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").