Inspire and Educate Young Minds

Team Kenya is a North East-based charity, founded in 2008 by Valerie Wilson, a passionate geography teacher and senior manager at a secondary school in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Inspired by her vision, we work with local partners to educate girls, empower women, and uplift communities in western Kenya. Through sustainable development and education, we’re helping to create brighter futures. Together, we can make a lasting difference and inspire the next generation.

What Does a School Partnership with Team Kenya Look Like?

Our school partnerships are tailored to individual needs and flexible to meet the requirements of each institution. Embarking on this unique adventure with us can provide the following opportunities for schools and young people:

Educating students on global issues

Partnering with Team Kenya means schools and colleges can with with their pupils to understand important issues such as global citizenship, gender equality, climate change, and international development

Developing skills through fundraising

The opportunity to host fundraising activities and events supports the development of students, both personally and professionally, including skills such leadership, communication, and organisation.

Working together in harmony

We give students the chance to create a joint project with their twinned school – this project enables students from both institutions to learn from each other, boost their confidence and offer life-changing experiences.

Twinning with schools in Kenya

Schools can form a partnership with one of our schools in Kenya allowing students to communicate with through various means, including video calls and letters. This relationship encourages pupils to learn about the lives of others and share their education.

“International school partnerships inspire students to fully engage with lessons through joint learning activities focusing on global themes.” – British Council

Broadening horizons in new ways

Let students experience a life-changing trip to Kenya.
Young people are offered the chance to participate in a trip to Kenya to visit linked school in Ndhiwa! Staff and students will have the opportunity to visit twinned schools, and homes of some of the families in the area.

Interested in Developing a School Partnership?

If you’re a UK school or college that thinks a partnership with Team Kenya would benefit your staff and students, download our schools partnership brochure to better understand how we can work together.

How Can Team Kenya Support with Twinned Schools?

Team Kenya helps schools access funding for a grant (up to £10K) to be involved in an exchange programme. We will match your school to one of our schools in Kenya and help you maintain a relationship, so both staff and students in the UK and Kenya can benefit from the partnership. Learn more about Connecting Classrooms. Linking schools across the globe is more than just understanding global issues, it’s about upskilling both teachers and students to create positive change in the world.

“The trip to Kenya was one of the best things I have ever done; I loved every minute of it! It was such an amazing and rewarding experience. I got the opportunity to visit and teach local primary schools, visit student’s homes, get involved with projects at Karibuni and go on safari at the end of the trip. I met so many amazing people which I could never forget […] Visiting Arina Primary School and student’s homes was overwhelming at times, but it really showed how much of a positive impact Team Kenya has on improving education and poverty in Ndhiwa. During the trip I learnt a lot about myself and it helped me to become a better person.” – Amy Lou, Former Longbenton High School student

“Taking a group of sixth formers to Ndhiwa is by far the best thing I have done professionally. I saw a massive change in their outlook on life and levels of responsibility even at the planning and fundraising stage. Taking them to meet Kenyan families in their own home and seeing our partner school was humbling and life changing for all of us. The experience that the sixth formers had also had a positive impact on our whole school community on our return; from assemblies and further fundraising they were inspired to organise.” – Kat Lambert, Geography Teacher at Longbenton

Charity Fundraising Ideas for Schools & Colleges

Many of our staff and volunteers at Team Kenya were once teachers so we truly understand how little time you have to dedicate to extracurricular activities. The best fundraising activities are the ones that are the most fun, easy to organise, raise the most awareness, and money without being too time-consuming. Here are just some top ideas for fundraising.

Sponsored park-run
Bake sale
Non-uniform day
Staff haircut or head shave
Raffles
Supermarket bag packs
Talent show

Encouraging students to get involved in fundraising has several advantages for both teachers and pupils alike; giving back and helping others is extremely rewarding! It fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion, and provides a fantastic opportunity to develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication.