Bonface and I headed out for the day. The plan was to visit 5 other schools in the area and make a courtesy call to the DEO (District Education Officer). The purpose was to introduce me to everyone and invite HTs to training sessions, which would be held during the first week of the holidays. First stop was Olepolos Primary – a government school in Kisamis. Mr Play was the Head Teacher and he was very happy to see us. We talked for about five minutes then he asked me not to say another word. He would gather all his staff immediately for a meeting. He could not waste my precious words and wisdom! Fair enough.
The DEO
All the teachers appeared and apart from the Head Teacher and the very enthusiastic Depute Head, Ruth. At first, it was a bit like pulling teeth. They were a tough crowd but I progressed from eye contact, to a smile, to laughter. They were desperately keen for me to arrange other training sessions for the school but there are just not enough hours in the day and I could not commit. My priority is Osiligi Obaya. I climbed back into Bonface’s car with the Depute still hanging on to my arm.
Next stop was the DEO’s office. The District Education Officer (DEO) is the “Main Man” in the area and is in charge of 110 schools. In traditional Kenyan style, the more important and powerful you are, the more terror you instil in your minions! After a five minute chat, he decided to re-arrange his day and accompany us. Bonface was gobsmacked and more than a little intimidated. This was clearly a source of both honour and fear. Once in the car, the DEO revised the schedule. He announced which schools we would go to – none of which were the ones who were awaiting us. Bonface nodded. There was clearly no choice.
From my point of view, I got to see some breath-taking views as we visited a remote rural school. Unfortunately, no-one was home as the county sports championships was taking place. Change of plan. We would now go to the sports championships. We set off to another even more remote spot. The interesting part was when we came to the river. Both men got out to assess the passability. Lots of frowns, nods, scrunched up noses and raised eyebrows. Kenyans have very expressive faces. It was agreed. It should be fine driving into the river. After all the school bus had made it! Off we set and miraculously made it across. The DEO then shared that a Class 5 pupil from the local school, had been swept away and drowned at this very spot last Friday.
We arrive at the sports championship venue, Nyonyoro. More details in the next blog. I spot our competitors from Osiligi Obaya and they are delighted to see me. There is a lot of discussion with rival teams. I’m guessing that they’re introducing me (in Kiswahili) as their Muzungu mascot! There is much muttering and jealousy from their rivals. But I’m happy to help the home team with a bit of cheering and moral support. I’m not too proud to be a muzungu mascot.
At last the DEO announces that it is time to leave. We will go the Olepolos Country Club for lunch. He has heard it is very nice and has wanted to visit it for some time. There is no mention of visiting any other schools. It’s set on the top of a hill and the views are spectacular. It is quiet because it is Wednesday but at the weekend, it is almost impossible to find a space to park. It is particularly popular with the rich and famous in Nairobi who like to head to the country on Fridays and Saturdays.
The pool at he Country Club
The Country Club is famous for its signature dish – Nyoma choma. This is roasted goat meat. First you go to the butchery and choose your cut of meat than wander around the manyata corral (traditional Maasai houses) the swimming pool or the murals of the history of the Maasai, while your food cooks. Having done this, we sit down and wait.
Manyatta – a traditional Maasai house
The DEO has a plan, my skills must be used throughout his district. He has 110 schools and I could be the key to his success and even promotion! He will select the Head Teachers to attend my training sessions in a fortnight and then we will plan my time for my return visit in September. He may even book a conference centre in Kiserian. I smile and nod. It‘s a great idea, I assure him. But I had wondered about another approach. If we focused my time on Osiligi , then as the teachers became more trained, he would end up with a Centre of Excellence where good practice could be shared with other local teachers and Head Teachers. There was silence for a few moments. He has been thinking that it is a waste of my time if I am spread too thinly. He has an idea. I must focus on Osiligi, develop the teachers and create a centre of excellence. Bonface and I look at each other and agree that the DEO has had a wonderful idea. This is what we will do.
Lunch arrives. Roasted goat ribs, ugali, chapatti and a spicy relish (tomato, onion and chilli) called Kachumbari. It is really delicious. But then it is 3.00pm and I am hungry! The bill arrives. The DEO turns to Bonface. You are OK to get his? Neither of us are stupid enough to think it’s a question. I quietly offer to go halves with Bonface but he is having none of it.
We take the DEO back to his office. It has been an interesting day though not the one we had planned. Bonface has to phone and apologise to all the Head Teachers who spent the day waiting for us. We will try to do it again Friday but without telling the DEO!
As Robert, burns once said, “The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft a-gley..” (Plans usually go haywire!)
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