Why our school will be different when we reopen

I had a great time with Bensouda, during which we also discussed the many changes expected when schools re-open.

Photo credit: J Nyagah | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • So when Prof Magoha announced that we start planning for reopening, I knew it was my time to ensure that Mwisho wa Lami was ahead of other schools.
  • I had a great time with Bensouda, during which we also discussed the many changes expected when schools re-open.

Long before Prof Magoha ordered teachers to report back to work by tomorrow to start preparing for reopening, our school had already embarked on that exercise.

 It all started with ants. The useless insects that brought to an end the good time I was enjoying with Bensouda, sorry, SK, when they caused things to fall apart, forcing Bensouda to leave. She left me high and dry.

After the incident, we moved with speed to clear the mess that the ants had caused. At first it looked like everything had been destroyed but on closer observation, we realised that the damage was not severe.

A majority of the books and documents were still intact, having only been eaten on the edges. A few chairs in offices had been rendered useless, but a majority of desks were still in usable condition. In any case, isn’t the government buying new desks for all schools? I took home all the rejected furniture, and that is what we have been using as firewood. Fiolina is so elated that I went to school that Friday

So when Prof Magoha announced that we start planning for reopening, I knew it was my time to ensure that Mwisho wa Lami was ahead of other schools. I immediately went to school to ensure everything was in order. I sold the overgrown grass to Lutta, who keeps dairy cows, before anyone could start asking stupid questions.

Mandatory staff meeting

 I started talking to teachers, gauging their level of preparedness. I asked them to report earlier and invited them for a mandatory staff meeting on Friday, September 25.

I was readying for a fight until Bensouda wrote to me on Wednesday asking that we meet on Friday.

“How did you read my mind dear,” I responded. “I have arranged for a staff meeting on Friday.”

“Thanks, but I am not stepping in that insect- infested school of yours, never ever,” she responded. “I can still feel them walking on my body.”

We agreed to meet at Teachers Tavern, and I was there by 11am on Friday, having cancelled the staff meeting. As I waited for her, I ordered Stony Madiaba and Ugali Mlima. I waited and waited, and was on my third bottle when Bensouda said she would not make it.

“Can I please come to your house?” I asked. Apparently, a relative had visited her and he would only leave upon my arrival. I was at her place in less than 20 minutes. As expected, the visitor felt uncomfortable and left as soon as I arrived; especially after I removed socks like I was in my house.

I had a great time with Bensouda, during which we also discussed the many changes expected when schools re-open. Among others, we discussed the following:

Pregnancies: I know of three schoolgirls who are pregnant. One of them is just about to deliver. We argued if we should allow them back. I had brought the same matter on the staffroom WhatsApp group,  and some teachers led by Lena  vehemently opposed the idea.

I convinced Bensouda that we should not only allow the expectant girls to report back, but also fully support them. Bensouda asked me what kind of support I had in mind, and that’s when I realised I had no proposal. “And you are just talking about the students, do you know Nzomo is pregnant?” She asked.

Wacha Nzomo, even Mrs Atika is pregnant. She said that was the longest time she has ever stayed with her husband, and that the pregnancy was totally unplanned for,” I said.

Awache uwongo, she said the same thing when she conceived her current last born,” Bensouda said.

“No wonder she has always referred to the boy as acting last born,” I remarked.

Giving instructions

Marriage: “There are two girls who got married, with one, a candidate, having travelled to Nakuru to be with the man.” “Let’s trace as many as we can,” said Bensouda, “We are under instructions to ensure that everybody reports back. She went on: “My problem is not with the girls who got married, they can be managed, my issue is with the boys who got married”

“Imagine giving instructions to someone who is now used to giving instructions at home,” she said. “I can’t see them adjusting, and I doubt many of them will return to school”. I agreed with her.

Boda bodas – Quite a lot of school boys had taken up the boda boda business. “We can convince someone who is married to come to school, but can you change someone’s mentality from earning to learning? “Even if they return, they will be a bad influence to others,” said Bensouda.

“Have you ever tried reasoning with a rider?” She asked. There was one who had taken most of my customers from Nyayo, and I was keen to have him come back to school.

Masks: Bensouda said the ministry had proposed that all students should wear masks. I laughed loudly for such a proposal must have come from someone in Nairobi offices, who doesn’t know that masks are a fashion statement — they are not worn outside the city.

I left Bensouda’s place late. Very late. And immediately started thinking about how we will survive without two teachers — Mrs Atika and Nzomo, who clearly indicated to me that the next time I will see them in school will be in May, 2021. And Sapphire, who I am sure will not be seen in school until next year!