Mixed Bag

I thoroughly enjoyed teaching in Kenya. The school was fantastic, the staff were friendly, and the children were wonderful - a challenge, certainly, but a delight to teach. Our accommodation was significantly better than other AV houses in the area, with an indoor shower and flushing loo, and brightly decorated by previous AVs.

So far, so good. But my experience in Kericho was ruined by the lack of support from the members of AV staff in Kenya, and the behavior of some of the other people on the scheme. Picture 'Worst of Public School 2010' and you have our group - extremely exclusive and judgmental, and very difficult to get along with. When I voiced my concerns about this to the AV staff, I was told that I was the problem and not them. I was extremely tempted to return home early, and in fact missed out on the group travel part of the scheme for this reason. I understand that my experience was not unique, and have heard similar stories from other AVs, not just in Africa.

The foundations were set for a fantastic four months, and I'm so pleased that I went out and taught, because that aspect of the experience was brilliant. However, I think AV need to seriously consider the support they provide for their volunteers in Kenya. Spending several months in a third-world country will be a culture shock to any English teenager, and adding to this the social concerns of being with a group of entirely new (and relatively hostile) people, I just feel that AV ought to take a more active approach in making their volunteers feel comfortable.