My stay at the Heshima Rescue Centre
My stay in Mtwapa, Kenya, was a time that left a lasting impression on me – intense, educational and full of special moments. I was given a warm welcome as soon as I arrived and felt, surprisingly quickly, that I was part of the community. This sense of belonging stayed with me throughout my stay.
Every day brought new encounters, new experiences and little moments that came together to form something truly special. What is particularly striking is the zest for life of the local people. Despite often challenging living conditions, they face everyday life with an openness and warmth that I have never experienced before. There is a lot of laughter, sharing and shared experiences – an attitude that touched me deeply and changed my outlook on life.
A central part of my time at the Centre was my daily life with the children and young people. Playing football together, in particular, quickly became a regular ritual. It was never about performance or competition, but about joy, solidarity and being together. On the pitch, there was laughter, cheering and sometimes just simply enjoying the moment. It was precisely these carefree, genuine moments that made my time there so special.
I was also deeply moved by the admission of a new child to the Heshima Rescue Centre. This moment is both sensitive and clearly structured – with the aim of providing the child with protection, stability and a new outlook. Every child who arrives here brings their own story, often shaped by difficult family circumstances or experiences of neglect and abuse. This makes it all the more important to create a safe, reliable environment right from the start. Seeing the care, patience and professionalism with which this process is handled has once again made it clear to me just how important the work being done here is.
Over these three months, I have not only learnt a great deal about others, but also about myself. The experience has shown me how important humanity, community and gratitude are – values that often take a back seat in everyday life.
Now I am leaving the Heshima Rescue Centre with mixed feelings: sad to leave this special time behind me, and at the same time infinitely grateful for everything I have been able to experience. The memories I take with me are priceless, and the experiences will stay with me for a long time to come.
This time was more than just a stay – it was a journey that has changed me. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Nick Schulzig
Encounters that bring people together
One day in mid-March brought a special experience: a group of medical and nursing students visited us at the Heshima Rescue Centre. They brought with them not only donations such as clothes and food, but above all their time, attention and genuine interest in the children.
Together, we cooked, ate and played, and a warm, cheerful atmosphere quickly developed. It was precisely these simple, genuine encounters that made the day so special. The children felt seen, valued and simply at ease.
These two days showed us once again just how much joy there is in shared experiences – and how important it is to create such special moments.
