We Are Into the Thick of it Now!

We are into the thick of it now! 

Because Faraj, our friend, Kenyan Tumaini member and awesome driver, was running a safari, our substitute driver, Edward, was faced with the daunting task of negotiating the road to the Compass School gate. We jolted along through half-metre deep ruts and around unlevelled water main covers; we held our breath thinking for sure the van would roll as Edward maneuvered around obstacles by climbing the hillside. Those “oh sh*t handles” definitely got a workout, but we managed to protect our heads, only to smash them as we stepped though the low gate entrance. 

With the sense knocked out of us, we started our school day. While Micheline and Sheree set off with Head Teacher Brian to the madness of Nairobi’s school supplies district (yes, an entire district) to purchase curriculum guides, storybooks and classroom sundries, Gabi and Linda remained at the school to introduce the new sewing room to the students and some very interested parents. They had great fun learning how to work the treadle machines smoothly and loved creating designs with threadless stitching. The kids quickly mastered sewing on buttons and were able to teach the new skill to their friends. One young man returned to the room with his little brother’s buttonless shirt and sewed on every button ! Linda and Gabi were exhausted but exhilarated. 

Wednesday dawned too early. After a breakfast of chicken gizzards with tomato and onion, samosas, and watermelon, we were off to Compass for a busy half day. While Gabi and Linda instructed the grades five and six girls about menstruation, femine hygiene and how to use Superior Shields, Sheree and teacher Peter kept the boys busy selecting their new underwear (boxers were a hit) then talking about the differences between Canada and Kenya. Of course, the students’ enthusiasm was fuelled by the delicious maple sugar candy handed out by Micheline who visited each class to talk about maple sugar production. Big thanks to Jessica Monk who supplied the treats from Mountain Maple on St. Joe’s Island. 

In the afternoon, we reconnected with the Board and had a very informative meeting where we discussed current school needs and plans for the future. We’re looking forward to celebrating the move to the new site with the Board, students, and teachers next week. 

Tomorrow will be a full day at Compass 😄