Project News 2011
Report on Teacher Visit from the Ursuline Secondary School in Cork to St Columba’s Vocational Centre in Kitui Kenya.
Teachers: Paula Goggin; Niamh Murphy; Rena Hennessey
We departed Ireland for Kenya on Friday the 18th February arriving in Nairobi on Saturday 19th of Feb. The purpose of our visit was to deepen the partnership and friendship between the two schools. We wanted to discuss the idea of a joint project that would raise awareness and create a stronger link between the students of both schools. We also wanted to discuss future student visits and how they might be planned. We are very lucky and grateful to be received as guests of Sr. Clare, Sr. Teresia and Sr. Philomena. As such they welcome us into their home and we had the opportunity to spend quality time with them. We share meals together, laugh a lot and had some very interesting conversations. This has led to friendships being formed. We also get to learn about the different cultures – an opportunity of a lifetime!
Sunday 20th: After taking a day to rest we left for Kitui on Sunday morning. The journey took about three hours and took us through some beautiful countryside. We drove over the Yatta plateau. It was exciting to be back in this beautiful country and very exciting for first time visitor, Niamh Murphy. We arrived in Kitui to a wonderful welcome. After hearing the news and exchanging gifts we had an early night to prepare for our week ahead.
Monday 21st: We met with the second years and talked about creating student profiles. These students had fond memories of the student visit and wanted to know all about the Irish girls. We had brought a photo album of our school and that proved a big hit.
We met the new First Years some of whom had only been there a week. They were very well settled and very comfortable greeting us. We sat in three groups getting to know the girls and answering their questions.
Sr. Clare (Director) gave us a tour of the school especially the new classrooms which are nearing completion. She told us of plans to have a computer room that would be available for use by the local community and a Food Production Unit. There were signs of development everywhere and great energy around the partnership. The students and staff are very proud that the school is developing and wanted to share this with their partner school. The plans to have four years are underway. This will give the girls a chance at further education and developing ‘uhuru’ – independence.
Two teachers visited the local town of Kitui and one remained in school to offer assistance with formulating a School Development Plan.
Tuesday 22nd: In the morning we spent 1 hour and 30 min with the second years working on their profiles.
At break we met with the staff and received a wonderful welcome. We talked about our respective schools and exchanged news since the last visit.
In the afternoon we visited Nyumbani village to see how things were progressing. We plan to take students to this centre as part of the next student visit. The visit highlights issues such as effects of/response to HIV Aids; sustainability; care for the environment; working towards independence etc
In the evening we discussed the Partnership Agreement with Sr. Clare and Sr. Teresia.
Wednesday 23rd: We spend the morning working with the Second Years - working on the profiles, English conversation etc.
In the afternoon we visited a polytechnic school in Mwenge, Kiio Polytechnic.
It was interesting to see another school at a very different stage than St. Columba’s. We could see the fantastic work that has been done in St. Columba’s and the vision of the Director and staff. Kiio is at an early stage but like St. Columba’s has dedicated and visionary people at the helm. We discussed the possibility of organising a school trip during the next student visit. The idea of all the girls travelling together on a trip is very exciting for everyone. There is tremendous potential here for developing relationships of equality – all on the same trip together.
In the evening we looked at our Partnership Agreement and suggested some minor changes to reflect recent discussions.
Thursday 24th: 8:45 – 11:30: Worked with the Second Years completing the profiles and taking photographs to attach to them.
10:15 – 10:45 – We discussed future plans and joint project ideas – Water Diary and Running a Mile!
We shared a celebratory meal with the staff. The students also had a special meal to celebrate the visitors! We gave token gifts to all staff members and thanked them for their welcome and their work.
In the afternoon there was a formal greeting/farewell from the students. Singing and dancing and gift giving...great fun!
Friday 25th: Up at 4:30am!! We were invited to attend a graduation in Nairobi. A young teacher working in St. Columba’s was graduating from Kibondeni College. It was a great celebration of hard work and achievement. Rebecca (teacher) will be returning to St. Columba’s as a teacher. We wanted to celebrate and support this ‘capacity building’ in St Columba’s. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with college faculty and hear the ambitions they have for their students. We wanted to acknowledge and support this by our presence. We all noted the ambition, drive and focus of the students. It is an all female college with a strong focus on achieving independence and making one’s own way in the world. It was a privilege to attend such an occasion. As everywhere in Kenya we were welcomed with open arms and warm hearts!
Saturday 26th: The day before departure we arose at 6:30 to visit Nairobi National Park. We saw many beautiful animals and breathtaking natural beauty. We plan to include this experience in the next student visit – there are a lot of wonderful aspects to Kenya and Kenyan culture.
