On Sunday 4th September, former Head of Maths and former Housemistress from Oundle School, Nicola Guise, will take on the challenge of the Brownsea Swim 2016. Nicola has committed to the four mile sponsored swim (without a wetsuit!) around Brownsea Island, to raise money for the work of International Needs in supporting street children in the Kawangware slums of Nairobi, Kenya.
International Needs are working with a passionate team of ex- street children (The Real Hope Community Project), helping a group of current street children to set up a car wash to keep them off the streets. At the same time they will be taught business skills, equipment maintenance, banking, saving, and conflict resolution.
There are approximately 2.5 million slum dwellers in about 200 settlements in Nairobi representing 60% of the Nairobi population and occupying just 6% of the land. International Needs works with local groups based in the slums providing education and support for adults and children, including support for the homeless.
Nicola commented, “I was totally inspired by the International Needs projects that I saw first-hand on an amazing ‘Adventure with Purpose’ Umoja Africa Journey I undertook earlier this year with International Needs Canada. Visiting the Nairobi slums with International Needs Kenya’s Director, Jocelyn Muraya, we were shocked at the appalling conditions but uplifted by this group of ex-street children who are dedicated to establishing a car washing project to help give current street children a means of earning money. So that’s my motivation – to support that International Needs project by completing the Brownsea Swim 2016.”
Nicola began river swimming just over a year ago in the River Nene and continued to swim with a local group throughout the winter. She has been notching up the miles over the summer in readiness for the challenge.
Nicola added, “I have rediscovered my love of swimming since meeting a fabulous group of wild swimmers who inspired me to take on this challenge. Swimming through the winter has been important to acclimatise for the Brownsea Swim! It is the length of time in cold water that I am most concerned about, although the event distance will also be my longest swim yet! Fingers crossed that this good weather holds.”
Danny Morris, National Director of International Needs UK commented, “These street gangs work as families supporting one another and sharing with one another. We want to help them off the street, beat their addictions and go on to develop skills that bring an income. Having supporters like Nicola doing crazy things is an amazing way to deliver impact in the lives of these forgotten people.”