charity No SC044869.

Get Involved

Charity of the Year

Choose Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) as your Charity of the Year and help us make a very real difference to children in Kenya and Aberdeenshire. Why Gathimba Edwards Foundation? We

Sponsor a Child in Kenya

  In Kenya a little can go a long way. £35 per month supports the education of one of the children we are helping. This covers the cost of their primary,

Kenya Adventure Trip

Each Spring/Summer, this unique opportunity offers you the trip of a lifetime. ”This life changing trip gives you the opportunity to see the real Kenya.  It is filled with unique and

Volunteer House Building Trip

Since 2014 we have built 42 homes for 184 children.  More than half of these homes have been built by volunteers from all over the world as part of our

Two Feet Initiative at Christmas

GIVE SOMEONE THE GIFT OF A BUSINESS THIS CHRISTMAS  Help a family obtain a self-sustaining position where their business profits can pay for their children’s basic needs; starting with food

School Child Twinning Programme

We are proud to have linked over 1,000 Scottish and Kenyan school children as part of our school child twinning programme ‘Connecting Children, Creating Chances’ which aims to provide the children with a better understanding and level of appreciation

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 About

Gathimba Edwards Foundation aims to provide as many Kenyan children as possible with the opportunity of a bright future.

We do this through:

• Supporting school, college & university fees
• Supplying school uniforms, books and shoes
• Hosting educational seminars
• Building houses or improving existing homes
• Supporting families to grow their own food
• Enabling families to start their own businesses

We also support children in Scotland with severe disabilities via the Neil Jaffrey Initiative.

Gathimba Edwards Foundation is a charity registered in Scotland. Charity No SC044869.

Principal sponsor

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Office sponsor


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Additional thanks

BackStrong Trust
Bancon Homes
Bonnie Wee Golf
IDed
Stewart Milne Group
Sure VoIP

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