I didn’t know what to expect of Kenya before I got there. My concept of Africa was as ill informed as any person’s who hasn’t yet visited. My preconceived notions of Kenya were taken apart quickest by watching the primary school students interact with one other.
Interview with Felix Muthure: Secondary School Education in Kenya and Post-Graduate Opportunities
Why Kenya?
After the American high school students from the Service Learning in Kenya (SLIK) program returned home, Fred asked if I would do an interview as a previous SLIK participant reflecting on my experiences from the program, as well as on our current work with the Foundation. Among the questions he asked—Why did you first come to Kenya? What encouraged you to come back? How did the Hansen Foundation for Education begin?—there was one in particular that stimulated my consideration throughout the rest of the week: Out of all the places you could travel to in the world, why Kenya?
Tuesday through Thursday: Activities Recap
Social Studies Lesson
Teaching Kenyan Social Studies to Standard Six was an interesting experience today. The textbook covered how peace in a country can be attained, and also how it can be threatened, but despite it being a very important topic to discuss, the students did not show much enthusiasm. It wasn’t until Emily and I started to to list differences and similarities to the United States and Kenyan Constitutions that the kids pricked their ears up, especially when we talked about President Obama.
Back to Teaching at Irigithathi Primary School After Safari in Samburu
Our first day back teaching at Irigithathi Primary went great! We spent the past three days on safari in the Samburu National Reserve and hit the ground running when we returned to Naro Moru Thursday night. This morning, Emily and I started out teaching science class, explaining the states of matter and what happens when their temperatures change. Social Studies was next, with some interestingly Kenya-specific topics. The textbook discussed the various methods of drying fish, the types and locations of forests in the country and their uses, and what do do in dangerous situations like village raids or encounters with rabid dogs.
Safari in Samburu
From July 14th through 16th, Ben and I went on safari with Fred Roberts (Hansen Foundation for Education Board Member and Service Learning in Kenya Director) at the Samburu National Reserve, located about 165 kilometers north of Naro Moru.
We had the incredible opportunity to see African wildlife, as well as to get to know the American high school students participating in his SLIK program.
We have created a "photo journal" and video of our time in Samburu to share with you.
Insights into the Educational Support Network at Irigithathi Primary School
Our first official day teaching at Irigithathi Primary School started off with a warm welcome from Head Teacher Peterson Kihara and several introductory speeches from his colleagues Mrs. Maina and Mrs. Githaiga. Their words opened our eyes to the teachers’ exceptional level of dedication to ensuring their students’ physical and mental wellness and made us aware of the lengths they go to to prepare their students for the KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education) examination and, more broadly, for continued educational opportunities after primary school. I could hear the conviction and passion behind their words and was once again inspired and heartened by the close-knit, unified, and hardworking nature of the teaching team at Irigithathi.
First Day Teaching at Irigithathi Primary School
This was my first day of teaching at Irigithathi Primary School! I had a really good time, and so did Emily. The staff was as generous and helpful as ever, and the kids were a joy. I stepped in for 5th grade English and Science, and Emily took care of P.E. and Creative Arts. Most of the students were very shy and quiet from the beginning but opened right up after a few question and answer sessions about my and their lives.
Hike to Mau Mau Falls with Felix
Today, Felix took Emily, Logan, and I on a hike to the Mau Mau Caves outside of Naro Moru. He led us out the back gate of the Batian’s View property and out onto the trail heading south. It was a beautiful walk, and Mount Kenya was covered by clouds in the background. The scenery changed every 20 minutes it seemed, as each valley or field was a different type of environment than the last. We also walked through a handful of small villages, with locals waving and children asking “How are you?” from every direction.
Our First Day in Words and Pictures: Gratitude, Opportunity, Hope, and Family
On our first full day in Naro Moru, my cousin Ben and I walked to Irigithathi Primary School to greet the teachers and students and, afterwards, visited Irigithathi Secondary School to catch up with Principal Njeru and meet the thirteen Hansen Scholars. Our schedule for the day was simple, yet as I play through yesterday’s reunions and events in my mind, I continue to feel so thrilled and wonderfully overwhelmed by the number of gleeful faces and outstretched hands we saw; by the depth of our conversations with old friends; and by the fact that, even after having been gone for several years, coming back to Naro Moru, and specifically to Irigithathi, felt like returning home.
Goals and Vision
First Impressions of Irigithathi Primary and Secondary Schools in Naro Moru, Kenya
When we entered the school grounds, the warmth of the children and staff was readily apparent. The kids had an excited energy upon seeing Emily, and they clapped, cheered and whistled at her arrival. While Emily was the main focus, I also got some curious yet friendly attention from the students, and a generous welcome from the teachers. Their hospitality was wonderfully inviting, and humbling at the same time.