Four teenagers who experienced a "life-changing" trip to Africa to work with children who live in a rubbish dump say the experience made them realise how lucky they are.

Nikki Jovanovic and Mauricio Amaro-Barnard, who both have autism, and Shaun Robinson and Leif Smith, who have special needs, spent two weeks at The Walk Centre school, in Nakuruin, Kenya, where they helped with painting, cooking and teaching.

They also visited the children’s homes in the nearby rubbish tip, known as The Hilton, and were shocked to find them living in squalor amongst broken glass, needles and festering waste materials.

The Derby youngsters, who left all their shoes and clothes for the students, described the trip at "life-changing" and are hoping to return next year to continue their good work.

Leif Smith with a school pupil in Kenya
Leif Smith with a school pupil in Kenya

Nikki said: “The pupils get fed at the school, otherwise they would only be able to eat scraps they find on the rubbish dump. We all learned a lot from them; they never complained and they never fought over the things we gave out, they were just grateful.

“We handed out boiled sweets and they tried to eat them with the wrappers on because they had never had sweets before. And we gave one girl a piece of chocolate and then all the other children wanted to smell her breath because they had no idea what chocolate was like.

“We walked into one classroom and all the children were working hard in silence. Their teacher had gone home, but they were quietly getting on with their work. They appreciate all their opportunities so much and it makes you realise how lucky we are.”

The pupils who attend Bemrose School, in Uttoxeter New Road, each raised £1,800 to fund the trip by staging sponsored car washes, quiz nights, talent shows, discos and curry nights.

The students were accompanied by teachers and teaching assistants from the school, who took 15 bags of donated clothes and toys to hand out to the children.

Mauricio Amaro-Barnard with the Kenyan schoolchildren
Mauricio Amaro-Barnard with the Kenyan schoolchildren

Leif said it was said to see where the children were living. He said: “A lot of their parents have drug or alcohol problems and they don’t get any physical contact – so they just wanted some comfort and love.

“All the kids wanted to touch us and smell us. They loved having their photographs taken and they all had enormous smiles, even though they had nothing.”

Teaching assistant Grace Elliott organised the trip alongside Derby County in the Community because she felt the students would benefit from seeing how other children live.

She said: “We choose pupils who were sensible and mature enough, but also those we felt would benefit from the cultural and emotional aspect of it too.

“Leif and Shaun had never been abroad before and so it was even more of a culture shock for them. Leif was an absolute star – we have never seen him so confident. Nikki had queues of children waiting to be picked up and spun around and Shaun made the school chef very happy with his work effort.

Nikki Jovanic travelled to Kenya with three other students from Bemrose to help Kenyan children living on a rubbish dump
Nikki Jovanic travelled to Kenya with three other students from Bemrose to help Kenyan children living on a rubbish dump

“One of our favourite things about the trip was seeing the lads react so lovingly towards the children when they were hurt or upset. They were quick to put their arms around them to try to offer comfort and it was a joy to see.

“Some children in this country live in poverty but, more often than not, they are loved. These children weren’t even loved, yet they are so warm and happy. We were all in tears – including the boys - after saying goodbye.”

The school intends to return to Kenya next year with a different group of pupils.