The Last Hurrah

Today was the last day of the term, 2010. My three students finished yesterday, but Bery and Paul came to school today to join the festivities. There was a carnival air on campus.

Two hundred parents came to a meeting where there was much to be gleaned from the past year. The year's progress and improvements were highlighted, the aspirations for Term 2011 outlined, and new members of the School Management Committee were featured. Then came the 2010 freshly-coined slogan: Kenyan-American Education at Kakamega Township! Between Shanon's new uniforms for all of Class 2 and the improved library, Township is jazzed to start a new term, proud and just a little American.

The library project turned out very well. With over $3600, the library doubled its shelf space, and all the windows got new glass. The Army helped to oversee the purchase of more than 850 books. When asked to speak to the Library Project, I corrected the Headmaster: I did not purchase the improvements, but it was the generosity of 31 families in the US. Texts in all subjects for every level (even Nursery) are available in the library. We added lots of story books (as Kenyans call pleasure reading books) for all readers to promote a reading culture. I encouraged the parents to follow up with their children about visiting and learning in the library next year. The entire school community is over the moon about the possibilities...maybe that is what I came here to help them see: the possibilities.

Because of you, my friends, I felt like a heroine today. It may have been my idea, but it was worth nothing without your generous outpouring of support that turned into a real library. I have a wonderful letter of thanks from the Headmaster to share with you when I get home.......

Pictured: Major Wakesa and David from the Salvation Army, Bery and me