We made our way to Kieiya Primary School in Kangeta, a fairly isolated village, accompanied by Mary Thamari and her friend Candy, who works for Plan International. Because the school is government funded, they are paid two to three times what the teachers at Compass School are paid.
Our arrival at the school reminded me of the images of the Beatles landing in New York for the first time. The six hundred children gave new meaning to the word “welcome.”
Our visit had two purposes. The first was to distribute 90 goats. A word of explanation may be helpful. Tumaini’s friends have been generously contributing funds for the purpose of purchasing goats and distributing them to girls in areas where girls and young women are most vulnerable. The goats are intended to be breeding stock so that in years to come, when the girls are ready to continue their education, they have some resources which can defray their expenses.
The distribution of the goats brings to mind words like joyful, chaotic, emotional, and certainly memorable. The smiles on the girls’ faces, and those of their parents or guardians will remain with us. An added blessing was the opportunity to speak with the girl’s parents.
The Feminine Hygiene Kits also received a very warm welcome. Mariella, Linda and Judith focussed their teaching with a small group composed of three teachers and six students. These teachers and students will go forward as ”mwinda”, instructing other teachers and students on our behalf. The girls handled the various items in the kits and easily put everything together. The teachers gratefully accepted the kits for their own use. The teachers told us what a difference this will make for the girls. No longer will they miss school days each month. 150 kits were left at the school; the lives of 150 girls and women will change with this practical gift.
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