The 13 Suitcases Project

Work starts on our fence

On March 14, 2025, ten sixth form students from Combe Pafford School, together with three adults are flying to Western Kenya to visit Imprezza Academy in Busia. The students plan to decorate several of the classrooms, learn about Kenyan culture, understand the struggles of gaining an education in such a deprived area, before having the opportunity to visit some of the national parks to see the wildlife.

We are going for 10 days and will only to take one suitcase each….. but the airline allows us to take two!

This seems too good an opportunity to miss, so we plan to take out some urgently needed clothing and other items to help Imprezza care for its 320 needy students, most of whom are borders, the best they can.  Catherine has given us this list of items: 

  • Duvets, bed sheets, towels, bars of soap, toothpaste.
  • White socks, grey socks for the boys, black shoes.  
  • Novels (English Lit books), pens, rubbers, geometrical sets. 
  • All underwear for boys and girls , mostly medium and large, a few small and XL. 
  • Most bra sizes are 34, over 36 girls wear 36, over 8 wear 38 and 4-5 who always miss out are 42.
  • Petticoats and night dresses, pants pajamas.

So, we are appealing for good quality used or new items so that we can fill our 13 extra suitcases to take with us.
If you would like to contribute please contact:
Chris at
info@operation-imprezza.org
or Mike  at Mikelock2024@outlook.com or 07889757532  

One of the classrooms we plan to redecorate

More news

Support Tomo’s 23 mile walk for Imprezza May 17th

Support Tomo’s 23 mile walk for Imprezza May 17th

Lasdt year Tomo raised over £2,000 for Imprezza on his 102mile walk. In May this year, he is hoping to better that. With the help of friends, Edward 'Tomo' Thompson aims to walk the challenging 23 miles Abbot's Way on Dartmoor. They aim to achieve this in one day...

read more
Join us for a 3 course Italian on March 12th

Join us for a 3 course Italian on March 12th

We still have places available for this event. A 3 course Italian meal at Marco's in Budeigh Salterton (5* on Trip adviser) along with live music and of course you will be supporting the brilliant Imprezza Academy

read more
Coombe Pafford School’s visit to Imprezza

Coombe Pafford School’s visit to Imprezza

A group of eight Combe Pafford Sixth Form students and three staff will fly to Nairobi on Friday 13th March before travelling on to Imprezza Academy. We will spend four days at the school working on practical projects. During last year’s visit, the team painted all of...

read more
Support Jordan raising money for Imprezza

Support Jordan raising money for Imprezza

Hi, I’m Jordan! This April I’ll be running Manchester Marathon in support of Operation Imprezza. This UK based charity supports the development of Imprezza Academy Secondary School, located in the fourth poorest region of Western Kenya.   Many children in rural...

read more