Written by Canadian SportWORKS Officer, Rowan Charlotte Stork
Rowan’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.
Habari Kutoka Nairobi! (Hello from Nairobi!)
I am Rowan Charlotte Stork and I am writing to you today from Nairobi, Kenya, where I have just completed another amazing month as a Canadian SportWORKS Officer with Commonwealth Sport Canada. I can hardly believe that I am two months into this journey. There are days when I still feel like I just got off the plane and there are days when I feel like I have been here forever, in the best way possible.
The month of June in Nairobi has been a month of learning, connection, and so many unforgettable experiences. Each week is a surprise; I am always surprised at how much I am developing personally and professionally. This is beginning to feel like a second home and I can not wait to share all the moments, big and small, that have made my time here so far.
We have been in full swing with preparations of the Nationals Debate, Essay and Art Competitions and Olympic Day celebrations. We have spent our days brainstorming, pitching ideas and working out how we can make Nationals even more effective than the regional events we ran in May. It has been interesting to observe how all the details, including debate motions and event logistics, help to create these opportunities for students nationwide. It was particularly gratifying to be part of the team that approved the debate motions at Nationals, as I knew that the issues we selected would be thought provoking and allow students to speak with authority.
One of my favorite parts of this month was organizing all the essay submissions. I spent hours communicating with teachers, coaches, and club leaders to make sure entries followed the competition guidelines. It was sometimes hectic but incredibly satisfying. Getting a sneak peek at the essays and artwork was one of the best parts, it felt like opening a window into the minds and creativity of so many young people. The kids unique perspectives and interpretations of the concepts we created were inspiring. Seeing our ideas transformed into powerful writing and art made me realize just how meaningful this work truly is. It reminded me that sport and education aren’t just about physical activity, but about giving kids a voice and a sense of possibility.
The other important role of Nationals planning was the assistance in the formation of the judging panels of the essay and art competitions. Leanna and I collaborated with our supervisors to identify judges who were not only qualified but also those who knew the spirit and values of the competitions. We took time to explain the scoring systems, the ideas behind OVEP and the need to provide each student with a fair and equal opportunity. It was a good feeling to be part of a process that appreciates fairness and respect, which are two of the Olympic values we are trying to encourage.
One of the proudest moments of my time here so far was seeing Nationals finally take place. The participating kids were so bright, articulate and passionate. They discussed sophisticated issues like adults, and their writings and drawings were creative and thoughtful. I also enjoyed taking pictures with some of the art winners, their smiles were priceless. I realized how important these moments are to the students, and how crucial it is to provide them with the space, where they can be themselves and shine. I am proud to know that I had a minor role in making that happen.
Olympic Day was another standout experience for me this month. It was incredible to watch all our hard work and careful planning come together in a celebration of sport and community. The event was full of life and colour. There were energetic mascots running around, a fantastic marching band from one of the schools, endless games and activities for the kids, and a thrilling tug-of-war match that had everyone cheering.
The day ended with a massive colour war, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in my life. We all danced afterward, completely covered in colours, and the kids even taught me some new dance moves. It was pure joy. Moments like that remind me why I’m here, to create experiences that spark happiness and inspire young people to dream bigger. You could see in their faces that this day would stay with them forever. These are the memories I know I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life, full of laughter, connection, and community.
Outside of work, we’ve been making the most of our time exploring more of Nairobi. One of our highlights was visiting the National Museum of Nairobi. It was fascinating to learn about Kenya’s history, culture, and the incredible wildlife that calls this country home. We wandered through exhibits filled with artifacts, fossils of early human ancestors, and vibrant displays of Kenya’s diverse bird species. I couldn’t help but laugh when we came across a whole section about different types of stork birds, it felt like a funny little nod to my last name. Definitely snapped a photo of that moment for the blog!
During our time at the museum we also went to the Snake Park, which was certainly out of my comfort zone. I am not a big fan of snakes, but I got to hold a tortoise and a chameleon and now I sort of want a chameleon as a pet! Leanna was courageous enough to hold a snake, which I had no intention of doing, until the guide just threw one around my neck. Nilishtuka sana! (I was so shocked!). I can safely say I was freaking out on the inside, but it is one of those things I will laugh at years to come.
We were fortunate to visit Nairobi National Park a week later after our visit to the museum. It was a truly magical day. It was like entering a wildlife documentary as we drove through the park and saw rhinos, buffalo, lions, zebras, hippos, baboons, giraffes, and many other animals. It was this calmness in the air that made me pause and think how lucky I am to be here.
I would just stand there and stare at the view thinking this is actually my life at the moment. I was so thrilled to tell the experience that I even video-called some of my friends back home so that they could see the views with me. This day will always remain one of the most memorable days of my stay in Kenya.
Overall, June has been an unforgettable month of new friendships, new experiences, and personal development. As I mentioned earlier, Kenya is really beginning to feel like my second home, and I am so thankful to have each and every day here. I am turning into a new version of myself, more open, more confident, and even more passionate about the idea of using sport as a tool of positive change.
Nashukuru sana (I am so thankful) to all that I have gone through so far and I am looking forward to what the next few months will hold.
Hadi wakati mwingine! (Until next time!)
With love,
Rowan Charlotte Stork