Education in Kenya

When we informed the schools in Gachie West that we would be around for the next few days, they invited us to speak to the children. The primary school (elementary through junior high) planned for an hour-long assembly. We thought we would be in an auditorium with a stage and electricity for the CD player. Yeah, right. When we pulled up in the matatu (minivan), students in red school uniforms started waving and coming over to shake hands. The bell rang and from all over the campus, children scurried to gather around the flagpole in the central yard. We were introduced to the principal who accompanied us to the meeting area. As we approached, the six hundred or so kids began waving and cheering. They formed a huge ring through which we passed to be introduced by the principal as follows: "These are Americans who have come to talk with you today."

Put yourself there. Surrounded by students who may never have seen someone from your country up close. You can say anything you want. You have an hour and no props. Go.

As previously posted, we sang and taught songs to them and took turns telling Bible stories using each other (and even the principal and an accompanying pastor) as the characters. When we asked for questions, they would shyly raise their hands, then duck in a fit of giggles if called on. I wound up being the de facto leader of our group, being the mzee (old man). I explained why we had come to Kenya and what we were doing just down the street. I gave a brief summary of the gospel. Then we sang our "Love, love" song and the assembly was over. The kids mobbed us. Each of us on the team must have shaken thirty or forty hands before the crowd began to dissipate in response to the clanging bell and orders from the teachers.

The principal wanted to talk with our team. He was a friend of Vincent, our host. They are both concerned about the physical as well as educational needs of the children in this community. The school has planted some trees and a few vegetables as part of the science classes. I urged the principal to establish a children's garden for which the children themselves could be responsible and from which they might produce enough food to provide meals for the poorer children. We suggested that the schools and the local churches develop a working, cooperative plan that would involve the community in preschool health and education. I promised that if they did, I would look for funding from the US. We prayed in the principal's office.

The next stop was the secondary (high) school where we had two hours with the freshmen class. They were seated in a single classroom and we sat behind a table. The students, though shy at first, were articulate and finally started asking questions which revealed a deeper level of interest than simply American entertainment figures (Michael Jackson is still very popular here). We discussed the value of a democracy and tough issues that these children face. They listed poverty, drugs, tribalism, and government corruption as being disruptive influences in their lives. One fellow, knowing that we were Christians, asked "Why is there suffering?" Others asked about the origins of HIV and AIDS. A boy asked me, "Why do some Americans call our people 'gorillas'?" It was a good two-hour discussion and they sat patiently, manifesting remarkable attention for fourteen-year-olds. Once again, I was able to summarize the gospel and direct them towards the pastor who accompanied us. It was a memorable experience.


I did not take photos of these visits. Here is one of the typical weather while we were there.