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.