"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!