Kenyan Schools

At the time of this writing, we have already been in Kenya for nearly two weeks. This is the first time in a week we have had an opportunity to access the internet.  We have seen so many amazing things, met incredibly hospitable people, visited a variety of schools, tasted delicious food, and experienced a wonderful culture!  Although I feel rushed to post this blog, I willl do my best to share some of our experiences in Kenyan Schools!

Last week, we were able to see many different schools in Mombasa.  On Monday, we were dropped off in pairs to visit three different schools.  These schools are supported partly by an organization called ACTS (Assist A Child to School).  Rotary helps support ACTS which provides porridge to many students  everyday at 10:00 AM.  Emily and I spent the morning at Kongowea Primary School.  The things we saw amazed us!  Many children had no shoes, there were approximately 80-100 students in a classroom, and the need for supplies and basic facilities were great.  We had a chance to spend time in many classrooms and experience students who had very little but were still able to display good manners, show an incredible amount of motivation for learning, and seemed happy!  WOW!  What an example to see children in horrible conditions making the most of what they have!

A few days later, we were able to tour Majengo Primary School.  A Rotary club in Mombasa found this school in shambles in March of 2007 and decided to do something about it.  In April of 2008, Majengo had been transformed!  You would not believe the difference in the attitudes of the students when there is a beautiful and safe  environment  in which to learn and necessary supplies to be successful!  I had the honor to present a Class 7 (about 13 and 14 years old) with the paper cranes my students at Montgomery Middle School had made for them.  We also presented them with the books Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes and One Thousand Paper Cranes.  Paper cranes symbolize world peace and good wishes and I hope that we were able to leave a little of our hopes for the future behind with the students of Majengo.

The final school I will write about is Aga Kahn Academy.  What an enormous difference!  This school is a private school in Mombasa that is completely and totally state-of-the-art!  The exciting thing for me is that this school is an IB school, exactly what Montgomery will be moving to next year!  I networked with the IB teachers and coordinators and was told how AWESOME IB is.  I was so jazzed about this connection!  I cannot wait to get back to the US and share my new knowledge with my students and staff!  The students here are taught to be inquisitive and take initiative for their own learning. I still have so much to learn about all of this and am thrilled about the possibilities!

On a personal note, I would like to say hi to all of my fabulous students and hope things are going well with them and Mrs. Flandi!   I have so many fantastic things to share with all of you when I return.  I am hoping to post some pictures when we have more time so that you can see with your own eyes what we are doing here!  Also, love and hugs to my incredible family and friends.  I cannot wait to see you soon!

Kelli (AKA Ms. Flandi )