Volunteering in Kenya, Africa was perhaps the most fulfilling experience of my whole life. I travelled with my friend and collaegue Claudine to Nyabondo Rehabilitation Centre, which catered for approximately 70 children with disabilities. As physiotherapists, our work with the children revolved mainly around physiotherapy sessions. However, during our free time we used to stay with the kids to draw, sing and play. On alternate days we attended a school for children with cerebral palsy, which was close by. I also painted a mural in the rehabilitation gym of the centre, with the idea that the kids who go for rehab there can have some visual cues on how to use certain mobility aids and can also have something colourful and interesting to look at. The children welcomed us with so much love it was unbelievable. Spending so much time with them, seeing them smile despite all the adversities, really makes you think twice about what's really important in life.

During the last week we spent our time in theatre with the AMREF team (a team of medical professionals who travel across Africa performing free surgeries on those in need). About 50 patients were operated for cases related to orthopaedic problems. Seeing child after child for surgeries from 6am to 11pm every day for a whole week was not only a great medical experience for us since we are also medical students, but really put us face to face with the reality of these kids, their families and the big problems they encounter in accessing good healthcare.

In the meantime, we also integrated a lot with the staff at the centre and the Nyabondo community in general. The Nyabondo way of life was simple and really humble. Power cuts were extremely frequent and so was the lack of water supply. But this only made the experience more genuine and humbling. I was amazed by the beauty of Kenya, its people and its wildlife and it was very hard to leave. Prior to leaving for Africa I attended a set of preparation sessions organised by SPYS and during my stay in Kenya I realised how much they were of help. To those who are thinking of embarking on such a project, I can only express words of encouragement. If you go for it with an open heart and an open mind, a volunteering experience will in reality give you so much more than you can ever give. It is a very fulfilling thing to do. God bless!

Written by Daniela Magri (Maltese Volunteer)

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