neno juu (word up)

Let's talk schools (Kenyan style).

Secondary Education is divided into 4 years much like America but instead of the usual Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior we say Form I, Form II, Form III, and Form IV.

The day begins for the students at 6:30. They are expected to be at school for morning preps, completing homework and studying. At about 7:30 They clean the school grounds: sweeping classrooms, sweeping the pathways, dusting, picking up trash, and the like.

At about 7:45 the students assemble for the morning assembly. They stand in rows by Form with the prefects to one side. Usually on Monday and Fridays the flag is raised by the Scouts and the national anthem is sung. Following the flag raising is the singing of two hymns and a prayer. Following this, the students are addressed on certain issues. They are addressed by the following people in this order: the prefects, then the teachers, then the teacher on duty, then the deputy, and finally the principal.

The first lesson of the day begins at 8:00. Each lesson is 40 minutes long. The schedule is as follows: 3 lessons then a 20 minute break, 2 lessons, 10 minute break, 2 lessons, 50 minute lunch break, 3 lessons. The lessons end at 4:00.

After lessons the schedule is MondayWednesdayFriday - Games, Tuesday - Clubs, and Thursday - Debate. This lasts for one hour. The day ends at 5:00.

As i have noted before it is the students who remain in the classroom and the teachers who move from class to class. This makes things interesting especially since there is no break inbetween classes. When the bell rings (manually rung by a Form II student) that is the teachers cue to wrap things up and move out so the next teacher can enter. But you find that teachers don't really mind taking your class time and will continue the lesson for another 20 minutes. It can be frustrating.

Also staff meetings are usually planned during class time, so you miss lessons. Students are punished during class time. When they should be in class they are out digging a hole or something and missing the information. The teachers seem unfazed by this saying that the Kenyan government allows punishment during class time. I try to explain my disagreement with the policy as it creates more work for the teacher in reteaching concepts.

Enough about structure for now.

Lately this is what has been happening:

I had a friend come visit from another part of Kenya. He couldn't believe how hot is was and he said he's never leaving his mesa again. Yes, his mesa.

My principal is planning his retirement party. Which meant he had a meeting in which he attended and we had to elect a chairman and co-chair for the party, also three secretaries, a treasurer and about 10 members. It was all in Kikamba and so I mostly zoned out and raised my hand when it appeared we were voting on something.

I attended a games competition yesterday for my school. It was basically a track meet only very less organized. I was able to see the high jump, shot put, and 100 metre dash before I had to go. Our students were actually doing quite good. I'm anxious to know the results.

Most people are not happy with the principal right now because he has not gotten the results of the national exam yet. He is the only person who can do it and everybody is so anxious. So people are not speaking to him until the results are in.

National exam fever has swept the nation. This year a record number of students, 57000, have qualified for admission to the university. This is good news. However, there are only 9000 spots available. This is bad news. There are not enough options for Kenyans after secondary school.

I must end there.

Peace out