Having spent a very pleasant evening with Bonface, Daniel, Stanley and Charity (Daniel’s wife) and enjoyed a 3 course meal at the hotel, I was delighted to retire. Not so much to my bed as to my shower! It was bliss.
Next morning, we arrived at the school in time for morning assembly. The cubs and brownies, pristine in their uniforms, performed their routines and chants for the rest of the school. Then Daniel introduced me and explained that I would deliver the assembly. This has happened to me so often in Africa I am almost insulted if I’m not expected to produce an instant assembly/sermon/training session. I speak to them about similarities and differences between Scotland and Kenya. The children are curious and responsive so it goes well.
Then it’s time to visit the pre-school, which is located in the centre of town. Nancy, the Head Teacher, showed me around the two baby classes (3-4yrs), two PP1 ( 4-5yrs) and two PP2 classes (5-6 yrs). It was interesting to see the babies enjoying free play. Lots of great displays and drawings were on the walls and it was much more like the kind of nursery setting that I’m used to. This is what we need more of at Osiligi! It is hot, dry and dusty in Magadi. The temperature is about 10 degrees hotter than Olepolos so I’m glad I am wearing a light dress.
Learning In PP1 and PP2 was much more formal with children sitting in rows and completing number and colour work, in silence, in their workbooks but there was evidence of a more active curriculum with paints, toys and a wee shop in the corner. When the children went out to play, I took the first staff training session. The teachers are quiet and wary at the start but soon warm up and it feels like a positive session. I know this because every single one of them asks me when I am coming back.
Back at the main campus, we visit, C1, C2 And C3. These are all classes which should be delivering the new curriculum. The standard of teaching is good and they are engaging with more pupil-centred learning. It will not take much to point them in the right direction. After lunch, it is time for me to train the rest of the staff. It is a hard gig. It is very hot, it is Friday afternoon and everyone is already heading home – at least in their heads. I need to keep it short, sharp interactive and finish early or I might be lynched.
Sunset over Lake Magadi
Again it starts slow but they begin to engage and there is are some good questions and a good vibe. Later, Daniel tells me that I made more sense and had a greater impact in 45 minutes then the District Education Officer and his team had during 3 days of training at the school. They are keen to set up a training partnership with Osiligi and to have me back for more formal training on my next trip. This is a good outcome – our staff will benefit!
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