Our ‘Gone Fishing’ immersion trip in East Africa proved an eye-opening and humbling experience, delving into the heart of Nairobi, specifically the slums of Mukuru and Kibera, witnessing firsthand the stark realities of their living conditions.
For several years, BildGroup has worked closely with the 500 Supporters Group, an organisation dedicated to aiding some of the most impoverished areas of Nairobi, Kenya, with support from the Edmund Rice Foundation Australia (ERFA). Thanks to these partnerships, in November 2023, two members of the BildGroup leadership team, Natasha Facci, and Ashley Rosenthal, were able to experience the opportunity of a lifetime, travelling into the heart of Nairobi to work with the Ruben Centre, an education and medical centre that directly supports the Mukuru slums, one of the biggest slums in the country.
The following is Natasha’s account of the experience.
Our ‘Gone Fishing’ immersion trip in East Africa proved an eye-opening and humbling experience, delving into the heart of Nairobi, specifically the slums of Mukuru and Kibera, witnessing firsthand the stark realities of their living conditions.
Meeting families and small business owners (beneficiaries of ERFA) highlighted the resilience, strength, and soul these local communities have. While initially our arrival in the slums left us feeling overwhelmed, these feelings of distress and concern quickly turned into admiration for the positive impact ERFA is making in partnership with those in need. The devastating living conditions underscored the privilege we have in Australia, with access to secure housing, clean running water, basic sanitation, healthcare, education, and safety. Yet, amidst these challenges, the spirit of the local communities shone through, leaving a lasting mark on our hearts.
“ No amount of preparation could have readied me for the depth of the challenges faced by these communities.”
The smiles, generosity of spirit, entrepreneurship, and resourcefulness of the locals emphasised the power of community and the ability to make every cent count. Even my time in the breathtaking landscape of the Maasai Mara and its wildlife couldn’t overshadow the profound impact of our interactions with the local people.
My learnings from this immersion experience extended beyond my years of volunteering. No amount of preparation could have readied me for the depth of the challenges faced by these communities.
ERFA’s commitment to creating long-term systemic and generational change through education impressed me. They truly embody the premise that “You can give a person a fish and they will eat for a day, but teach a person how to fish, they will eat for a lifetime.”
Witnessing the synergy between ERFA, the 500 Supporters Group, and BildGroup showcased the transformative power of long-term collective efforts. The experience highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships to create lasting impact and uplift communities.
Natasha Facci is BildGroup’s Chief Human Resource and Communications Officer. With a career spanning more than 30 years in HR, she has cultivated expertise in creating positive workplace cultures, nurturing leadership potential, promoting wellbeing initiatives and driving organisational change. Natasha’s mission is to be of service, enabling leaders and teams to be their best selves, live their purpose and positively impact the world.
