Handball Heartbeat Across Continents
When I stepped off the plane in Nairobi in September 2022, I carried a suitcase full of curiosity and a heart wide open but no idea what the next twelve months would hold. I had come to volunteer with Play Handball Kenya, ready to teach and train, but unaware that this journey would reshape my life in ways I never imagined.
Classroom by Day, Dust Court by Afternoon
My mornings were filled with chalk dust and eager faces as I taught English, Maths, and French in a local school. The afternoons? A whirlwind of whistles, bouncing balls, and laughter as I coached handball across different schools. Watching the kids grasp the game so quickly was pure joy proof that passion and play transcend borders.
A Home Called Utawala
The heart of my experience was the incredible hospitality of Nange’s family, who hosted me with such warmth and care that Kenya quickly became my second home. Their generosity and genuine welcome made every day feel like family. Whether sharing meals, stories, or quiet evenings, I felt deeply rooted in their kindness.
That bond didn’t end with my volunteer year. It pulled me back twice. On my first return visit, I brought along a close friend to share the magic of Kenya. On the second, I came with my brother Lukas, and we spent two unforgettable weeks in Utawala with Nange’s family. Each visit deepened the connection, turning memories into milestones.
A Spark That Ignited a Calling
That year wasn’t just a chapter it was a turning point. I discovered a deep love for teaching handball and mentoring youth. When I returned to Germany, I didn’t just carry memories I carried a mission. I enrolled in African Studies, hungry to understand the continent that had captured my heart. Through my studies, I’ve deepened my knowledge of Kenya and Africa’s rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and resilience.
Next Stop: Tanzania
Now, the journey continues. I’m preparing for a semester at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. But before that, I’ll return to Kenya to the family, friends, and fields that started it all. It’s more than a visit. It’s a reunion with purpose.
From Volunteer to Visionary
What began as a one-year volunteer stint has blossomed into a lifelong commitment to youth empowerment, cross-cultural learning, and the beautiful game of handball. Kenya gave me more than an experience it gave me direction, community, and a calling.
And the story? It’s just getting started.
