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.
When I first landed in Nairobi, I never imagined how deeply Kenya would impact me. Now, as I write this final blog, I feel nothing but gratitude for the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the growth I’ve experienced along the way.
August may have been my shortest month in Kenya, but it was one of the most meaningful. These last weeks gave me the chance to wrap up my work, witness important transitions within NOCK, say my goodbyes, and truly reflect on just how much this experience has shaped me.
Much of my time was spent finalizing my main project, the Cheza Healthy booklet. This resource was created as a way to ensure the program’s sustainability after our placement ended. Instead of simply running activities and moving on, the booklet gives teachers, coaches, and students a long-term tool they can use to keep the program alive. It includes an overview of Cheza Healthy, detailed activities, and practical ways to promote movement and wellness in schools. Designing this resource was exciting, but also deeply rewarding, I knew I was contributing something that could continue to impact students even after I returned home. It felt like the perfect way to leave a lasting mark.
The office itself was full of energy during August. Preparations were underway for the African School Games, but the biggest focus was on the handover of new NOCK board members. I had the unique privilege of attending this ceremony. The outgoing president gave a moving farewell speech, filled with gratitude for his years of service, while the new president spoke with energy and vision about the future of Team Kenya. The speeches were followed by gifts, photos, and a sense of excitement for what lay ahead. Being in that room reminded me of the importance of leadership, legacy, and fresh ideas. It was an experience I never imagined I’d get to be part of, and it gave me a greater appreciation for the role sport plays at both community and national levels.
As the month went on, the reality of leaving started to set in. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. I wrapped up my training sessions with the track team I had joined for conditioning, and parting ways with the friends I made there was a sad goodbye. Those practices not only helped me stay in shape but also gave me a sense of belonging outside of work. At the office, I made sure to finish strong by completing the booklet and leaving knowing I had made a real contribution. The farewells with colleagues were filled with gratitude, laughter, and some tears. I realized just how many relationships I had built and how much those connections meant to me.
Outside of work, I tried to make the most of my last days in Nairobi by doing a few fun things. One of the highlights was going to a football game the atmosphere was unreal. The fans were so passionate, chanting and cheering the whole time. I also visited the David Sheldrick Elephant Nursery, which was such a cool experience. Watching the baby elephants run around and play in the mud was something I’ll never forget. It was a nice way to balance out the busy last weeks of work and just enjoy some of the amazing parts of Kenya before heading home.
Looking back on this entire journey, I can say without hesitation that it has changed me in profound ways. Professionally, I’ve grown more than I ever thought possible. I’ve developed stronger organizational skills, learned how to lead with confidence, and practiced collaborating across cultures and contexts. I’ve gained practical experience in program design, event coordination, and community engagement, skills that will shape the rest of my career. Personally, I’ve become more adaptable, resilient, and self-assured. Living in a new country pushed me outside my comfort zone and taught me patience, openness, and the importance of embracing challenges head-on. I feel more grounded in who I am, and more inspired about where I’m going.
Even now, back in Canada, I’m still processing it all. Sometimes I catch myself replaying moments in my mind, laughing with kids at a school event, chatting with colleagues in the office, or watching the Kenyan landscape pass by on long road trips. These memories remind me of how much I’ve grown and how lucky I was to be part of something bigger than myself. Kenya has become a second home to me, and I know this won’t be the last time I’m there.
After leaving Kenya, I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Dubai before heading home. The heat was intense, but once I adjusted, it was a wonderful experience. I explored the city, enjoyed incredible food, and took in all the sights. It was the perfect chance to relax and reflect on everything I had experienced over the past four months.
Closing out this placement feels surreal. It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for the people I met, the opportunities I was given, and the lessons I learned. This journey has not only shaped my professional path but also helped me grow into a stronger, more confident version of myself.
Asante Kenya, hadi tukutane tena! (Thank you Kenya, until we meet again!)
Forever grateful,
Rowan Charlotte Stork