Fire Devastates Restaurant in Upper Hill Nairobi

Yesterday lunchtime we were driving towards the Upper Hill Area of Nairobi. I spotted a huge plume of flames in the direction we were going, and as we got closer it became apparent that this was not a small fire. People were gathering close to the area, the Police and Ambulances were struggling to get through. No sign of the Fire Engines at this point. I'm not sure how long the fire had been roaring, I think it had just started.

Joseph, our driver drove slowly past the restaurant. I was absolutely ******* myself! I managed to get a few shots on my phone, although they do not really show the intensity of the fire. At the exact same time as we drove past there was a massive explosion, about 20 metres away from the car. Joseph put his foot down, people were screaming and running frantically away from the fire. All I could think is that I hoped to God no one was in the building. I was shaking, I've not been that close to a fire or explosion before. I can't imagine what it was like for the people inside the building.

We finished our meeting and after about 45 minutes the Fire Engines were on their way to the scene. Joseph explained that this is one of the major problems in the City. Sometimes rescue can take up to two hours to arrive. Absolutely devastating.

The good news this morning is that no one was seriously injured. One person was harmed in the fire. I sigh a massive sigh of relief, now on with some work.

Tears and Film Crews

(This blog was written last night- posting this morning now I have the internet)

Oh my! Yesterday was sooooo difficult! I knew saying goodbye was going to be hard, so I'm not sure why or how I managed to cry for the majority of the plane journey!!! (It may have something to do with watching the film- My Sisters Keeper???) It felt strange to have the film crew there, and I think Nils and my family felt as if their personal space was being invaded a touch, so we decided to do a mock 'Saying goodbye.' There were tears flowing, even for that part, however when it came to the real thing, you could really feel the intensity of the emotions between us.

Thanks and love to Nils, Mum, John, Ange, Ian, Jan, Tim, Char and Tash. For those who couldn't be there to see me off, family and friends you know who you are... I will miss you madly; I couldnt do this without your love and support. You rock! Each and every one of you. And I love you MASSIVELY!!!

My First Week in the UK Office

My World of Difference placement started last Monday 9th November, at the UK office of Build Africa, based in Tunbridge Wells. Well what can I say about the team? Without sounding too sucky, they really are a fantastic bunch of people. They all work their socks off for such a brilliant cause. They have welcomed me, and really made me feel part of the family. There are some truly special people working here, and I am really glad I chose to work with them on my World of Difference year.

Build Africa is a dynamic young charity, working with the people of Kenya and Uganda to escape poverty through education and business enterprise. Within their Build A School programme they currently work with 62 schools, in the rural areas of Kenya and Uganda. This is not an organisation who goes to Africa to build a school. Build Africa develop three year school development plans. We build classrooms, staff rooms, toilet blocks, water supplies and accommodation for teachers. We provide desks, books, equipment and teacher training. The local community leads each project. We train and support school management committees and work closely with parents to ensure that the children receive the best education possible now and in the future.

My role over the next year will be two- fold. I will be working closely with the Director of Programmes- Jo Thomas, and with the field team out in Kenya and Uganda. Broadly, I will be working on Programmes and Fundraising. My aim is to apply my current skills, experience, passion, enthusiasm and desire to succeed to this role, enjoy every minute of it, and make a difference to the young people of Africa.

I am really excited to have joined right now, some of the team are working on developing the website. The website is great- http://www.build-africa.org.uk/ take a look! A huge amount of work is going into the schools section, watch this space for updates!