To Teach is to Love

It's been a week since I left Kenya. Each day my minds drifts back to ten joyous days in Kakamega where I felt absolutely and fully alive. I cannot recall a time in nearly four decades as an educator when students I interacted with were more focussed and engaged in their learning.

What I saw were teachers whose actions truly were impressive. What teachers and principals do on behalf of their students with so little is truly astounding. To teach is to love, for there is none that teaches for material gain.

Teachers in Lurambi District give their time and their skills for very little in return. Dedicated to their profession, they exhibit the fundamental principles of love for their students and for their community.

I Corinthians 13 is a well known passage from the New Testament Bible. The fundamental concepts which elevate the teaching profession to that of sacred is clearly outlined in this passage about love. The themes of Relationship, Relevance and Inspiration are beautifully expressed in this paraphrase:

“If I speak with human eloquence but don’t love
I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate

If I display huge talent and much knowledge but don’t love
I am nothing but a bag of empty rhetoric

If I give everything I have to the needy but I don’t love
I really am nowhere; in fact,
without love I am bankrupt

Love never gives up
Love cares more for others than for self
Love doesn’t strut or have a swelled head
Love doesn’t keep score of the failings of others
Love takes pleasure in the flowering of truth

Love always looks for the best
Love never looks back, but keeps going to the end

Love never dies
At the end of the day
There are three things that stand alone
Faith, Hope and Love
The greatest of these is Love”

To teach is to love and to love is to hope that the world can be a better place. This is the dream that must never die.

I have a dream that one day every child in Kakamega will not fear the onslaught of malaria and diarrhoeal disease. I have a hope that HIV among adult men and women aged15-49 will be erradicated and that all will know their status as well as they know their name. I have a vision that polio will be a distant memory from another generation. I see a day when all youth will have opportunity to attend school and learn to their potential. There is a heart that beats with hope and that dares to dream...



Dare to Dream

Somehow I feel that God rejoices
When we dare to dream what can be;
Are we not made for something better
That transcends reality?

When we say we are seeking a better world
Where peace and justice reign;
We must believe in the Commonwealth
To bring these back again.

Where people seek the common ground
Reach out to one another
Regardless of the differences
There’s something they discover.

A spark of light, a ray of love
Compels them to believe
That those who sow the seed of hope
New mercies will receive.

Within us all there beats a heart
That seeks to know real peace
The Commonwealth pursues the truth
That love will never cease.

Common language, common law

Values tried and true
Common sense to live as one
And humanity to renew.

Yes, I know that God rejoices
Throughout the universe
When’er we dream of what will be
The darkness we disperse.

Education through Bartering

Our last stop...St. Caroli Lwanga Lutaso SS. Perhaps we saved the most scenic location to the last. On the driveway to the left was a scene from "Out of Africa". We were situated on a small escarpment overlooking a valley dotted with shambas and beautifully terraced farms. The view extended for miles. Off in the distance were huge rocks jutting four hundred feet about the surrounding land. These geological formations spoke of a time of upheaval and volcanic activity. As we climbed a hill to the school we were surrounded by boulders the size of a classroom. Spread throughout the grounds the school was actually built around these mammoth formations. Instead of being in the way, the rocks took on the role of sentries, specifically to guard and protect. Colourful wild tropical flowers graced the property. A natural environment for a variety of birds, the place was sweet with birdsong.

Students were carrying 80 pound sacks of maize for storage. I was soon to learn how these got here. CES is involved in feeding programs for our students and a mix of beans and maize is the basis for nutrition. Once a week students also receive ugali, the Kenyan staple of maize flour and water cooked just right, not too runny and not too hard. Students pick up the ugali with their right hand, roll and pinch it into a ball with their fingers and down it quickly. It's quite the lesson for the westerner who is still looking for a utensil. In Kenya you go with the flow.

Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese in 2000, Lutaso SS started with 15 students. Eight years later it now is up to 305 full time enrolment. Principal Pascal Khisa Were and Deputy Principal Mary Waitjun Mukhwana greeted us warmly. Their's is a well resourced school because of strong parental involvement. A new equipped science lab was sponsored by the Community Development Fund, courtesy of the Government of Kenya.

We met the following delightful students who wanted their pictures taken with us. Each student we learned was a total orphan.

Linete Ongalo - Form 4 stands 28 of 53 in her class. She wants to be a nurse.

Hellen Mwangala - Form 4 stands 12 of 53 in her class. She too wants to be a nurse.

Humprey Wekesa - Form 4 stands 6 of 53 in his class. He wants to be a lawyer.

Nicholas Wasike - Form 1 stands 9 of 102 in his class. He wants to be a lawyer.

The students were very formal in their communications. They kept referring to their fellow student as "my colleague". Humprey told us, "We will pay you back by passing all our exams." Young Nicholas was forthright when he said, "Please tell your friends in Canada to keep up the good spirit." I knew exactly what he meant.

Principal Pascal Were then talked about the poverty surrounding the school. Not all parents can pay school fees. An ingenious system of bartering has been set up to enable those without cash to aquire their education. Fee payment "in kind" is common here. A bag of Maize is worth 1600KSh. The parent brings the bag and is credited that amount. Bricks for building structures are 5KSh per brick delivered and 4KSh if undelivered to the school. Firewood can go for 4000KSh for a huge bundle. Parents offer their services as cook or security watchman in exchange for a term of school. How neat is that! And the amazing thing is that because it is common practice, students do not mind having a parent going about doing work for the school. Now try that in Canada.

And yes...we got caught in a rainstorm to rival any I have experienced. It looked like night even at 4 pm. We were on our way home to Kakamega. Exhausted and elated at the same time, we knew we had seen some miracles. Despite all odds, students were in school taking advantage of the gift of learning. After two hours over a treacherous journey where I was sure I would be pushing the Toyota 4 wheel drive out of a mud filled ditch we made it!

Acute Poverty - Schools in Crisis

Passing through the village of Masaga, I saw a little girl looking through a fence surrounding one of the oldest public schools in the District of Kakamega. Masaga PS was operating in 1952 when CES Kenya Treasurer Chrispus Odito attended there. Standing barefoot and alone in the mid morning sun, this child could not take her eyes off the children playing inside the compound. Life circumstances prevented her from attending school. If only school fees were available for her. If only her parents or guardian could provide a way. That is if she had parents or a guardian. In this area of Kenya that is not always a given. If only a bright new blue and white school uniform could be made to cover her little body. If only she had a chance. If only…

All children should have the right to attend school, no matter what their circumstance. That is why CES Canada exists. That’s what hope through education is all about. Poverty and disease can be reduced when all children are given equal opportunities to learn, grow and develop.

We were nearing Sivilie SS in the late morning. It was already starting to get hot. A thunder storm was threatening from the north west. A sudden downpour would make it very difficult to drive on these rural roads. The red clay prevents quick runoff and the roads become very slippery and the potholes invisible because of the water covering them. No matter, we were at the gates.

We arrived to a delegation, Deputy Principal Abraham Mango and Senior Master Teacher Job Mukhwana. They approached us, hands outstretched. That’s how we were greeted everywhere. In this remote area there was a Society of Friends school that was thriving. With its motto: “Strive to Excel”, we learned that Sivilie SS had placed second in all the Kakamega District. A mixed (male/female) day school, it had many orphaned students among an enrolment of 183. Strong guidance and counseling programs were making a difference in these young lives.

Diane Nafula – Form 4 stands 5th in a class of 37 students. She placed third in the National Science Fair.

Elizabeth Baraza– Form 3 stands 13 of 40 students in her class. She is a partial orphan.

Bernard Makhaplia– Form 2 stands 1^st in his class of 48 students.

Asha Mohammed Namwira – Form 1 stands 1^st in her class of 54 students.

There is a crisis in education that is beginning to affect the schools CES Canada is involved in. Parents may soon have to dig deeper into their pockets to keep their children in school. Head teachers are under pressure from increased operational and food costs. Additional funding from parents is the only way out of a crisis brought about by inflation that has recently peaked at the 27% mark. This will particularly be problematic for parents with children in boarding schools.

The government subsidy of KSh 10, 265 ($170Cdn) does not cover other fees like development fees, registration fees, feeding programs, school resources, text books, student writing exercise books, pens, pencils, lab fees, school uniforms and medical fees.. Skyrocketing prices of food, electricity and fuel are also problematic. Clearly, there are insufficient funds to keep schools running. Parents are still forced to pay more than half the fees required.

Schools have been asked to cut down operational costs. If tuition fees are raised the results will be tragic. Students will be forced to drop out of school. The level of poverty in this region is acute. The average family may scrape together a hundred shillings on a good day. That would not buy a cup of coffee in Canada. Beans now cost 7000KSh ($110Cdn) up from 4000KSh per bag, while maize has doubled in price. Meat (chicken or goat) isout of reach. In some schools lights are not used and eggs have been scrapped from the menu to reign in the cost of food. Besides that, not all schools have received the per pupil disbursement owed to them.

Teacher salaries are low. Some are being paid as little as 3000KSh or $50 per month. The teachers unions are agitating for higher wages, understandably so. In other areas of Kenya there have been incidents of student unrest. Thankfully, there is peace and good discipline in the schools CES Canada supports.

People suffer from acute poverty. Those who have nothing and who have been orphaned have no other prospect of education than through outside support. There is hope for some through CES Canada. The tragedy is that others are left behind in a world where there is enough for all. “Live simply so that others may simply live” is a phrase that continues to burn in my heart.

Top School Fights Tough Odds

Rise and Shine!

Rising Bell at 5:30 am with Breakfast at 5:45 OK, I can handle that on a good day, except the part about the bell. As long as the coffee is there to kick in the day. But for Kenyan students at Mukhukuni SS that’s routine. 6:05 am seated in a classroom doing preps until Roll Call at 8 o’clock is the norm. Two hours of study…the sun is barely up. Cleaning dorms and washing clothes until 10…now some time to relax for a half hour…tea with my friends. Pretty good so far. Now two more hours of preps. Lunch is at 12:30 with more preps from 1:30 to 4 pm. Blasted preps…study, study and more study. Finally the fun begins. Games of football, roundball, dodgeball and volleyball; or, maybe just a brisk sit under a tree if it gets too hot. Supper is at 5:30 and preps begin again at 6:30…9:30 off to bed and at 10 pm lights are out. And that’s a typical Saturday for a boarder at Mukhakuni. It’s a little easier on Sunday because students can go to a church nearby. Most do. At least students get three meals and a couple of breaks for tea. That’s more than day school students who are lucky to get one daily meal of ugali, rice or ugi.

Mukhukuni SS is deprived of physical facilities. There is no electricity. A $2000 Cdn hydro hookup is out of the question, at least for the present. There is a strong emphasis on academics and our students here are doing well. The school is desperate for even one computer. That will have to wait until there is electricity available. At this Society of Friends (Quaker) School there are 360 students with 150 boarders. Principal Baring Kidiga’s office is tiny. The tin roof overhead takes on the heat of the sun and tiny pin holes let in streams of light from above. There are academic trophies in all corners of the room. And no wonder…Mukhukuni SS is Number 1 in the Lurambi District, ranked 18th in all of Western Province and 220th nationally. That is an outstanding record of achievement.

Mukhukuni SS is the furthest CES school away from Kakamega. Located in a remote area 40 km to the north it is understaffed by ten teachers. That’s because it is so isolated that many do not wish to teach there. There is no library and there is but one lab. As I entered a science class of 80 Form 2 students, I sensed that these youth were serious about their learning. Science resources were lacking and students were sitting two or three to one desk. A house designed for the Principal and his Deputy Josephat Nyongesa stood nearby. The dwelling was substandard, not worthy of professional educators who needed a place to rest at night. One was on duty every day of the week because of the supervision needed for boarders. In fact, the dwelling also doubled as a staff room. I declined a visit there. I felt very badly that these fine administrators had such poor facilities to work under.

Waiting for our students to arrive, Baring Kidiga told us that “all of the District has heard about CES Canada and the generosity of the Canadian people…it is God that has brought you to us.”

Titus Uchoka – Form 4 stands 2nd out of 58 in his class. His was the top mark in all of Western Province in the KCPE standardized testing.

Cosmas Wawire – Form 3 stands 2nd out of 86 in his class,

Boniface Masinde – Form 3 stands 1st out of 86 in his class. He is the Acting Head Boy, waiting to be confirmed through a democratic process of election by his peers. His Principal describes him as having a “spiritual influence” in his school. He is constantly assisting others to excel in their work. Boniface floored me when he thanked us by saying, “you have made an investment in my life. I would not be in school without your support.”

Tobias Nanjakululu – Form 2 stands 1st out of 70 in his class.

Leaving Mukhukuni SS I asked CES Kenya Chairman Ben Udoto the question, “How is it that a school so remote, lacking ten teachers with poor facilities and no electricity can do so much with so little?” His answer was profound… “they make do with the little they have and they make the best of it.” Principal Baring Kidiga did ask for help. His school certainly deserves it. His parting words were, “We pray for you. Please remember that one day the boys you assist today will help others tomorrow.” That’s what CES Canada is all about…helping to build strong communities by investing in the lives of those who have nothing.

Starting Out a Brand New Day

This is the rainy season in Kenya. The air is sweet and soft each morning. Later in the day as the heat builds the clouds start to form. Rising on the updrafts, maribou storks soar overhead at a height of 10,000feet. Cumulo-nimbus clouds start their spectacular upward formations, laden with moisture to be released. Kakamega is home to the only rainforest in Kenya. The oldest trees are well over 100 feet in height. The canopy of foliage shades the land and causes enough rainfall in season to produce cash crops. Workers in sugar cane fields, tea plantations and maize farms are all busy harvesting in the months of August and September. Thunder boomers roll over the hills and echo down into the valleys. With sudden and powerful urgency, the rains fall most evenings. Lights flicker as the power surges cross the wires. Then sudden darkness, sometimes for twenty minutes at a time. This is Kenya…Kenyans never complain.

The road to Musaga SS was wet from the night before. Ruts and potholes were deeper than usual. Every 100 metres of travel had its own set of challenges. Our expert driver and Patron of CES Kenya put the Toyota 4 wheel drive through its paces. Malik Khaemba drove to the gate and along with his usual smile said, “next time you come to Kenya, you can drive.” I’m not quite there yet.

Gibsob Mulika was overjoyed to see us. As Director of the Musaga PS and Caretaker of the new Secondary School, he proudly showed us a school that was founded in 2007. He anticipated full registration in 2009. Until then he was Caretaker. Basically, Gibsob is Principal of all but in name. Board Member Leonard Wafula and PTA Chair Krispus Udoto were also there to greet us. We received such an incredibly warm welcome. It was genuine and from the heart. I shall never forget this meeting. We had come to support and encourage them. We received much more in return.

As a newly founded school, it is the community’s responsibility to organize the operations and the teaching resources until the government deems the school to have official status. All it takes is 10 students to create a school. Teacher allocation begins when the student population reaches 40. The Kenya Teacher Service Commission and the Ministry of Education allocate teachers to be placed on the national payroll when the enrolment reaches 140. Until then the community funds teacher salaries. These are very low due to the inability of locals to pay teaching staff. The norm is $2-3 Cdn per day.

Fees at Musaga SS are kept low so that the families can afford to send their children there. The uniform consists of a pair of trousers @ 450Ksh, a shirt @200Ksh, one tie @100 Ksh, socks @80Ksh and a sweater @300Ksh. That’s just short of $20 Cdn. All secondary schools insist that students have shoes. That’s another $5. Where in any part of the developed world can one dress a student completely for $25 Cdn?

Musaga is a Society of Friends Secondary School with 32 students. CES Canada supports two of them, Emmanuel and Antony. Both in Form 2, they take turns being 1st in their class of 18. When I spoke with them it was Emmanuel’s turn. Delightful young men, they spoke highly of their school and the fact that they would be among the first graduating class at Musaga SS.

Emmanuel Musungi – Form 2 stands 1st of 18 in his class

Antony Wanjala – Form 2 stands 2nd of 18 in his class

There was a sense of excitement here. A new school community was being formed and soon would have legal status. Enrolment would increase and the school would flourish. The facilities were crowded and the school needed furniture and desks for the students. But the real deal was that a new school had been born. Hope springs eternal, particularly in Kenya. All would come in due course and just in time. For now the village of Musaga had its school. Like the firstborn in a family, it was cause for celebration.

Gibsob Mulika made it clear to us that he was proud of how the community had come together. Students would not have to walk so far to attend. Previously there were accounts of students walking 8 km one way to and from their home. What was it like to walk that far, day in and day out…10, 12, 14 kilometres each day? All that followed by chores that would drive anyone to exhaustion. No running water or electricity, living in a one room mud hut, these students would show up each day in class wearing a clean uniform.

As I got into the passenger seat and waved goodbye to these incredibly courageous people, I knew I would never know the depth and breadth of the hardships these dear people faced on a daily basis. Life would never be easy for them. I also knew that CES Canada and CES Kenya were making a difference in the lives of Emmanuel and Antony and all the others we support. Now that is one incredible feeling!

Simitsi SS - CES Students Face Acute Poverty

Travelling north out of Kakamega is a feat few Canadians would dare. It’s akin to driving on the surface of the moon. Bumps, potholes and other craters lie in wait for the unsuspecting driver. The one who hesitates or panics is lost. The problem is that crazed matatu drivers, tractors pulling rigs filled with sugar cane, Kenyans on foot, bicyclists and motorcycle maniacs all figure that they have the right of way. Travellers criss-cross the roadway at odd angles and different speeds to avoid the worst offending crater. Alas, the pedestrian is the one who is left to dodge a vehicle too close for comfort. Livestock, goats, chickens and an assortment of dogs also play havoc with the traffic. Auto mechanics have chosen the right profession, especially if they know how to repair broken axles and punctured tires. The best advice I can give is that if you’re heading north out of Kakamega, don’t be in a hurry. And never travel after dusk.

The goal was Simitsi SS, a mixed school with a resident student population of 150. Founded in 1971 by the Society of Friends it now has a population of 498, the highest of any of our CES Canada schools. Along the way we passed some fascinating enterprises that collectively make the Kenyan landscape so enjoyable. Love and Truth Hope of Glory Church appears to have it all in abundance. Malava Glory Store and Hallelujah Super Hotel appeared in a tiny village just next to the Annointed House. Kenyans take their religion and politics seriously. The doors were closed at St. Anne’s Medical Centre. On the opposite side of the roadway was a little girl, barely five years of age dressed in a green and white dress, likely the only dress prepared for such a little one. Barefoot, this dear child was chewing on a piece of sugar cane. I wondered where was going and if anyone really cared. The first and only gas station I encountered all day sold the precious liquid for 120 KSh/litre or $2 Cdn. Many vehicles carry extra tanks and containers of gas just in case they run out. The Malava Homeside Butchery was open for business. Conveniently, a cow and a pig were grazing on the front patch of grass. Perhaps one or both would not live to see the day through.

Off the main road we encountered the typical red dirt road that sloped 10 degrees on each side beginning from the middle. Thankfully the roads were dry. After a typical afternoon downpour, the same skills of driving are required as for those who drive on ice and snow in a Canadian winter. Flooring it just gets you into deeper trouble. After one hour and thirty kilometers later we arrived at Simitsi SS.

The first person I saw after we had cleared the officious watchman at the school gate was Shango Meta. She and a colleague were raising the beautiful Kenyan flag. She smiled with the gracious and compelling “Jambo sana…habari” that Kenyans are famous for.

We stepped into the Principal’s office and spoke to the Deputy Principal Wilbrodah Sasaka. The Head teacher and Principal Isaac Shavia arrived shortly after. The office was rather dark with no lights and no electrical hookup. As in every office in the country, whether a school, public or private institution or place of business, there was a photo of His Excellency Hon. Mwai Kibaki, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kenya.

Also prominent were signs to indicate what the community was expecting through its school.

Vision: “Effective Teaching for Quality Results”
Mission: “Put in place and maintain an enabling environment for the promotion of quality education”

Each CES Canada student at Simitsi SS has a unique and tragic background. Shango comes from a very poor family. Her mother makes and sells chang'aa, an illegal brew that has caused much criminal activity, including sexual harassment and physical assaults. To raise a few shillings in order to survive, Shango’s mother forces her daughter to deliver the alcohol to various people. This is a huge dilemma for this bright Form3 student. She knows that alcohol abuse in the village is wrong; yet, to have enough food to eat she needs to do her parent’s bidding. Recently Shango was very sick with malaria and had to miss three weeks of school. Despite her hard life Shango still ranks first in her class.

Zablon has never seen his father. It has been rumoured he is living somewhere in the Lurambi District. Child and family abandonment is far too common. Zablon appears to be well adjusted and happy.

Victor wakes up at 5am to attend school. Besides walking 5 km to and from school, he is the only one to cook for his family comprised of mother and three younger siblings. His father is dead and his mother too sick to do any work. Cooking of course requires gathering wood and ensuring that water is available. Even if Victor had any energy left at the end of the day he could do no preps. There is no electricity in his area and he is too poor to purchase paraffin. His marks were beginning to slide and we quickly came to the conclusion that CES could only continue to sponsor him if he became a boarder. He jumped at the chance when it was brought up in discussion. Arrangements will be made and hopefully this bright boy will begin to once again experience his potential as a learner.

Last year Nathan was accepted into a well respected Provincial School. With a KCPE grade of 398, he had the highest marks in his zone comprised of 20 schools. Without funds to purchase a uniform he had to forego this chance. A Provincial school like Musingu SS would be a golden opportunity for him. Adequate resources are given to these schools first. They are the next best tp private schools where the tuition is out of reach except for the wealthy. Unlike the schools CES Canada serves, Provincial schools are better equipped and are viewed as having higher standards of teaching. Nathan remains number one in his class at Simitsie SS.

Shango Meta - Form 4 stands 1st out of 120 in her class
“I love Canadians…they are generous people”

Zablon Mutama – Form 2 stands 1st out of 130 in his class
“I am very happy for the support I have received through CES”

Victor Soita Lumbasi – Form 2 stands 69 out of 130 in his class
“I wish one day to visit Canada…thank you for the support”

Nathan Muyumbia – Form 1 stands 1st out of 140 in his class
“Without CES I would not be attending school”

Principal Isaac Shavia remarked that “no other organization is supporting our students. On behalf of the management of the school and our school community I am very grateful.”

As we left Simitsi SS I was struck by the fact that the school facilities reflected the poverty all around. Building were worn out and in disrepair. It really needed some fresh paint and some TLC. The latter can be gotten but the paint costs money. Therein is the major problem in this rural area. When families live in acute poverty on less than $1 a day, paint does not compute in the hierarchy of needs.

We were now on our way to Musaga SS. Passing through the village of Musaga, CES Kenya Chairman Ben Udoto relayed some stories about growing up in this area. As a young boy he attended Musaga PS. Fortunately he received an education and became an outstanding educator, ending his career as Principal of Kaimosi Teacher’s College. We passed by the shamba where he was raised. Surrounded by fields of maize and cows grazing in between the stalks, I realized that life in rural Kenya had not changed in the past century or more.

Lost in a Sugar Cane Field

Namundera SS is the furthest school from Kakamega. Located in the Mumias District, it can be hard to find. And it was. Malik, Ben, Chrispus and I had ventured over fascinating territory and they previously had visited the school. Roadways in Kenya are basically a maze. They all look similar, red dirt to show the iron content. There are no signs. Traditional thatched roof homes and shambas dot the countryside where maize fields, vegetable gardens open up to larger vistas where goats and livestock graze. Banana trees grow in abundance in this lush area. Kakamega is blessed with more rain than much of Kenya. Plants are up to 8 feet in height. The downside is that visibility is limited. The locals are fine but the rest of us are basically scuppered. Children will suddenly appear on the road and just as quickly disppear into the shelter of the sugar stalks. They love to chew on the sweet parts of the plant. One is never far from a sugar fix.

We had to face the fact that we were lost. We were in the right part of the country and were heading in the right general direction...still lost. One young lad pointed in one direction while another older gentleman pointed in the opposite. After 30 minutes of driving we found ourselves back at the same place. The boy was still there and he promised we would make it if we but followed his advice. He ran behind us to ensure we found the path. It wasn't even a roadway. The sugar cane on either side made it look more like a jungle pathway. Could this be the way to Namundera SS? Following a 30 degree slope we came upon a large hole that was poised to swallow us whole. Our navigator and pilot Malik Khaemba skillfully brought us around the impasse. Still no school. Would we ever make it on time?...no, we were already 20 minutes late.

We had no choice but to proceed. There was no space to turn around. Then like sailors just having seen land we shouted, "there it is!" And they were all waiting for us. We had emerged from the midst of a sugar cane field to an open area with marvellous vistas on all sides. We had arrived, unscathed.

Namundera SS is a mixed school that was started by the Society of Friends in 2001. Four students led the way. Today there are 180. Principal Henry Sisambaoyeki and his Deputy Ernest Sisa Wafula were happy to show us around. In all the Friends Secondary Schools it was ranked second in Kenya. It was also ranked 8th in the Province with a fantastic mean grade of 5.5. Besides that, Namundera had recently achieved an outstanding award in the Kenya National Choir Competition placing third overall.

Seven teachers and three Board members greeted us in the staff room. I had opportunity to speak to staff about the fact that although isolated they should feel proud that they were making a strong contribution to their community. They were delighted to receive Canadian flag pins. Principal Sisambaoyeki spoke of his staff as a team. I sensed a unity among them...they truly enjoyed each other.

We met with our four students and they greeted us warmly. Besides that, I met James Wasike, a 2007 CES Canada grad who is planning on going to college next year. In the meantime he has returned to Namundera SS to work as a volunteer teacher's assistant. It has been gratifying to see that happening in a number of our schools. James has been a role model for Mary, Salima, Terrylyne and Saumu as well as the rest of the student body.

Mary Kandia (F3) stands 2nd out of a class of 51. She wants to become a Doctor.

Salima Nabali (F2) stands 2nd in a class of 39. She wants to be a Teacher.

Terrylyne Kasawa (F1) stands 2nd of 44 in her class. She wants to be a Teacher.

Saumu Abdalla (F1) stands 23 of 44 in her class. She also wants to be a Teacher. When asked why her grades were dropping she indicated that she was living alone and that she had no parafin to light a lamp for study at night.

I cannot imagine how this girl manages. Living alone without support, she faithfully attends school each day. The poverty she experiences is so acute that a bit of parafin is a luxury she cannot afford. Saumu is but 14 years of age.

As we emerged from the office of the Principal I looked out over the playing firld. The entire student body had quietly taken chairs from their classrooms, placed them in the shade of some beautiful trees and were sitting patiently waiting. I was to address the entire student body. As we moved toward them they started singing. One voice led while the others followed. I was mesmerized with the tonality and beauty of the sound. Students looked so incredible in their pink tops and dark blue pants or skirts, each with a blue tie to finish off the uniform.

Mary and Salima had garlands in their hands and they were moving and swaying to the singing. For a moment I thought I was in Hawaai. After bringing greetings I invited James Wasike to join me. I congratulated him for his achieving the KCSE. I told the students about Canada and lastly I talked to them about the fact that they were the future of Kenya. By going as far as they could in school they had the potential to make a good life for themselves, to make a difference in their community and to strengthen their nation. Finally, I asked the entire group to stand and sing the National Anthem in Swahili. It was a proud moment for me, for our students, for Malik, Ben and Chrispus and for the entire school.

I received a beautiful gift, a carving that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Each student came up at the end and gave us the three handshake routine..first a regular shake, then a 90 degree turn to lock thumbs and finally a regular shake to end it...180 times 3 shakes...you do the math. Now that was fun. It gave me enough time to say asante sana to each student.

I don't suppose I will ever be lost in a Sugar Cane Field again. But if that happens, I hope that Namundera SS is at the other end of the maze.

Treeplanting at Ibinzo SS

In 2004 Prof. Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Her Greenbelt Movement that has included planting over 20 million trees in Kenya alone is a model for the entire planet. To plant a tree is to ensure that life goes on. President Emeritus Dr. Ian MacDonald of York University in Toronto Canada pledged in his 10 year term to plant 1000 trees on York's Campus for each year...that's 10,000 trees. On September 5, 2008 I had the privilege of planting one tree at Ibinzo SS.

I was impressed with Principal Esther Apeli. Gracious and welcoming, she told us, "I thank God for each one of you. You have been a blessing to our school. We have suffered through economic constraints and we are encouraged by the work of CES Canada. We have assisted many girls from here and with your help will do more. We appreciate and love our donors."

Ibinzo SS was established in the year 2000 by the Church of God East Africa. The vision was to build a school to promote girl child education. It started with 15 girls and today has 167 students with 33 being boarded. There are 7 teachers, 1 Counsellor, 1 Matron, 1 Watchman, and 2 Cooks to ensure the welfare of every student. Ibinzo has a strong PTA and a very caring and committed Board of Governors. The median grade has risen each year and the standards are high. Its strengths are good discipline, a sound curriculum and excellent teachers.

As we toured the school it was clear that there was a need for mosquito nets in the girl's dorm. The Principal's office was very humble; yet, she never has asked for any upgrades in furniture or space. As a true servant, Madame Esther was more interested in the needs of her students and teachers. There was no dining hall. During periods of cold or dampness the students eat their meals outside. It was also clear that two classrooms were required, one being a science lab. Principal Apeli had already with the help of the Board of Governors built the foundation and the main structure. As with her colleague at Navakholo SS, she had a dream and could visualize the end product. Ibinzo had a good reputation in the community.

We met our four students, each one showing much appreciation for the opportunity CES Canada has provided them. Their words were simple but clear.

Nancy Ambiambo Songa (F4) is a strong student with a B average. "Greet all Canadians and thank them for the support they have given us. Ask them to continue in the same spirit." Nancy wants to become a Doctor.

Elina Khaya (F3) stands 4th out of 34 in her class. "I can now see the light at the end of my tunnel. You have brought me light." Elina wants to study to be an Engineer.

Perita Amwayi (F2) stands 4th out of 41 in her class. "I promise to work hard. When I finish my education I will work as a volunteer to assist orphan children."

Berverlyne Nacheri (F1) is number 1 out of 51 in her class. She wants to be a Broadcaster. "Once I was hopeless, now I will help others like you have helped me."

A local Pastor had adopted Perita. He was there to greet and thank us for the support through CES. Nancy's mother knew about our visit to Ibinzo and she too had walked many kilometres to thank us. How I enjoyed meeting them. Although needy and partially orphaned, Perita and Nancy still had caregivers, unlike some students we knew of who had no place to go to after school had ended for the day.

The Board of Governors joined me later in a tree planting ceremony. Using a shovel, watering can and a simple hoe the job was done. It was now near noon and the school had broken for lunch. We went to see where the meals were cooked. A mix of beans and maize were given to each student as they lined up for the daily meal that CES Canada contributes to each day in each school. The cooks were delighted that I wanted to take their photos. They looked just the part with blue uniform and white chef's hat. Cooking over a wood fire over a brick oven they proudly displayed the meal for the day...the same as yesterday's and the same as the one tomorrow. The Matron, a tall woman with a firm demeanor was quietly looking over the whole scene to ensure that all the girls were looked after. Such is Ibinzo SS, a place where girls can flourish and learn without fear from economic deprivation.

Principal Esther Apeli and the Board of Governors provided us with a traditional Kenyan meal. Nourishing, filling and tasty, I had no need later for supper. Some Masala tea would be sufficient. I received some beautiful gifts of Kenyan art that depicted life in a rural village and traditional Kenyan dancing. Somehow I found it hard to leave this place. Ibinzo had a quality about it, a place of refuge where good people were doing good things.

"The Wall"

The gates of St. Patrick Ikonyero SS were impressive, the mission of the school clearly articulated for all to see. The watchman was waiting to let us inside what was a beautiful and lush compound. What a difference from the last school we visited. There was evidence of recent tree planting and in the centre of the school quad area the Kenyan flag flew high. Four students dressed in their light and dark blue uniforms came to meet us and take us to see their Principal, Angela Mukula and Deputy Frederick Mohani. These were our students sponsored by CES Canada.

I had no idea that this was the school that would affect me the most of any to date. I had witnessed poor conditions, traveled through rural Kakamega and seen how people live. I had also marveled at the beauty of the countryside and the people walking everywhere. What was in store for me here at Ikonyero was overwhelming and humbling at the same time.

They say that Africa will break your heart. I had felt the same wave of emotions previously when I was in Kakamega in 2004. I had visited a non formal school operated by ACCES, our Canadian partners in Kakamega. It's like the world stands still and you are left with your emotions...right out there, nothing hidden. You hit a wall and it breaks you. It's as simple as that. Four years later at Ikonyero SS on September 5, 2008 I was to hit the wall once more.

Canadian volunteer Tania Zulkoskey had also been to Ikonyero SS in April, 2008. She worked closely with Evans, Alfred, George and Pendo. She too was moved by the courage and commitment they showed to their education. They were part of a school community of 317 students (180M/137F) that had 8 classrooms and 20 staff. The school had one computer and one partially completed lab. In 2007 the school was overjoyed to get a hydro hookup...lights, action! To have a computer lab remains a priority.

William Ashiono is a CES Canada sponsored student who graduated from Ikonyero in 2007. His grades were above average and he achieved entrance into university. He is the sole provider for his three younger siblings and therefore he must work. He has found a job in Kakamega, in a kiosk selling sodas. Principal Angeline Mukula was concerned that he would not continue his education and that other temptations would mitigate against higher learning. With the help of CES Kenya, William will have a chance to move ahead in his education.

I asked one question of our four students, “What do you know about Canada?” Evans indicated that Canada had been friendly to Kenya. Alfred added that he felt Canada had provided spiritual influence. George told us that Canada had provided a home for Kenyans. I told him that in fact was true, that over 10,000 native Kenyans live in the Province of Ontario. Pendo had great insight into Canada’s international role when she indicated that Canada was a champion for women’s and children’s rights. Hearing these responses, I was “blown away”. There was more to come.

Evans Asembe Mudego (F4) stands 3/59 students in his class. He wants to be a Lawyer. “Since Form 2 CES has supported my learning. I will continue to work hard. Please help me continue my university studies.”

Alfred Alinda (F3) stands first out of 76 in his class. He wants to be a Psychiatrist. I asked him what his definition of psychiatrist was. It was dead on, worthy of a top grade. “I will pass with a minimum Aminus average.”

George Kweyu (F2) stands first out of 84 in his class. He wants to be a Doctor. “Thanks for the help I am receiving. Now that I have no problem with school fees my life is changed for the best.”

Pendo Lugaba (F1) stands second of 102 in her class. She wants to be a “Great Lawyer”, not just a Lawyer. I asked her what that meant to her. She explained that there were abuses in the community and that the rights of women and children were not upheld. Her mission was to make a change in the area of human rights and to make it possible for all female students to attend school. I could see that she understood the concepts of equality and justice far beyond one her age. I had previously been told by Madame Mukula that Pendo has had a tough life that continues to cause difficulties for her. Often she would approach her principal to tell her she had no place to sleep that night.

As I observed these four incredible young people I knew I had to tell them how proud I was of their accomplishments and that I was going back to Canada to share their stories. No words came out of my mouth. Speechless…I had just hit “the wall”. It seemed like a long time before I recovered enough to tell them that CES would continue to support them.

Overwhelmed…perhaps an understatement. These four Kenyan youth were bright, articulate, had goals and wanted to make a difference in their community. I was amazed at their maturity and their view of life. I was also thinking about CES and where these students would be without the generous support of caring Canadians. All I could say was asante sana…how thankful I was that we were there for Evans, Alfred, George and Pendo. Words will never describe how much I enjoyed the encounter at St Patrick Ikonyero SS that day.

As we left for our next school visitation I looked back at the gates. The watchman was waving us goodbye. The sign said it all:
Vision: “The Cradle of Education”
Mission: “To Promote Participatory Quality Education”
Motto” “Sacrifice for Victory”

Sacrifice for Victory…surely all the sacrifices made by Canadians on behalf of all students supported by CES Canada are little when compared to the daily sacrifices our Kenyan friends make on behalf of quality education. If the end result is Victory, then Team CES Canada is on the winning side!

Kakamega Muslim Secondary School

Kakamega Muslim Secondary School is located within the town limits on the sout-east side of the tenth largest community in Kenya. It was established in 2005 with only 18 students.Today it has a school enrollment of 157. Most students are of the Mulim faith. Other non-muslims attend because it is either close by or they have some interest in studying Islamic Religious Education.

Mission: "To Provide Guidance Towards Acquisition of Quality Education"
Vision: "Focussed to Nurture Exemplary Persons"
Motto: "Striving for Excellence"

Through the gates and immediately to our left was a beautiful play area the size of three football pitches. Beyond that was a cornfield that provided a barrier between the town and the school. Primary school students were playing football (soccer) with a round object made of string. A good soccer ball was a luxury maybe for another day. The children stopped as we approach, all eyes on the "mzungu". Seeing the camera in my hand they crowded around for a picture. It's not the photo so much as the chance to see themselves on the camera screen. Then they would burst out laughing...for some it would have been the first photo of themselves they had ever seen. It was the same everywhere we went...crowding around, smiles and lots of laughter.

We were greeted by a Principal who took great delight in introducing us to his school. Daniel Okallo Musila and his Deputy Edgar Livasia took us to their office. There we met the entire staff who were busy marking or preparing for their next class. We were in a small room no more than 400 square feet. Besides being the admin centre, it was also the staff room, the secretary and financial officer's work space and on occasion when required a science lab. This was the neediest school I had seen. Four classrooms housed students sitting, sometimes three to one desk. Wearing their brown and white school uniform, they had no doubts as to why they were there. Skipping school is a rare phenomena. I asked one student what might keep her away from school. She indicated, "sickness or berievement". The latter I understood. It was happening in Kenya far too often for these young lives to have to endure.


There was a larger room used as a gathering place that stood adjacent to the admin centre. Two small windows let in a little light. The dirt floor and rusted out corrugated metal roof describes a school that really needed some TLC. Tender loving care was all around us...in this case TLC stands for Teachers Lifted Collectively. Working under these tough conditions it would be difficult for any teacher to give would they wanted to...if they just had a little extra...like a library, a computer, science equipment, or even a soccer ball. Speaking with these committed professionals I was struck by their desire to see their students improve. What would it take to lift their spirits and raise the expectations for learning? What could be done to help teachers collectively as a group? There was no running water at Kakamega Muslim SS. They borrowed from a neighbouring school. A borehole...now that would make a difference!

The staff remembered Tania Zulkoskey, CES Canada Special Project Volunteer. In April, 2008 she had worked on a special photography assignment with Fauzia and Abdallah, two of our Form 4 sponsored students. The students were delighted when I gave them the photos Tania sent me from her home in Vancouver, B.C.

Fauzia Mwimali (F4) stands 2/36 in her graduating class. She wants to be a Doctor.

Abdallah Amadala (F4) stands 25/36 in his graduating class. He walks the furthest of any of our students. The shortcut is 5km but that is not always possible because of weather conditions. In that case he walks 8km...each way! He gets up at 5am to make it to school on time. The light does not break until 6:30am at this time of year. Abdallah wants to become a Teacher.

Carolyne Angaro (F2) stands 8/34 in her class. I did not meet her because she was at home sick with malaria. She like many others walks 4km to attend school.

Salim Suleiman (F2) stands 3/24 in his class. He wants to be an Engineer.

As I left Kakamega Muslim SS I was asked one question by the Deputy Edgar Livasia. Could we send some photos of the seasons in Canada. He was teaching a Geography unit and wanted some pictures to show the students. Hakuna Matata! (Swahili for "no problem").

Friends Secondary School Navakholo

The Society of Friends is a Quaker movement that in the late 19th and early 20th century built many schools and hospitals in Kenya. It continues today as a thriving church community. In 1995 a secondary school was established by the Friends at Navakholo. Malik Khaemba, Patron of CES Kenya is a Board member of Navakholo SS.

Principal Hellen Kulandu met us as soon as we had arrived. We were tired after already navigating nearly 50 kilometres of rather treacherous rural roads. She had a smile that would brighten anyone's day. Her traditional dress of gold and green was spectacular. Principal Kulandu looked regal. She runs a school of 265 students with 135 being female. Hers was an example of a school where gender equity is working well...just over 50% girls is something to celebrate in Kenya, especially at the secondary school level.

The students were disciplined and polite and I sensed a calming influence through this remarkable woman. Madame Kulandu took no credit; instead she claimed that it was all due to a united staff, a sense of purpose and strong parental support. During the upheaval after the recent elections there were many displaced people who were living as refugees in makeshift dwellings. Some from the Mt Elgon area were unable to return home from Kakamega. Principal Kulandu registered a number of these IDP's or internally displaced persons.

Besides a strong Guidance program there was an emphasis on balance, not always seen in a school system that places marks above all else. Clubs, drama, music, arts and sports were also part of the program. The Principal believes in the education of the whole person, a concept I agree with wholeheartedly.

Navakholo SS needs a borehole. There is no well and students have to walk 2 km to fetch water from the river. Besides being dangerous, it takes time away from learning. Other priorities include additional computers and classrooms. The school has 12 teachers yet only seven are paid by the government. The community raises funds for the remaining five. Teachers in rural Kenya are poorly paid. In spite of all this the school carries on strong.

I met with our four students:

Beritah Mchenye (F4) who stands 16/50 in her class. When asked why she had slipped from number 5 position she explained that she had no parafin at home and that by time she got home it was near dark. This precluded any home studies. She was simply falling behind. Beritah will get the parafin she and her family requires. She wants to study Business and Marketing at the college level.

Mackylene Ngao (F4) stands 11/50 in her class. Her marks had slipped because of illness but she was catching up. Mackylene wants to become a Doctor.

Jared Wasike (F2) stands first in his class of 52. He is a bright boy who wants to become a Doctor.

Collins Milimo (F1) stands 8th of 108 in his class. He wants to be a Teacher.

Navakholo SS was our last school visit and now we were heading back to Kakamega. Along the way I was thinking about the students I spoke to that day. What had their lives been like before CES? Now they had a future and added hope through their education. They were working hard and taking advantage of every opportunity. There were teachers and principals that cared about them. I also knew that there were Canadian friends back home that were making all this possible. At that moment I could not have been happier.

I had learned something very special from Principal Kulandu. Happiness is not dependent on circumstances; rather, it is what you do with the circumstances that life presents. She was making the most of all she had. She also had a dream that one day there would be a computer classroom on the grounds of Navakholo SS. She had already laid the foundation. Madame Kulandu saw what could be the reality; she was simply waiting for the next wave of support. That's the Kenyan way.

Jennifer's School

Jennifer is one of the most charismatic and courageous young women I have ever met. In 2007 she and her good friend Julia left the comforts of Canada to spend two months in Kakamega. Her mission was to assist CES by volunteering as a teacher in one of our schools. Jenn had a few options and then chose Namirama Girls SS. Getting there each day was not easy...first a ride by matatu then a boda boda bicycle taxi ride ending with a 2km walk. Jenn does not blend in the rural Kakamega countryside. She's one of a kind with blond hair that can be seen a kilometre away. Talk about a winner...that's Jenn!


On September 4 we visited Namirana SS, a residential girls school. Principal Florence Lihanda met us with the traditional "Karibu" greeting. How nice is that. This special word coming from the heart is magic...it makes one feel totally welcomed. The first question Principal Lihanda asked me was, "how is Jennifer?" Obviously Jenn had made an impact and a strong contribution to the school. She was loved and remembered by both staff and students. That's why I call Namirama SS Jennifer's school. She left her mark there.

The Deputy Principal Phoebe Ambetsa and the Chair of the Board Chrispus Olido (who also acts as Treasurer of CES Kenya) described the history of how the Society of Friends (Quakers) had founded this residential school. I was impressed with the the fact that it had a strong Guidance program. We were later treated to a great lunch consisting of chicken and ugali.

Motto: "Endeavour to Succeed"
Vision: "Quality Learning for Self Reliance"
Mission: "To create a centre for excellence and integrity for the empowerment of learners to fit into a dynamic world"

We met four delightful students - Maximona, Eddah, Everlyne and Horiddah. All are total orphans except for Eddah whose mother is still alive.

Maximona Wakhanu (F4) is doing well in Math/Science and plans to become a Teacher

Eddah Wamalwa (F4) is studying hard to become a Doctor

Everlyne Simbauni (F2) stands first in a class of 70. She wants to become a Lawyer. She has leadership qualities and is being groomed to become a prefect.

Horidah Maungo (F2) stands 10th of 70. She wants to become a Weather Forcaster. She will soon be a House Captain.


Namirama SS is a fine school that could do with a computer lab to give students greater opportunity to establish IT skills. I left Jenn's school knowing it was in good hands. The gardens, trees and shrubs around the classrooms made the whole environment rich and colourful. People there obviously take great pride in their school. Not all schools have such a beautiful place for their students to enjoy. Now I know why Jenn liked it so much here.

Metrine's Heartbeat of Hope

I first met Metrine Mayende September 4 but I had known of her since she became one of our first sponsored students in 2005. No longer wearing the dark blue and white uniform of St. Patrick Bukhakunga SS, she looked so professional and beautiful in a traditional red and yellow patterned dress. She graduated in 2007 and was now waiting to begin the School of Clinical Nursing in Kisumu. In the meantime she was volunteering as a teacher. I was delighted to meet her, a student who four years ago never thought she would attend secondary school. And here she was teaching others in her alma mater. Wow!

St. Patrick Bukhakunga SS was founded as a "Harambee" school in 1976 and became a government school in 1989. It was originally sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega. It has 401 students (224M/177F).

Mission: "To produce all round individuals tailored to fit in the ever changing world"
Vision: "To rise above the horizon of knowledge"
Motto: "Keen to Succeed"


Principal Namukhaywa Musi and Deputy Principal Rebbah Barasa were proud of their school. Bukhakunga SS still lacks electricity and therefore light, water pumps, and other necessities like a fridge and office equipment. There are no computers on site. There is hope for a hydro connection sometime in 2009; however, the community has to come up with some 85,000 KSh ($1,300 Cdn) to pay for the lines and the connection.

We were introduced to our four students, a shy group who offered us garlands on this special occasion. On behalf of the school Metrine presented a special gift. It was a beautifully carved stone sculpture of five people joining hands in a circle. This was to symbolize the five continents working together as one.

Jacklynne Makokha (F4) has a respectable C+ grade and hopes to be a Doctor

Morgan Maloba (F3) stands first out of 68 in his class and hopes to be a Surgeon

Aziza Wafula (F2) stands first in his class of 115 and wants to be a Medical Clinic Officer
Aziza's mother had walked 6 km to Bukhakunga to meet me and to give her personal thanks for what CES had done for her son. I was deeply touched by her presence.

Mercline Chen'gola (F1) stands 20/136 in her class and hopes to be a Teacher.

Here was a school where parents used to sell an animal to pay the tuition for their child. Even with the tuition fee removed, there remain many costs to ensure a student's success. I left Bukhakunga SS with the impression that through perseverence they would succeed. As I left its beautiful gates I noticed two cows grazing in the football pitch. At least they were spared for another day to pay for something else other than school tuition fees.

As for Metrine, CES Canada wishes her every success. She will do well for she has a strong heart. She has achieved much against such incredible odds...bravo Metrine!

Our next stop would be Namirama Girls SS.


The Kakamega Journey continues in the next Blog entry "Heartbeat of Hope"