Written by Canadian SportWORKS Officer, Leanna West
Leanna’s international experiential learning experience is funded by the Queen Elizabeth Scholars (QES) Program. This collaborative initiative is made possible through the leadership of the Rideau Hall Foundation, in collaboration with Community Foundations of Canada, Universities Canada, and Canadian universities. Through its promotion of international student exchange and civic engagement, the QES program is helping to grow young Canadians into global citizens while promoting Canada as a destination for the world’s top talent and attracting top talent and international research leaders to Canada.
Jambo everyone!
I hope you’re all having a great start to the summer. It’s been an eventful one here in Nairobi, and somehow June has already come and gone in the blink of an eye.
We wrapped up May with the successful completion of the regional debate competition, held across five different regions in Kenya. The energy and enthusiasm from those events carried straight into June as we began preparations for Nationals and Olympic Day. As a Canadian SportWORKS Officer with Commonwealth Sport Canada, working alongside NOCK (National Olympic Committee of Kenya), I’ve had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to these projects. One of my biggest takeaways this month was compiling the final report for one of our major initiatives which was a detailed, time-consuming task that gave me a deeper appreciation for the full scope of project planning and execution.
Amidst all the logistics and coordination, one of the most memorable moments for me was leading the Art Competition for primary students in grades 4–6. The submissions were absolutely inspiring, showcasing how deeply these young students connected with the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship. Their creativity and insight were a powerful reminder that leadership and inspiration truly have no age limit.
On June 23rd, we held the National Debate Finals at Brookshine School. Hearing students passionately discuss real-world topics related to health, sport, and physical activity was incredibly moving. Awards were given to primary students for their artistic work, while junior high students were recognized for their thoughtful essays on what the Olympic values mean to them and their communities. Seeing youth engage with these themes so meaningfully was both energizing and affirming as it showed just how impactful physical activity, sport, and education can be when used to empower young voices.
Outside of our work, we’ve also had the chance to explore more of Nairobi and its vibrant surroundings. A visit to the Nairobi National Museum offered a fascinating look into Kenya’s rich history, cultural diversity, and abundant wildlife. From prehistoric fossils to traditional artifacts and East African birdlife, the museum was a great way to better understand the context and beauty of the place we’ve been living and working in.
For something a little more adventurous, we also paid a visit to the Snake Pit, where we got up close with some of Kenya’s slithering residents. From the tiny Merker’s Worm Snake to the enormous African Rock Python, “creepy crawlies” doesn’t quite cover it. We even held a chameleon, a tortoise, and a few boas! Let’s just say whatever I had for breakfast that day must’ve included a big dose of courage!
Another unforgettable experience was visiting Nairobi National Park. It still amazes me that such a vast wildlife sanctuary exists so close to the city. We spotted lions basking in the sun, rhinos grazing peacefully, graceful giraffes stretching for the treetops, and herds of zebras and impalas moving across the grasslands. The contrast of city skyscrapers in the background made the entire experience feel surreal. It was both peaceful and exhilarating – a moment I’ll always treasure.
We’ve also found comfort and community in quieter moments. We tried a church in the Lavington area and were welcomed with open arms, which made it easy to feel at home. Outside of church, we’ve loved spending time in nature, especially during peaceful walks through Karura Forest. Tucked right inside the city, the forest was a calm and refreshing escape. We saw monkeys swinging through the trees and soaked in the fresh air and quiet trails – a perfect mental health reset after busy days. These walks were often capped off with a delicious iced matcha (shoutout to Luna and Jenna for the recommendation!).
Now, looking ahead to July, we’re excited for another month filled with purpose. Through our Cheza Healthy initiative, we’ll be engaging with local schools, partnering with sporting organizations like the Nairobi Run Club, and conducting outreach in senior homes – a demographic I’m especially passionate about. I’m looking forward to supporting older adults through health-focused programming and creating meaningful connections through movement, care, and community. It’s shaping up to be another month of learning, growth, and impact.
Thanks so much for following along on this journey. It truly means a lot to have your support and interest as we navigate both the work and the wonder of life here in Nairobi. June brought so many moments of connection, challenge, and joy, and we can’t wait to see what July has in store.
A special shoutout to the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program, Mount Royal University, Commonwealth Sport Canada, and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) – thank you for making opportunities like this possible. Your support and collaboration have allowed us to turn meaningful ideas into real impact, and have brought so many of our dreams to life here in Kenya. Stay tuned, and we’ll catch you next month!
Uwe na wakati mzuri… tuonane baadaye!! (Have a good time… see you later!!)
-Leanna