From Turtle Nests to the Stage

The last couple of days have felt a little slower when it comes to homeschooling. Especially Julius finds it hard to concentrate if we start too late in the day, so we were all quite happy when the weekend finally arrived.

While the rain has made the evenings pleasantly cool, it has also brought along a small army of mosquitoes during the day. This morning alone I counted at least ten bites on my legs, they clearly have a favourite spot! I’ve tried all kinds of repellents, but so far they remain unimpressed. A small annoyance, though I know I’m complaining on a very high level.

Perhaps the most special experience of the past days happened early yesterday morning.

Just after sunrise, we drove about five kilometres along the coast to meet two rangers from the TurtleSafe Project by Ocean Sole. (www.oceansole.org/turtlesafe-program)

They showed us five turtle nests currently under their protection: two from the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and three from green turtles.

Listening to them was fascinating. They explained how they patrol the beaches, protect the nests, and relocate them if they are laid in unsafe areas. They also work closely with local fishermen, raising awareness about the importance of protecting the turtles rather than harming them, and helping to keep the ocean cleaner and safer for these incredible animals.

As the hatching time approaches, the rangers carefully monitor the sand. When it begins to sink slightly, it’s a sign that the baby turtles are getting ready to emerge. At that point, they prepare a safe path to the ocean, clearing obstacles and protecting the tiny turtles from predators.

There is even a chance that we might witness a hatching ourselves before we leave Kilifi. The rangers even promised to call us if it happens, or if a turtle comes ashore to lay her eggs.

That would truly be an unforgettable experience.

Of course, the children made their own discoveries along the way, collecting shells, spotting tiny details, and simply enjoying the moment.

Moments like these remind us how lucky we are. To learn not only from books, but from the world around us. To experience nature, culture, and everyday life in such a direct and meaningful way.

Another moment where learning truly came to life happened during a late afternoon at the beach. We noticed that the ocean hadn’t come in as far as usual. Assunta quickly connected it to what we had been learning: the tides are less extreme during a half-moon than during a full or new moon.

It was one of those wonderful moments where learning suddenly becomes real, not just something written in a book, but something you can truly see and understand.

Another highlight was this evening. We attended a school production at Kivukoni School: “Kesho Amahoro.”

The play is based on the true experiences of the playwright Lizzie Jago and tells the story of a young girl, Esperance, growing up in a Rwandan refugee camp in 1994. The students from grade 7 to 9 brought the story to life through acting, singing, and dancing, and what a performance it was!

It was moving, powerful, and beautifully done. Despite the heaviness of the story, it carried a sense of hope.

The children were deeply impressed. Julius thought it was “really great,” though he admitted it might have been even better if he had understood everything, as he still confidently speaks German to almost everyone he meets.

Assunta was completely drawn into the performance. She couldn’t believe that students almost her age had created something so powerful, the choreography, the singing, the acting, all of it left a lasting impression on her.

We feel very grateful to our friend who told us about the play. It’s one of those experiences we would have been very sad to miss.

And it leaves me wondering… Which of all these experiences will stay with the children the most?

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.