“Unmatchable joy”: Athlone man finds purpose volunteering in Kenya

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone native Enda Daly is currently completing a two-month volunteering stint in Kitale, Kenya, with the Upendo Street Boys Project.

The 25-year-old is a former Marist College student and a Financial Mathematics graduate from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Enda was inspired to pursue this volunteering opportunity after spending almost two years living in New York.

"I felt like it was good timing to do a voluntary programme overseas before settling back into Irish life," Enda said. "I came across the Vincentian Lay Missionaries (VLM), who send volunteers to Africa, and was drawn to their link with the Daughters of Charity, who work with the poorest of the poor.

"After reading up on the various projects they’re involved in, I felt it was the right move for me. They were extremely accommodating around travel dates and location preferences, offering programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Ethiopia. The sisters run a number of fantastic initiatives from the Kitale location, and when I learned about the Upendo Street Boys Project, that was the deciding factor for me."

The Upendo Street Boys Project operates a drop-in centre for the rescue of street children in Kitale town. The centre offers homeless boys aged 10 to 18 a place to wash, have a meal, and engage in educational activities.

"The boys have been made homeless for various reasons such as neglect, abuse, or cultural issues. The project staff try to reintegrate them with family members and help them return to full-time education.

"I’ve been part of the day-to-day running of the project, including washing clothes, feeding, and teaching the boys. Each day brings different challenges and rewards.

"Seeing the boys smiling and laughing during a game or activity I’ve organised brings me unmatchable joy. We've developed a close bond despite some language barriers."

Though Enda’s experience has been overwhelmingly positive, it has also revealed some of the harsh realities the boys face.

"I’ve been part of some home visits, where we investigate the circumstances that led the boys to the streets. These can be very difficult. The poverty many families face often leads to mistreatment, which drives the boys away from home."

Despite the challenges, Enda says the experience has left a lasting impression.

"The staff provide one-on-one counselling with the boys before reintegrating them to ensure they feel heard, supported, and loved. The programme also runs advocacy and awareness workshops in areas where many of the boys come from. Seeing the project’s work to reunite boys with their families and ensure they have what they need is truly inspiring."

Now halfway through his time in Kenya, Enda is already looking ahead to future opportunities.

"This is my first volunteer experience, and it’s given me the motivation to do more. The Vincentian Lay Missionaries and Daughters of Charity have been amazing to work alongside, and I’d highly recommend them to anyone thinking about volunteering."

Enda has set up a GoFundMe in order to raise much needed funds to support the Upendo Street Boys Project, and has raised €2,375 from some 65 donations as of Friday (June 4).

"The project site is under reconstruction and the boys are in need of a temporary home to avoid the closure of the project. All proceeds collected on the GoFundMe page will go directly to the cause."

To donate, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/upendo-street-boys-project