Leaving Kibera and St.Johns Primary School
Good morning everyone
Yes the day that I have been dreading for the last few weeks.. saying goodbye to Kibera and the kids from St Johns Primary School.
It was with much sadness that I caught the matatu to Kibera on my last morning. I met with Jesse (a local young guy that has been volunteering his services for the last 6 months. One of the nicest guys you could meet) at our meeting spot and we did our daily ritual of walking the 30 mins through Kibera to St Johns. I arrived at school and went to teach my favourite class Standard 5 Mathematics...the students have really made some progress over the last couple of weeks and I can tell they really appreciate me teaching them. We then did a class of Science (another occasion where I was learning on the job) and then English where we went through our letters. Thanks to Marcia we have organised a school in the States for the students to write too, along with a school in Australia for the Standard 6s. As Ive previously said its so important to spread the 'web' of Kibera and St Johns Primary School. I then told the students that this would be my last day of teaching them and they were like 'no its not Mr Troy you must stay..' I said sorry I have to leave but I promise I will be back to see you all. They all finished their letters, which have now been sent to the US (thanks Marcia)
We then had a whole school assembly before the students went for lunch at the old school building. The Principal made a really nice speech about us and then invited us to make a speech. I just said how fortunate Ive been to teach at St Johns and to thank them for being so accommodating and making this experiences one of the best of my life. I also told them to continue with their studies and wished them all the best with their future endeavours. (Oh yeah, I said they must all support Australia in the World Cup)
Then a few students performed a traditional dance and song for us in front of the whole school.
I got up there to try my luck but not surprisingly I cant shake my 'booty' like those kids can.
It was then I said 'see you later' to St Johns and we went to a lunch at the Oasis Africa office. They put on a fine spread of food and Gladys (Director of OA) made a lovely speech about us and thanked us for assisting for the last few weeks. They also bought us a parting gift, an African wooden sculpture..(they must have heard that I love African artefacts) I thanked them for all their support and said I was very keen to assist with OA in the future . They are a wonderful NGO that are making some real progress in the community and deserve all our support.
That night we had a goodbye dinner at a local Ethopian restuarant, which was OK but nowhere nice as Kenyan food. So that is it, after two months Im leaving the real Africa..
Things I wont miss: -
- mosquitos
-trying to sleep with a mosquito net
-mosquitos flying around you when you are trying to sleep
-people trying to swindle money from you
-constantly bumping my head in matatus
-stepping in the river when I walk to get to the school
-taking malaria tablets..they are partly to blame for me having 2 bouts of food poisioning
-not being able to walk around at night, due to crime..though it didnt really stop me
Things I will miss in no particular order:-
-The Kenyan transportation system..you never know what to expect and the ride is half the adventure
-The Kenyan food and hospitality. I really loved the food in Kenya
-How quickly it is to make friends in Kenya.
-The African markets..they are so much fun and sometimes I just go there for a bit of fun cause the guys there love to have a chat with you.
-All the friends Ive made at St Johns PS, Oasis Africa, Flora Hostel and the Youth Hostel
-The Kenyan sense of humour and easy going nature. Very easy place to me and make wonderful friends. You meet someone once and they will forever remember you.. I had many experiences of this throughout my time
-Everyone thinking I need a taxi
-Random people saying hello to you
-Walking through Kibera hearing 'Mzungu, how are you?'
-My soccer (sorry football) skills improving in the games I played with the kids
-Trying to learn Swahili (I love their language and I think over time it would be easyish to pick up)
-Everyone asking me if Im married and if I have children
-Throwing the young kids up in the air, they would constantly ask me this at the breaks.
-Most of all I will miss the kids from St Johns, they made my very short time special here in Kenya..and it didnt matter what mood I was in- as soon as I walked into the classroom they put me on a high. They are sooo priceless and I wish all of them the best of luck in the future. They all deserve the same opportunities that I have had in my life.
So that is it, Im now off to Egypt for a totally new experience.
Ive had a wonderful experience here in Kibera and I would totally recommend anyone that is coming to Africa to take some time out from their holiday to assist in a school like St Johns. You wont be disappointed and it will leave you with a life changing experience. The time you put in with the students will be paid back a million times over.
I hope everyone is well and post a comment.
Kwaheri (Goodbye)
Troy
Yes the day that I have been dreading for the last few weeks.. saying goodbye to Kibera and the kids from St Johns Primary School.
It was with much sadness that I caught the matatu to Kibera on my last morning. I met with Jesse (a local young guy that has been volunteering his services for the last 6 months. One of the nicest guys you could meet) at our meeting spot and we did our daily ritual of walking the 30 mins through Kibera to St Johns. I arrived at school and went to teach my favourite class Standard 5 Mathematics...the students have really made some progress over the last couple of weeks and I can tell they really appreciate me teaching them. We then did a class of Science (another occasion where I was learning on the job) and then English where we went through our letters. Thanks to Marcia we have organised a school in the States for the students to write too, along with a school in Australia for the Standard 6s. As Ive previously said its so important to spread the 'web' of Kibera and St Johns Primary School. I then told the students that this would be my last day of teaching them and they were like 'no its not Mr Troy you must stay..' I said sorry I have to leave but I promise I will be back to see you all. They all finished their letters, which have now been sent to the US (thanks Marcia)
We then had a whole school assembly before the students went for lunch at the old school building. The Principal made a really nice speech about us and then invited us to make a speech. I just said how fortunate Ive been to teach at St Johns and to thank them for being so accommodating and making this experiences one of the best of my life. I also told them to continue with their studies and wished them all the best with their future endeavours. (Oh yeah, I said they must all support Australia in the World Cup)
Then a few students performed a traditional dance and song for us in front of the whole school.
I got up there to try my luck but not surprisingly I cant shake my 'booty' like those kids can.
It was then I said 'see you later' to St Johns and we went to a lunch at the Oasis Africa office. They put on a fine spread of food and Gladys (Director of OA) made a lovely speech about us and thanked us for assisting for the last few weeks. They also bought us a parting gift, an African wooden sculpture..(they must have heard that I love African artefacts) I thanked them for all their support and said I was very keen to assist with OA in the future . They are a wonderful NGO that are making some real progress in the community and deserve all our support.
That night we had a goodbye dinner at a local Ethopian restuarant, which was OK but nowhere nice as Kenyan food. So that is it, after two months Im leaving the real Africa..
Things I wont miss: -
- mosquitos
-trying to sleep with a mosquito net
-mosquitos flying around you when you are trying to sleep
-people trying to swindle money from you
-constantly bumping my head in matatus
-stepping in the river when I walk to get to the school
-taking malaria tablets..they are partly to blame for me having 2 bouts of food poisioning
-not being able to walk around at night, due to crime..though it didnt really stop me
Things I will miss in no particular order:-
-The Kenyan transportation system..you never know what to expect and the ride is half the adventure
-The Kenyan food and hospitality. I really loved the food in Kenya
-How quickly it is to make friends in Kenya.
-The African markets..they are so much fun and sometimes I just go there for a bit of fun cause the guys there love to have a chat with you.
-All the friends Ive made at St Johns PS, Oasis Africa, Flora Hostel and the Youth Hostel
-The Kenyan sense of humour and easy going nature. Very easy place to me and make wonderful friends. You meet someone once and they will forever remember you.. I had many experiences of this throughout my time
-Everyone thinking I need a taxi
-Random people saying hello to you
-Walking through Kibera hearing 'Mzungu, how are you?'
-My soccer (sorry football) skills improving in the games I played with the kids
-Trying to learn Swahili (I love their language and I think over time it would be easyish to pick up)
-Everyone asking me if Im married and if I have children
-Throwing the young kids up in the air, they would constantly ask me this at the breaks.
-Most of all I will miss the kids from St Johns, they made my very short time special here in Kenya..and it didnt matter what mood I was in- as soon as I walked into the classroom they put me on a high. They are sooo priceless and I wish all of them the best of luck in the future. They all deserve the same opportunities that I have had in my life.
So that is it, Im now off to Egypt for a totally new experience.
Ive had a wonderful experience here in Kibera and I would totally recommend anyone that is coming to Africa to take some time out from their holiday to assist in a school like St Johns. You wont be disappointed and it will leave you with a life changing experience. The time you put in with the students will be paid back a million times over.
I hope everyone is well and post a comment.
Kwaheri (Goodbye)
Troy
posted by Troy Aitken | 12:37 PM
6 Comments:
Hey Hey
I just found your web page and have been reading it for half an hour, haven't got through everything but hopefully will try. My god troy what an experience I wasn't aware exactly of your plans but what your doing sounds awsome.
My email address is hannah.sharrock@mh.org.au I would love to stay in touch and I can give you becca's information so when you reach london theres someone else you'll know.
I still can't believe the awsome things your doing I'm almost in tears back here. Good luck with your travelling, Han
awe. you are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO going back! But, next time, may I PLEASE come! I wish that I would have traveled throughout Africa with you instead of going home. Home sucks- especially compared to your adventures and stories! Lets please meet up in New York when you are here!
Love Kate
Gidday Troy!
Your stories from St John's are amazing - I find it incredible that the kids can concentrate at all - all crammed onto the hard wooded benches with no supplies! I am glad you got them some pen pals and know how lucky they were to have you - always ready to respond to the challenge you would have been inspiring with your warm spirit. Keep practicing with the booty - if you can't shake it there is no hope for the rest of us. Your blog has been great - lets hope later down the track it has a sequel! Enjoy Egypt - at least you have had some haggling experience which should serve you well! XX Viv Ellard DIIRD
Hey Troy
I have to say that i haven't had a chance to read your blog over the last few weeks but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your time in Kenya. Like Hannah, I never really knew your intentions along your travels, but I have to say, that it is amazing and inspirational that you have chosen to help these kids out. I nearly cried when the kids said "no Mr Troy you can't leave." How cute. They are lucky to have had you lighten their lives, even for a short time. I hope you find your trip in Egypt just as exiting and rewarding. Speak to you soon. Saidy xx
Hey Troy
I have to say that i haven't had a chance to read your blog over the last few weeks but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your time in Kenya. Like Hannah, I never really knew your intentions along your travels, but I have to say, that it is amazing and inspirational that you have chosen to help these kids out. I nearly cried when the kids said "no Mr Troy you can't leave." How cute. They are lucky to have had you lighten their lives, even for a short time. I hope you find your trip in Egypt just as exiting and rewarding. Speak to you soon. Saidy xx
Troy you really should write a book on all this, what an experience... Memoirs of a booty shakin' Aussie!
Miss you
xxxxx
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