Callan students make a big impact and bring John Locke's jerseys on Kenya trip

A team of 15 students and five teachers from Coláiste Abhainn Rí recently left Callan and made the long trip to Embulbul, situated outside of Nairobi in Kenya, having spent the previous year fundraising.

Brother John Bourke of Westcourt spoke powerfully to the immersion team before they departed, instilling in them the idea that the enthusiasm and the kindness of youth has the ability to positively impact the lives of others. Brother Bourke also reinforced the significance of the journey from Callan, the birthplace of Edmund Rice, to an Edmund Rice school in Embulbul. The students from Coláiste Abhainn Rí embodied the values, and the spirit that Blessed Edmund endeavoured to create.

Two students, Molly Conroy and Eoin O’Shea spoke on the night in Westcourt, highlighting the pride they felt in carrying on the strong tradition of previous immersions to Zambia and Kenya, and also dedicated the current programme to the late great Brother Damien Brennan, who himself always took such pride in the connection formed between the people of Callan and Embulbul. 

Edmund Rice Catholic Education Centre (ERCEC), led by Principal Peter Shanahan, caters for over 700 local students at both primary and secondary level. It was here that the immersion team were welcomed with open arms (literally) and fully immersed themselves into the lives and culture of the students and staff.

The team spent time in the classroom, on the soccer field and basketball court, mingling with and getting to know their new friends. Visiting homes and listening to stories of the locals had a massive impact on the team, and opened their eyes to the reality of the world we live in. 

Having put a huge amount of time and energy into fundraising, the team were delighted to be able to donate to ERCEC, a donation which will have a lasting impact on the lives of the students. Many of these students struggle to pay the fees required to attend school, and a large amount of the donation will be put towards sponsoring the most vulnerable students in the school. The immersion team were also thrilled to donate over 700 jerseys, ensuring that every student received a jersey. In response to the identification of some of the immediate needs of the students by the Home Liaison Officer, Julie, the team were able to purchase sanitary products, as well as hygiene products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap, with the aim of improving the daily lives of the students.  

During their time in Embulbul, the immersion team also visited St Andrew’s Children Home for orphaned children and donated to aid the great work being done here. Over 40 kids live here at St. Andrew’s, and when the team learned that these kids did not have pillows to sleep on, they immediately bought 50 pillows for the home. The Immersion Programme also brought the team to The Cottolengo Orphanage, which caters for babies and small kids, many of which are living with HIV. Again, the team were delighted to make a donation to Cottolengo, as well as provide nappies and baby clothes. In true Kenyan fashion, the immersion team were treated to many displays of traditional song and dance before departing, and in return performed a rendition of Grace and Hakuna Matat (it means “No Worries”), a phrase which was heard many times during the teams stay at ERCEC.

Having eaten, danced and sang, played games, attended Mass and much, much more, it is safe to say that the team fully immersed themselves in the culture of the people of Embulbul. The experience as a whole has had a huge impact on all members of the immersion team, and they hope they have also had a lasting impact on their new friends.  The values of Edmund Rice were clear for all to see at ERCEC, and the connection with Coláiste Abhainn Rí will be an enduring one.

The pride and influence of Brother Damien Brennan will always live on in this special Programme and the fifteen students and five teachers should be so proud of their wonderful work over the Easter period. The students certainly made their mark and of course sports shirts and the Callan students brought an abundance of them.

Of course Kilkenny jerseys were presented as were club jerseys of John Lockes, Mullinahone and Graigue/Ballycallan. The generosity of all the clubs and Kilkenny county board were very much appreciated.  

Kenya Immersion Team 2024: Students;  Eoin O’Shea Windgap,  Eoin Sheil Dunnamaggin, Shay Delaney Dunnamaggin  Matthew Kiely Kilkenny, Liam Doyle, Mullinahone  Jenny Saunders, Windgap, Alice Kehoe, Mullinahone, Rosa White Mullinahone , Libby Lynch Mullinahone , Sarah Walsh Grangemockler,  Erin Kennedy Grangemockler, Molly Conroy Kilmanagh  Emma Marnell  Kilmanagh, Aisling O’Sullivan Callan, Teighan Brett Callan. Teaching Staff;  Lorraine O’Shea  Mullinahone, Martina Griffin Mullinahone,   Sarah McCarthy Dunnamaggin, Cian Ryan  Windgap,  Justin Dermody Kilmanagh.