Introduction to Uhuru Primary School, Buruburu on Wed 12th June 2013

Together, we can make a difference 

I looked forward to this introduction to Uhuru Primary School. This was no ordinary school visit for me because I knew that Uhuru Primary would most probably be the school where I would end up serving as a TA.

At Uhuru Primary:

After meeting up with the other members of the PACE team in town, we travelled to the school. I must admit that I was somewhat anxious about the experience we (I) would have – what would be the students’ reception and attitude towards the whole thing? To make matters worse, there was a unanimous vote (which is very common with the PACE team, haha) to have me lead the visiting team in the classroom activity.

In class:

The students were more disciplined than the teacher, MR Luso, gave them credit for. The whole class was attentive and very cooperative. We did not struggle to get answers for our questions or questions from our lesson. I was surprised by how fast the forty minutes flew. Had the bell not rang; we would have extended our session up to lunch time.

Lesson learnt:

Well, this is more of a reminder: Fears are overcome by confronting them, rather than by avoiding them.

I look forward to being back at Uhuru primary, to stay. I thank God.

After Uhuru Primary:

The visit to Strong Bright Preparatory school was a good one too. I was challenged to rethink; how far out of my comfort zone I am willing to go for the sake of others.

As we left this school, a couple of ideas were raised on how PACE can contribute to the school’s welfare.

Why did I volunteer with PACE? (Olivia's story)

My interest in volunteering with PACE is based on a real life experience. I once schooled in a public school in my area. We were so many students in a class(about sixty or so) and the teachers were not able to give us the attention we required. Some teachers would not attend school, probably because they felt overworked or they were not in school and so we would go a week without learning.
My parents managed to transfer me to a private school, but about the other fifty plus students...what happened to them? Everyday I ask myself what value I have added to society and if life is worth living without bringing joy to another soul. Today, education is very important: to live a good life, one has to be educated.
Every child in Kenya should acquire quality education. Sometimes, this does not happen. Some are more disadvantaged than others. I believe that by offering voluntary services, I will make a big difference in a child's life. This will give him/her the hope and courage to face whatever is ahead of him in life without feeling less of a person than someone else. This is why I'm interested in participating in the PACE Volunteer Program.- Olivia, Volunteer( Season 1)