Angaza 2010

Editorial

It was just the other day when we were talking about the Millennium project for children in Msambweni. Ten years down the line we have this wonderful KAG SCHOOL.

As we put this magazine together, I have had a lot of time to reflect on the journey we have taken to bring us the far we have come, and set my eyes on the future where we are heading.

We have a lot to be grateful for. Many thanks to the UK team that has walked with us every step of the way, raising funds to build one classroom after another. It has been a faith project whereby we believed there will always be a new class when the need arose. Two years of completing the kindergarten block and eight years for class 1-8. In addition, we have an almost complete administration block and a community library in the offing. Surely, we feel Blessed beyond measure!

The achievements of this year include the acquisition of a 29 seater school bus.

Socially, we made a very successful retreat for our teachers at Milele Beach Hotel in Mombasa.

In the 2009 examination results our school made us proud. We emerged best in Msambweni Zone. Congratulations to the class of 2009.

We are looking forward to a great performance from the 2010 Standard 8 kids.

In this issue of ANGAZA, you will be reading more from our sponsors both old and new. We shall also be reading from Jim and Rosemary about the registration of Emley Africa School Project as a Charitable organization in the UK. That is a huge milestone achieved. We also hope that you will enjoy reading contributions from our teachers and pupils. Hats off to all the sponsors who have tirelessly continued to sponsor children at the KAG School. God bless you.

On that note, we would like to solemnly salute Shelley Wild. Thank you so much for what you did for the KAG school. It is a shame that death robbed you the chance to visit the school. We love you and shall always remember you. Rest in peace dear one.

It is our hope that you will enjoy reading the newsletter and that your help has made a difference. May you have happy holidays and a great 2011.

KAG School Board of Management

• Chairman: Joseph Gathonga
• Manager: Rev. Mohamed Jerumani
• Coordinator International links: James G. Kairo
• Treasurer: Caroline Wanjiru

School Administration

• Headmaster: Harrison Kamere
• Accountant: Alphose Okumu
• Curriculum Heads: Mr. Patrick Mukunga and M/s Rose Nderitu
• Student’s Councilor: Christopher Michael; Christine Mogaka
• Games Patrons: Mr. Muli and M/s Elizabeth Katuthi

Message from the Headteacher

Harrison Kamere, Headmaster, KAG-School

Welcome to the 7th edition of our Newsletter. As we mark 10 years since we first opened the doors of this great school. We have never looked back. Our vision is to be the source of light to the people of Msambweni and the entire Nation through the provision of quality education to the young generation. The motto of KAG School “Rise and Shine“has been an important guiding factor in the struggles towards the achievement of our goal.

Our intention is to produce an all-round citizen who is brilliant in whatever he/she does, is of good character and has integrity . Our mission which is to provide education that develops individuals academically, culturally and physically, guides us in this. With education one accesses the key to unlock the doors to a bright future.

At KAG School, pupils lives are transformed to make them better leaders tomorrow, this is demonstrated by the pupil’s high degree of discipline. Thanks to our teaching staff and the parents who have joined hands to make this a school of choice. Our teachers strive hard to bring out the best in these children. Our nursery teachers have been wonderful in trying to mother 112 children 8 hours a day, 5 days a week 9 months a year. Congratulations at your achievement!

We once again extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their continued support to our school. It’s encouraging to note that we have a total of 77 pupils who are under sponsorship. I sincerely thank Jim and Rosemary’s together with the entire Emley Team in UK for working so hard to support KAG School. May God grant you all long and healthy lives. Do not grow weary of doing good, for in due time, you will be rewarded.

Our sincere gratitude goes also to our parents, school board members, our teaching staff and pupils who are all working towards this vision of the school. Above all, we thank God for his great care and love for KAG School.

LONG LIVE KAG SCHOOL!

Visitors Book

• July-August 2010: As always, KAG School hosted the 2010 Earth watch volunteers into the school. The group planted commemorative trees.
• September 2010: Hosted M/s Zelda Bentham of Aviva PLC (UK). Zelda was in Kenya to familiarize with the conservation projects funded by AVIVA including the Gazi mangrove project.
• November 2010. The school hosted the following members of Emley African Educational Project, UK. Jim & Rosemary Donnan, and Ian Rayner. The team brought stationery, bought text books and donated Mosquito nets from the Rotary club.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Michael and Christine

Guidance and counseling

In this department, we not only emphasis on academic excellence but also instill moral values, life skills, virtues of honesty, integrity and commitment to studies as a way of building up a holistic student. Other topics includes;

• Placing God first in all our studies
• HIV/AIDS
• Adolescent health
• Sexual abuses
• abusive language
• discipline
• other contemporary issues

Bits and pieces

JOKES

TEACHER: How do men go to the moon?

PUPILS: By car

TEACHER: Why do you think so?

PUPIL: Because it has no speed governor

TONGUE TWISTERS

• She sells sea shells at the sea shore
• Mr Tai can tie a tie and untie a tie, if Mr Tai can tie a tie and untie why can’t I tie a tie and untie a tie?
• Barlie Baker bought a bale of barley. Didn’t Barlie Baker buy a bale of barley?. If Barlie Baker bought a bale of barley? Where is the bale of barley, Barlie Baker bought?

GUIDEPOST

"Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can."

- John Wesley.

Do have a beautiful Christmas and many happy returns in 2011

The Origin of Kenyan tribes

Different tribes in Kenya have their descent stories. The Maasai came from the sky and all cows belong to them. Here’s one about the Agikuyu, the largest tribe in Kenya

The Descent of the Agikuyu

The Agikuyu make up the largest tribe in Kenya.The Agikuyu tribal organization is based on three governing principles. The first one is the family (Mbari or Nyumba). This brings harmony to those who are related by blood. The second one is the clan or Muherega and the third is known as Riika, which mostly unites those initiated at the same time. The Agikuyu believe that their founder Gikuyu was called the Mogai (The divider of the universe) and given his portion around Kiri-nyaga mountain (current Mt Kenya – (below). He was told by Mogai that whenever he was in need, he should sacrifice and raise his hands towards the mountain and Mogai would help him.

Mt Kenya

He did as he commanded and was provided with a beautiful wife whom Gikuyu named Mumbi. Both lived happily and had nine daughters with no son. Gikuyu was very disturbed for not having a male heir. He called Mogai and asked for help. He was then told to make a sacrifice at the fig tree and he would be provided with nine young men who would marry his daughters under no condition. He did so and Mogai responded as he had promised.

Gikuyu discussed with men on the issue of marriage. The men said they would marry his daughters under any condition. They all agreed that Gikuyu’s daughters were to be the heads of their families. The men respected their wives very much for they were to make decisions on family issues. Gikuyu and Mumbi died and the small families lived happily as clans. These clans were named after the Gikuyu’s daughters (see plate):

Traditional Gikuyu Girls

Wachera, Wanjiku, Wairimu, Wambui, Wangari, Wanjiru, Wangui, Warigia, Waithera and these are still the common women names of the Agikuyu.

After a long time the Agikuyu men became increasingly uncomfortable with women leadership so they made plans on how to get powers as the heads of the families. They realized that to take over power, they had to wait until the women were at their weakest, i.e. when they were pregnant. They planned to make their wives pregnant around the same time, especially the leaders.

So, a time came when almost all the Agikuyu women were pregnant. They were severely beaten but would not hand over power. After a long fight they gave in and handed the power to the men for they were about to give birth and men were to serve them. Men became the heads of their families. Up to date the Agikuyu men head their families and women are under them.

Research shows that people who help others tend to live longer

(Stephen Post, 2007 Why Good things happen to Good people)

In Praise of KAG School

Ms Amidah Nassir, Teacher, KAG

KAG is the name of my school

A school of excellence and integrity

Where devoted men and women of God

With a calling from heaven assemble

For moral, psychological and physical knowledge fit for education

Outwardly you look, judge and criticize us

But the ancient men uttered do not judge a book by its cover.

Step in and meet organized men and women

As sober as judges and as busy as bees

Administrators, teachers, pupils and non teaching staff. None of the parties is dispensable.

Close together they move on as a team

No one gets left behind

They are full of innovation and commitment

Well equipped with skills for every good work

KAG like a microscope, magnifies each joy, hope and vision.

An institution of real performance, striving for excellence.

Our empowering motto states Rise and shine!

A simple mission and in harmony with education

A river of wisdom and knowledge, the School is.

Its teachers are the question papers, the syllabus,

Textbooks and remedy for wrongs and ills.

With no racial, tribal or religious segregation.

But empowered with gender equity, social fairness and information sharing

Go KAG go!

KG3 graduation, Class of 2010

Non-dairy milk products

Some people react to animal milk products and cannot afford the non animal milk found in the shops. Here is a recipe of getting Soya milk.

How to make soy milk

Ingredients

2 cups soya beans and water

Method

• soak the beans overnight.
• drain the water and grid till tender.
• for every cup of ground soya add four cups of water
• mix well and cook under low fire for 30 minutes.
• drain the mixture.
• the milk is now ready

FROM OUR SPONSORS

Changing a child’s life at KAG

Lisa Mills

My name is Lisa Mills and I was lucky to be chosen to participate in the 2010 Earthwatch Expedition. When I found out that my project was in Gazi village in Kenya, I was initially a little hesitant, as I had never travelled to Africa before. Well how that changed! I have never felt more welcome than in Gazi. From children yelling Jambo!,Jambo!, Jambo! – I felt at home straight away. My team and I had an amazing 11 days together. We planted mangrove seedlings in areas that had suffered from deforestation and forest degradation; as well as taking measurement of plant growth in old plantations. One of the highlights of the trip was the soccer match against the local Gazi team. The field had a road running through the edge of it and tree stumps in the middle of it. However we soon learnt to keep an eye out for these things whilst we played a hard and fast game of soccer. The skills of the local children – playing without shoes yet still fast and agile was amazing. The match ended up a draw which was a great result (and kept both sides happy!).

The other highlight of our trip was visiting the KAG school. We were introduced to each of the classes and were pleasantly surprised at how polite and attentive each class was. We planted some trees with the children of Gazi. The part of the visit that I will never forget was the performances put on by the KAG Children. We were treated to some songs and poems recited by the students. The singing was amazing – most of the Earthwatch team had tears in their eyes after each performance. The students had such beautiful voices, it was hard to believe that they came from students so young.

Since returning home, I have felt deeply affected by my trip to Kenya and I wanted to keep a link with the amazing people I met. My family has decided that the best way to keep a link is to support a student through primary school. My son starts Primary School in Australia in 2011, so it will be lovely for our family to have two students in the family in 2011! We are very much looking forward to writing to our student and hearing how their experience in school is going. Who knows, maybe one day we will return to Kenya and we can meet in person.

In the footsteps of my parents……

By Penny Yates, UK.

Firstly, it seems appropriate to introduce our family: Mike and I have been married for twelve years; we are both music teachers and we live in Barnsley, South Yorkshire with our two children, Isabelle, aged 7 and Felix, aged 4. We feel very privileged to be part of a secure family, in good health and living in comfortable surroundings and we want to teach our children that not everyone is so fortunate. My parents, Mike and Dilys Williams, have visited Kenya on several occasions and are heavily involved in the fundraising events which contribute towards the KAG School and the village of Msambweni. We have always enjoyed following the progress of the school, reading the newsletters and finding out about the new opportunities for the students there.

Since January 2008, our daughter Isabelle has been at school full time. She is lucky to go to a good school, linked to a local church. It is a small school, with 150 students aged 4 – 11 and it has a family feel, where all the students know each other and support each other in their education and play.

Now she is really pleased that she has a “pen-pal” in Kenya. We sponsor Elizabeth Mutua, who is 8 years old, almost exactly one year older than Isabelle. We felt that it would be wonderful for Isabelle as she gets older to be able to write to Elizabeth and share their experiences and learning. In fact, already at this young age, they have begun to exchange letters and drawings. Elizabeth is clearly being taught very well at school and must be working hard, as her English is very good and she has a very neat writing.

We have much in common with Elizabeth’s family: her mother is also a teacher with a young family to support so, although we know we are so much more fortunate in terms of economic circumstances, we share many concerns and aspirations. We hope that we can make a difference to Elizabeth’s family and life by supporting Elizabeth in her education.

Isabelle’s head teacher, Mr Harrison, has shown a keen interest in the work of the Emley African Educational Project, originally through my Dad doing voluntary work at the school. Since January 2009, the school has sponsored two pupils at KAG school and funds have kindly been donated from various events. In exchange Mike and Rosemary have given presentations in school and tried to give the children of St. Helen’s School a better insight into life in Kenya.

We have seen many photographs and film clips from the Kenya trips but, one day, we hope to visit KAG School and the local people, like my parents do, so that we can fully appreciate the Emley project and the range of achievements in the village of Msambweni.

If you want to help a child at the KAG School….

• Sschool fee per child per year is approximately US$ 300 (equivalent to £150 or €200). This money is enough to buy lunch, stationery, and school books for one year.
• You can also give a one of donation inform of desks (1 desk will cost £30).
• Sponsors are encouraged to send their support through Mrs. Rosemary Donnan, 15 Tyburn Lane Emley, Huddersfield, HD 8 9SR ENGLAND. Or directly to the school account using the address below:-

KAG Nursery & Building Project

Kenya Commercial Bank (LTD) *

A/C No.: 094 113 121 558

Swift code: KCBLKENX

*for a follow-up please let us know when you send donation directly into the school account

Charity registered at last!

Jim and Rosemary, UK

It is with some sadness I write this year’s message from the sponsors in the UK. In October, Shelley Wild, a dear friend and supporter of KAG and sponsor to Fatuma Bakari, died. Shelley will be very much missed by us all and leaves behind husband Malcolm and sons William and Tom. Shelley was always seen helping in the kitchen at the African Fayre in St. Michaels Church.

I cannot believe that it was only last November, before we came to Kenya, that Shelley came to our house and said that unfortunately her dream to come to Kenya would no longer be a reality. Her cancer had returned. She gave me money for her sponsored family and made me promise to remind Malcolm each year to continue paying for the education of Fatuma.

She was always very generous in time and money and we all know that now she is with the God she always kept close to her foster daughter

Last November on our visit to Kenya we started a sewing group and bought 2 sewing machines and some knitting needles. I am happy to learn this group is continuing to meet. We also spent nearly a week teaching malaria prevention in school and with the help of the male teachers we fixed mosquito nets in the homes of sponsored children. This was a great success and we hope to repeat this when we come in November 2010 and to target the under 5’s as they are most at risk of death from malaria.

This year we have all been busy as the charity has grown. At the end of last year we had meetings with a small group of us in order to register as an official charity. This was a requirement by British law and involved a lot of complicated paper work. The advantage to us is that if people who sponsor pay tax, we can now claim this back from the tax office. We now are registered as Emley African Educational Project.

Last January we had the dilemma that several sponsored children had graduated to secondary education, and that costs so much more than Primary education (between £230 and £ 260 if a place was given locally). We had never envisaged carrying on beyond Primary because of the expense and difficulties in monitoring. Several sponsors, however, decided to continue, and so we agreed to cap the sponsorship at £200 and find the rest from fundraising and tax rebate. This was to be done on condition that the children write a letter at the end of each year to their sponsor, and give report of their progress in school over the previous 12 months. Failing this, the sponsorship would cease. There is, however, no obligation on the sponsor to continue into secondary education as this is expensive.

Recently, we decided that it would be a good idea to have a web site to provide information on the school, and the projects in Kenya that we are involved in. We are very grateful to Mike Gill and Jonathan Siddall (from Jim’s Rotary club) for working so hard to set this up.

Mike and Lisette Gill have kindly offered to monitor and update the site and deal with any enquiries that may result. In the future this will have information on fundraising events, projects in which we are involved, sponsorship, newsletters, buying of desks, and general information with photographs. The web site can be found on http://www.emleyafricanschools.co.uk.This is in its early days but hopefully will develop as next year progresses.

I leave you with our best wishes for the New Year.

Children’s Corner

Fiction

HEAVY RAINS

Paul Karanja, Std 8.

Birds were all over the trees and the trees swung by cyclone. Nimbus clouds gathered in the sky and it was dark. Everybody in my family was looking for their warm clothes and raincoats. My mother was as busy as a bee setting water containers and tanks in order to harvest the rain water.

Suddenly there were some few heavy drops followed by lightning and thunder. The noise produced could awake the dead that evening. At last heavy rainfall dropped. We enjoyed the soothing sound of rain drops falling on our iron sheet roof.

It was so cold that when my mother got back into the house after fetching water, she was shivering and shaking. We gathered firewood for her as the rain continued pouring. After she got warm, she told started giving us stories of El nino rain in the late 90s. As I was listening to the story, I heard a knock at the door. I was surprised and wondered who could dare get out at that time.

I slowly went to open the door. At the door I was shocked to find a young boy of seven years outside. His clothes were wet and he was shivering and shaking like a chameleon on a feeble twig. He asked whether he could come in. I could not dare to let him in because he was wet and muddy, moreover I did not want to annoy my mother. I asked my mother to allow the boy in, she accepted. When the boy entered in the house he sat near the fire and my mother started questioning him. He said that his name was Paul. He was asked where he came from, what he said made me recall my brother who had been tricked by strangers with sweets and was taken away from our home. We had never seen him again. His name was and I became curious.

I was listened to his story keenly, hoping he would mention us in his story. He said that when he was young, two strangers in a nice car came to his home his mother was away and he was only left with his brother. The strangers wanted to get a way out of the village. They promised to give some sweets to share with my brother. Since I liked sweets I agreed with them. I got into their car and they drove away. On the way things changed and they refused to keep the promise. They drove me far away and since that day I have never been with my family and remained homeless.

What he said was similar to what happened to my brother, my mother smiled broadly because she was sure that this was her lost son. While I was deep in thoughts my mum shouted, “You are my son ,you are a member of this family!”. She rushed into her room and brought an album that contained his photograph’s then he saw himself in the snap he was very happy and jumped up and down hugging my mother and I could not believe it, I was as happy as a lark.

THANK AND APPRECIATE OTHERS

Mwadiswa

Our parents, brothers, sisters, teachers and friends do many things for us. They take us to school, buy food and clothes as well as teach us how to behave They do this because they love us and they want us to grow up responsibly.

However, some of us do not appreciate their efforts. We refuse to listen to their advice and we become rude to them.

It is good to be thankful when you are assisted by others. This shows that you care and value them. It also makes them be willing to help us in future. One way of saying thank you especially to our parents and other adults, is by being obedient. Parents are proud of their obedient children. We should also appreciate our friends by being kind to them and thank them always

LEARNING

Mugambi

It is not how much you know that matters, but what you do with the much that you know. In Africa, the roots of education can be traced back to ancient Egypt but still, very few Africans are learned. Learning is positive change of behavior after knowing and not just academic excellence through reading several books.

Education stands on three pillars namely, parents, teachers and the child. The three have to work together so as for us to conclude that learning has actually taken place. Our system of education lays a lot of emphasis on examination more than practical skills. Parents however have forgotten their basic role of parenting and teaching. They do not feel guilty when taking children as young as two years old to school, freeing them up to do other things. The teacher automatically becomes a teacher and parent.

Family setting should be the modeling workshop where the children should be taught faithfulness, integrity, accountability and fidelity. Corruption and lack of integrity has been the order of the day in 21st century because of the poor parenting. Parents are too busy and often bribe their children in the name of presents before they perform even simple tasks, that are supposed to prepare them for the future. Parents should teach key values such as sex, drugs abuse prevention, responsible media usage, financial management among others.

The community reflects the setting in which one was brought up. As I work with the pupils, I realize more and more that parenting has been left to teachers and media. Parents no longer have time to talk to their children. Teachers have always been blamed for moral decay but we are all guilty. You might be very busy, but spend time with your children.

Human beings have strengths and weaknesses. Guide your child on how to maximize their strength and how to overcome their weaknesses. Make realistic goals for your children that are achievable within the specified period of time. Too much expectation leads to frustration.

Children learn obedience from parents. Be a role model; be ready to learn from your children since learning ceases when you die. Your children are leaders in the family only that each and every member of the family has his/her role to play.

In conclusion it is important to give your child warm, affection and encouragement. Boost your child’s self esteem. Encourage them to change the behaviour positively after knowing.

List of KAG School Sponsors

The following persons and organizations are thanked for their continued support of Kenyan children through education

Individual Sponsorships

UK

• Jim and Rosemary Donnan x3
• Beryl Brookes
• Dilys and Michael Williams x2
• Rita Sparrow
• Malcolm Wild
• John Bullimore
• Bill and Pat Sutton
• Mary Roberts
• Algie and Sue Vassis x3
• Mike and Flo Bradley
• Christine Cummings
• Mrs Joan Kershaw
• Gillian and John Emms
• Mike,Penny Isabelle Felix
• Jill and Malcolm Wheeler
• Edgar and Tony Shannon
• Mike and Val Robb
• Mick and Leslie Miller
• John and Judy Blakey
• Rev. Christine Bullimore
• Brian and Pam Westerby
• Jonathan and Julia Watkiss x2
• Jan and Nick Hunter
• Barry Bowden
• Beth Meeds
• Anita Leversidge
• Juliet and Clara
• Mike & Lisette
• Jane Waldron
• Dianne Hughes
• Gill Hague
• Miss Phyllis Jubb x2
• David And Susan Walker
• Brian and Carol x2
• Shirley Jackson x2
• Jim Huggins
• Helen and Aidan Downes x2
• Jenny and Graeme Chalklin
• Annette and Chris Taylor
• Felicity Pape
• John Faulkner
• Anne Wibberly
• Felicity Pape
• Lindsay Hancock
• Wayne and Clare Meehan

Scotland

• Mark and Sarah

Italy

• Paulo Francesco

Belgium

• Fatma and Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
• Nico Koedam

The Netherlands

• Marijke De Boer

USA

• Pete Cypret
• David Grenier
• Dianne Grenier
• Lt. Col and Mrs Nieboer

Canada

• Micheal Enns

Australia

• Lisa Mills

Cooperate sponsorship (UK)

• Rotary Club Horbury and Ossett
• Saint Peters Primary School x2
• The Rotary club of Morley x2
• Whitechapel Church
• St Helens School x 2
• Rainbow Guides

*unless otherwise stated x2 etc, denote the number of children supported by the same sponsor