Shocking Kenya trip leaves mark on Naitanui
WEST Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui has opened up about the heartbreak involved during his recent trip to Kenya, saying it has changed him.
Naitanui flew to Kenya last October in the role of a World Vision Goodwill Ambassador and was left shocked by the poverty he witnessed and the stories of child abuse.
When COVID-19 spread around the world earlier this year, Naitanui’s thoughts immediately turned to the children he had met in Kenya.
“I get worried about them going back to their communities, especially if they’re in an abusive household,” he told
Windows to the World, which was streamed last night on World Vision’s Facebook page.
“A lot of the children (I met) were victims of abuse and sexual abuse. It was good to see the World Vision team take that on board and help the children out.
“Some of these kids are heartbreaking stories, but it gave me something to come home with and share with my friends and family.”
Naitanui is of Fijian descent and his mum Atetha spent more than 20 years employed as a social worker.
The 2012 All-Australian ruckman had witnessed severe poverty in Fiji but was left astounded by how tough things were in Kenya.
“Where we visited, there was no food and no water. The problems that arose from the lack of water in particular was devastating,” Naitanui said.
“A lot of those things and the stresses and the hardships … were exacerbated by the lack of the simple necessities that we do take for granted over here in Australia. It did change me to a fair degree.”
Naitanui will be back in action tomorrow night when the Eagles take on the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.