I first met Catherine when she joined a school assembly at Combe Pafford where I had been the Headteacher for over 30 years. Her story which she delivered to all the pupils and staff, was the most inspirational and memorable ever given in my time there. Her story, from humble beginnings to the success she has had as a teacher, then a Headteacher, and latter as an MP for Kenya demonstrated her passion and commitment to help children who have so little was very moving.

So, when Catherine extended an invitation for me to visit the school, I jumped at the chance.

The school is in a beautiful and peaceful setting, on the outskirts of Busia, town close to the border with Uganda. The road to the school is just a muddy track, impassable after heavy rain.  There are about 300 houses in the village area, but the main impression is one of hills and trees and peace, it is against this backdrop that the school provides a sense of purpose and positivity to all those who live and attend there.

I had been asked to take out a suitcase full of last season’s Torquay United ‘spare kit’ which had been kindly donated by the club. It was enthusiastically received by all the students who were very keen to get their hands on some authentic shirts and shorts.  I suspect there is now a band of Torquay United supporters in Western Kenya!! Despite the excitement, the students waited patiently and were extremely courteous, happily posing for photos in their new kit.

I also took out the best wishes and a pennant from Newton Abbot Rotary Club who are supporters of Imprezza. This photo of the students with the pennant gives a clear picture of the pride they have in their appearance. They are  responsible for looking after their clothes and making sure they are smart. The students work hard in lessons, are polite and aspirational, some want to go to university, some wish to be teachers, some have yet to decide, but they all appreciate the difference Imprezza can make to their futures.

Over four days I was there, I visited all parts of the school observed some lessons, visited the kitchen area where 250+ meals are produced, saw the dormitories, the freshwater well and the small solar farm on the school grounds – it serves the village and the school between the hours of about 7-8.30 am and 7-10 pm.

I was left with an indelible impression of the hard work and appreciation that pervades Imprezza Academy. They have so little, but make the most of everything without complaint. They are grateful for their safe and secure ‘home’ and the chance of a better life.

I also joined Catherine on some of her visits to villages as part of her work as an MP. I was lucky  to meet her family and to join them for lunch. I consider myself very fortunate to have spent time at the school and had the opportunity to fully understand the impact Catherine and Operation Imprezza is having on so many students. As a result of a link with Combe Pafford School and my visit we have futher visits of six form students and staff  to join in with some activities and hopefully redecorate some of the classrooms.

I visited Imprezza Academy in January 2024. It was the beginning of the year when students return to school  with trunks, mattresses and books for the lucky ones or with nothing apart from the clothes on their back. They will be kitted out by the school with everything they will need. Starting secondary school away from their families in a new setting isn’t easy. By February the school is in full swing.