Wednesday 6 December 2017

A day to remember


"I never thought, all those years, ago I'd be sitting here watching kids with Happy House on the back of their t-shirts," said Mama Sue as she looked over to a group of youngster queuing patiently for breakfast at Turtle Bay Hotel.
It's 17 years, since she and papa first stayed there on holiday .
It was that holiday, in the year 2000, that changed her life and put her on a mission to transform lives of impoverished kids from the area.
It started in a local school, and has led to her Happy House where she has her own children's home and school.
This week she was at Turtle Bay for a big day out with our successful KCPE exam candidates, a chance for them  to taste the luxuries of one of Watamu's leading resort hotels.
Mama decided on a day out at Turtle Bay Hotel for 2017 exam candidates - all of whom passed.
The kids were thrilled at the prospect, and had an absolute ball from the minute they assembled at Mama's house at 8am to the time they left Turtle Bay, tired but very happy, at 5pm.
From Mama's house, the kids with teachers Mr Hamisi, Madam Doris and social worker Uncle Ronald, went over to the hotel with  Mama Sue, Papa Dave and Auntie Libby.
The kids started off with a full breakfast, choosing what they would like from the hot and cold buffet.
They were wide-eyed as they tucked into delicious food, savouring every mouthful.
Then it was time to sample the activities on offer.  
In no time they were changed into swimming gear, Mama made sure every kid had what they needed, and the hotel provided their towels.
They dived in, shy at first, but soon splashing around having the time of their lives.
The FunBase team organised aquarobics followd by a game of water volleyball.
An all action morning for the youngsters was followed by lunch in the Pizzeria where they had a choice of menu - chicken pizza, sausage and chips or pasta. There were chips and garlic bread for those who wanted them, soft drinks and ice-cream.
After lunch, they played some indoor games - table tennis and darts- before changing back into their swimsuits for more fun in the pool.
They finished up with a highly competitive game of water polo.
The day was rounded off with pancakes, cakes and drinks.
It was a day that memories are made of, for teachers and for staff.
An experience like this is about much more than having fun, it raises aspirations, gives an insight into what goes on in a hotel they will only ever have seen from the road, and of what life is like for those working or holidaying there.
As they prepared to set off for home the party gathered to say thank you to Mama and Papa.
Mr Hamisi said they'd had a wonderful day which everyone had enjoyed and that they would have many stories to tell their families and their fellow students.