Education
Thursday, September 01, 2011A Little Girl’s Education in Mathare
by Rose Kavuli, Dignitas ProjectShare this article:
(Editor's note: This post originally appeared on the website of the Dignitas Project, a group that is dedicated to training teachers in Mathare, Kenya.)“Education is the key to success.”
This is a quote that has been repeated in many parts of the world. But could this be true when uttered to a child in Mathare who sees not even a glimpse of light from the life ahead? These words contributed in making my education a channel of hope through which I looked to help my family.
I recall my first day of joining primary school as if it were two days ago. This is because of the joint efforts of the community members and my mum prepared me to face the school life with a positive mind. There was a constant urgency and belief that school was the only way one could make a way out of poverty.
I went to school in Mathare in Kenya, and just like children anywhere, school life was normal. Despite challenges like lack of teacher teaching and learning aids in school, and poor sanitation and poverty that surrounded the school’s vicinity, there was assurance of a great future for those who put effort into their education. Dedicated teachers and a few community members who supported education by offering extra tuition classes and coaching programs in areas of talent after school motivated me throughout my journey. I was in the drama club of my school and we did dances that allowed us to travel and meet students from other parts of the country who came from more privileged backgrounds. This acted as the first point of exposure to differences as we exchanged ideas on the school environment and compared so many things.
For the little girl from Mathare who was probably the most talkative in my class then, it was difficult at times to start conversations but I had to do it to maintain my promise to myself to not be shaken as far as interactions were concerned. For the rest of my schoolmates who were not involved in activities of any kind, it was difficult for them to interact with visitors who visited our school or with other students when there were interschool competitions. This clearly highlights what exposure can contribute to someone’s life even from the early years. The biggest issue I have noted about education in Mathare is a lack of exposure to different ideas. I believe I was fortunate to have attended a government school and had an opportunity to be taught by trained and exposed teachers.
For a child struggling at home and who viewed school as the only place she could strive to be whatever she wanted, did the teachers really add value? Whether trained or not, a teacher can really contribute in the development of a student. There were a few teachers that helped me discover my talents. They were my role models. Their encouragement and affirmation combined to make my school a second home where i was confident that we would all reap whatever we were planting. In every life, there is a life coach who stands out and has a meaningful impact. My life coaches are mostly teachers and community members who made a difference in my life.
Why do I keep talking about community members who made education possible for me, the young girl? The community plays a big part in either shaping a person or contributing to their fall. The community will back the tireless efforts of a teacher who has already started yielding the fruits of education. When a child learns discipline and skills in school, the community comes to believe in the child and begins to set expectations and provide moral support in his or her development. The community acts as the reinforcement of what teachers deliver at the school level.
Having been schooled in and grown up in Mathare, I give credit to the teachers and the community members who are committed to making a difference in the education of children. This little girl is now working towards facilitating a change in the education of Mathare children and aiding dignity for the marginalized in her own community today.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Born and raised in Mathare, Rose Kavuli has a deep passion for facilitating positive change in her own community. In her position as the program assistant, Rose supports implementation and field activities with school partners. Her goal is to impart and influence all spheres within her reach and contribute in the restoration of dignity in poor communities.
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