Potton man helping to build a better future for deprived children in eighth humanitarian trip to Kenya

Children in Kenya will be looking forward to a brighter future thanks to a Potton man who has carried out his eighth humanitarian trip to the country.

Luke Newman from Potton, has visited Nakuru, 85 miles north of the capital city, Nairobi, seven times previously.

After heading to the Rhonda slums of the city, Luke, 42, visited West End Academy with other volunteers from Derby County Community Trust, including his dad, Steve from Gamlingay, brother Paul, formerly of Sandy, and his nephews Max and Fynn.

In two weeks, the team was able to construct frames for reinforced concrete beams for the second floor of a classroom, build a new guttering system, paint classroom walls, teach lessons, as well as donate clothing and school supplies to every student.

Luke is the founder of For Men To Talk, which gives men with a mental health illness, such as anxiety, grief or depression, a chance to talk with fellow sufferers.

Two years ago, he designed, wrote and self-published a book titled The Mental Health Moles. During a break in work, Luke taught a class to the children, who often lack awareness about mental health and the available resources. With the help of the book, he wanted to help empower them to seek help when needed.

“As well as building for their future, it’s important to spend time with the children and show them love and affection which some of them desperately need,” said Luke. “Making facemasks, hosting a sports day, even making a table football game gave them some enjoyment for the two weeks that we stayed.”

The team also visited the homes of some of the school children and witnessed the tough conditions they live in, such as having no electricity or clean water.

Luke has written a day-to-day blog about his trip, which can be read here.

Derby County Community Trust is just one of a number of groups that partner with over 20 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar with African Adventures and will be returning to Kenya in 2024. Thanks go to all those who have contributed to make the visit a reality, especially Matthew Eden and Jim Eden from Eden Tyres & Servicing for sponsoring his shirt.