Last week we were honoured to welcome Mary Coulson MBE, to our Professional Guidance Centre. Mary shared the story of how her children’s charity, Restart Africa, began and how it has grown to support over 100 children through education, care and community. Her talk offered our pupils a moving and powerful insight into life in Kenya, the impact of long-term volunteer work, and the strength that comes from compassion, commitment and community.
Read an overview of her visit from one of our pupils, below.
I had the privilege of attending the talk by Mary Coulson and learning about Restart Africa, a children’s charity in Gilgil, Kenya which helps vulnerable children rebuild their lives after the post-election violence, which left many abandoned and living on the streets.
Mary spoke with deep conviction, sharing moving stories of the children in her care, stories of loss, hunger, and separation that left a lasting impression on me. She also showed a video of their daily lives. It was heart-breaking to see the struggles they had endured, begging for food, losing parents, being torn from siblings, yet it was just as powerful to witness how even the smallest act of kindness could bring light to their faces. For many of these children, the feeling of being loved is entirely new, and seeing their hopelessness turn into smiles and laughter was profoundly moving.
With the support of Restart Africa, children who once had nothing are now pursuing education and building bright futures. Many have gone on to become doctors and architects, returning to their communities to give back and inspire the next generation. Their stories are living proof that education, combined with compassion, has the power to transform lives.
What struck me most was their resilience. Despite having so little, they remain remarkably optimistic. Mary’s talk reminded me of how transformative compassion can be. It has inspired me to volunteer with Restart Africa next summer, and I hope their stories inspire you too.
Sophie (SFC2)
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