A Day in the Bush

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I had a 14 hour odyssey in “the bush" recently. I accompanied, Zach, an officer from the Kenya Ministry of Education on a back country tour of state public schools. Zach was assessing teachers, and I volunteered to be his driver.
It was an adventure on a number of levels! We left the tarmac very early in the journey and the “roads” were deeply rutted dirt paths that recent rains had virtually washed away. For hours we traversed countryside which was alternately stunning and depressing.The majesty of the land and the flora and fauna was juxtaposed against the stark reality of poverty of the people living often without even the barest necessities.
Speaking of barest necessities….. The rural schools we visited gave me a deeper perspective on  education in Kenya and fueled my resolve more than ever to create a school that could serve as a model for educators throughout the country. Since 2003, primary education is mandatory for children in Kenya. Enforcement is minimal and facilities and materials sparse.
In one school there were 62 2nd graders on the floor without desks or chairs or pencils and one young teacher in front of the class. In another, there were 2 first grade classes over 100 students sharing one room. There was a lot of group recitation often with the whole class standing.
“Good morning teacher”
“Good morning class”
“How are you?”
“We are fine teacher”
Or…..
“6 plus 2 is 8, teacher”
“The girl went to school although it was raining”(4th grade English class on the usage of the word although) “say it again class”
“2 one half liter bottles fill 1 liter bottle” “again class”….”2 one half liter bottles fill 1 liter bottle.”
The classes were devoid of creativity, student empowerment and anything resembling hands on activities. Yet the children’s faces were bright and enthusiastic, and they were eager to learn.
Zach and I spoke on the way back about how our school, Mudzini International School could be a model of a different kind of classroom learning, and we would invite teachers and administrators from all parts of the country to come  and see first hand best practice in action!

 This video introduces Randy, as the Founding Head of Mudzini International School, to the extended Many Hopes community.

Fondly,

 Randy

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