Monday, April 23, 2012

The Joy and Pride of Prize Giving Day

One can feel the excitement at Elite Schools as Prize Giving Day approaches. The grounds of the school are given a thorough grooming, tents are erected, 1500+ chairs are set in place and the sounds of the students rehearsing songs and dances can be heard all over campus.

On the morning of the event exhibits by science and maths clubs are on display along with the exhibits of the Red Cross and other civic groups.

The school marching band,dressed smartly in their maroon uniforms, along with a large contingent of Kenyan girls and boy scouts begin the festivities as they march onto the field and then pass in review before the attending dignitaries. Groups of students from kindergarten to Form 4 entertain with delightful songs, native dances and skits.

After remarks by the principle and school manager, the guest of honor, professor Dankit Nassiuma, Vice Chancellor of Kabarak University, gave the keynote address.

Then began the most important part of the day's activities - the presentation of awards to the outstanding 2011 students. How our hearts swelled as many of the children acceptinawards were our own Makena children.

Awards given were as follows: John Muiruri - Bugle; Simon Mwangi - Most Disciplined;
Samson Machohi - Maths, Chemistry, Geography, Computer; Rose Waithira - Biology, Chemistry, Business Studies, Maths. Our students were now holding multiple trophies when the most prestigious awards of all were announced - the awards for Best Boy and Best Girl. Best Girl? Our own Rose Waithira who received a very large trophy while 25 of her extended family stood and cheered. Her relatives made the long, uncomfortable Matatu ride from Maraigushu to witness this extraordinary day in the life of their family. After the close of Prize Giving Day all of the attendees were treated to lunch by the school owners. All in all, a very memorable day!






Sunday, April 8, 2012

Sharing Easter with the parents and guardians

A tired cow was just one obstacle on the steep, rocky road that curves up from Naivasha to the village of Maraigushu where the Makena families live. Power poles finally parallel the road, but so far none of our families can afford the $400 connection fee. The parents and guardians were waiting for us at Isabel Muthoni's grandmother's home and welcomed us warmly. During a two hour meeting, we discussed the future of our high school graduates, new administrative policies and heard all their comments, suggestions and questions.
When our dialogue ended, the much needed rain pounded on the metal roof. The raucous sound prevented any further conversation. A delicious Kikuyu lunch, prepared by the families, was served.
We were thrilled that University student Simon Ngure had traveled eight hours to spend the day with us. He enjoyed taking photos with the camera we provided him. (See his photos below.) Also, our Wellsprings High School students, Mary Wanjiku and Martha Waithera celebrated this holiday with us.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Reunion with students at Nyahururu Elite Schools

Shortly after dropping off our bags at the Waithaka's home on the Elite campus, we walked outside and two students, Naiomi Wairimu and Hannah Njeri, ran to give us welcome hugs. While the children finished their exams, we waited impatiently to spend time with them and share the books you donated. Starting with our first student interview, we were so moved by their enthusiastic response to the opportunity to choose more than one book. When told she could have three books, Virginia Wangui carefully made her choices, then held up the fourth book and-with a big smile-said, "Ple-e-ease?" Of course we said yes. This was just the beginning of an afternoon filled with the same awed response from the other children as they left with three or more books of their own. On our last night in Nyahururu, we called in all the junior students to look at the remaining primary/kindergarten books. Although our youngest child is in fifth grade, we watched as they scrambled to select every book including the kindergarten materials. It's hard to imagine kids in America being this excited over paperbacks.

Samson Machohi received a prestigious scholarship to Strathmore University.

Solomon Wanyoike is studying veterinary medicine.

Hannah Wanja is enjoying her accounting studies.