The team have now arrived back safely from the project but internet issues in Thika means there are still a few more blogs to enjoy.
Here Julian gives his account of Day 11.. triumphant return to Murang’a…
Having had our schedule seriously affected by the planned teachers strike next week, we needed a good day and heading back to the Muranga area we were hopeful.
Seeing the rolling hills and lush green vegetation come into view we were confident. Our trusted driver James, along with local sports coach Mattheus took the bus to our morning destination Makuyu Primary.
We set up our stations and were very happy to see not only the usual very keen youngsters but each group was supported by at least one of their teachers. This was fantastic as has not always been the case during this trip.
The sessions went well – three groups over three hours, and we also had some light rain during the session (the first we had seen in Kenya).
We were invited into the office afterwards to perform the usual signing of the visitors book and managed to have a brief conversation with the highly impressive head teacher.
She told us that a lot of the youngsters were from a fairly harsh background and that she and her staff tried to make the school a sanctuary where the pupils were shown some love. No stick waving here. Penance for bad behaviour was more likely to be sweeping the courtyard. A great session in a very supportive environment with 258 pupils coached.
After a light lunch we travelled to Igikiro Boys High School (Boarding). Again we had a successful afternoon in sunny conditions – two groups over two hours.
This afternoon was slightly different for me as instead of running a station I made the introductions for both groups and acted as time keeper. A very different view of our work as I looked in on each station. The teachers again turned out in force and moved around the stations with their pupils. This is how it should be for all the schools we visit. 150 pupils coached in the afternoon,
At the end we were invited into the school for a cool drink. Everyone was tired but pretty happy about the way the day had panned out. As we boarded our bus, someone remarked it was now “a beautiful day” – I think that pretty much summed it up for me too.