Into the heart of Africa

A YOUNG Berwick woman has embarked on an adventure of a lifetime in hopes of helping disadvantaged children and forging a career path.
Mara Whatmough, 18, left for Kenya on Sunday where she will spend most of her time cooking, cleaning and teaching English to about 50 children at the Monica Memorial School and Orphanage.
The children come from families who live in extreme poverty.
She is volunteering with the IVHQ Kenya Volunteer program for six weeks.
IVHQ is an international volunteer organization working in 18 countries that sends more than 4000 volunteers abroad annually.
Established in 2007, the program has sent more than 15,000 volunteers abroad and works with hundreds of different projects through Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Ms Whatmough was inspired to lend a helping hand after visiting the country with her mother Liz Torelli and siblings Sarah and James two years ago.
All three siblings were named after places in Kenya, as well as their pet cat Masai, who, like Ms Whatmough, was named after Masai Mara.
“I was amazed at how the people in Kenya can do so much with so little and it made me appreciate what we have (in Australia),” she said.
“They have nothing but are so much happier than us.”
Ms Whatmough said she struggled to decide what to do with her life after graduating from Sacred Heart in Oakleigh last year, so her mum suggested going back to Kenya.
Ms Whatmough’s friend Jessica decided to join her for the trip.
“Mum gave me the idea and I wanted to go back because I felt like I could help,” Ms Whatmough said.
“I have thought about being a teacher, or possibly working in an orphanage, so this might help me decide.”
Ms Torelli held several fundraisers for her trip and is continuing to collect donations.
Any left over money from her expenses will be donated to the orphanage.
To learn more visit www.volunteerhq.org or call Ms Torelli on 0419 944 361.