This year, one of our young people spent time in Kenya as a Gap Student at St Andrew’s, Turi, a Christian boarding school. Alongside six other gap students, they stepped into the everyday rhythm of school life—supporting teachers, supervising mealtimes, helping in lessons, and working in the senior boys’ boarding house. They also coached the U13 A boys’ hockey team, building relationships and confidence on and off the pitch.
One of the highlights of the term was watching the hockey team grow and go unbeaten before travelling to Nairobi for the final tournament. Although they didn’t win, the improvement and team spirit made it a real success. Time spent playing sport with the boys in the boarding house was also special, offering opportunities to be a positive, “big brother” presence and someone the boys could talk to.
Another unforgettable moment came on a weekend trip to Lake Nakuru National Park, where the beauty of God’s creation on safari left a lasting impression.
Each Thursday afternoon also brought a different kind of highlight—helping lead a Year 3 and 4 Bible study. Around 25 children would gather on the field, eager to remember the previous week’s story and keen to volunteer to pray at the end. Seeing their enthusiasm for prayer was powerful and deeply challenging, serving as a reminder that prayer can be a joyful, everyday part of life.
As the time at the school drew to a close, it became clear just how much the gap students had meant to the children. One boy summed it up simply, asking, “Why do all the best gaps have to leave?” It was a moving reminder of the relationships built and the difference made. The experience was one that will be remembered and cherished, growing confidence, faith, and a sense of calling. A year earlier, travelling alone to another country would have felt impossible, yet here they were—living and working in Kenya, forming friendships, and already hoping to return one day.
If you know a young person who is exploring their faith and longing for a mission or gap-year adventure, opportunities like this can be life-changing. The St Martin’s Trust offers support for young people seeking experiences that will deepen their faith and broaden their horizons. It could be the first step in a journey that shapes the rest of their lives.
For more information, check out our Funding page