In the remote and desolate expanse of Chonyi Location lies Kolongoni Secondary School, a place yearning for hope and renewal. The school, though not entirely in ruins, faces dire challenges that cannot be overlooked. A meager number of dedicated teachers strive tirelessly, yet they remain underappreciated due to the financial struggles of the students. The annual school fee, a mere Ksh 15,000, often forces parents to offer farm produce like maize and beans as fee payments.
As one might deduce, the equation is straightforward: the teachers’ exodus from the school after a month or so is a consequence of their inability to sustain themselves on their meager salaries. The school’s unregistered status with the government further conceals these hardships from plain sight. The laundry list of difficulties is extensive: a lack of a well-equipped laboratory, an inadequate staff room, insufficient textbooks, leaky roofs, aged chalkboards in dire need of refurbishment, absence of computers and a printer, no access to electricity, let alone Wi-Fi connectivity.
Amidst these formidable challenges, Nyali Study Center recognized an opportunity to make a difference. We established a two-week teaching camp, from August 28th to September 8th 2023, to lend a helping hand. Our team of nine volunteer students embarked on a journey to Chasimba Location, Kilifi County, where we found refuge at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mwagonah, who generously provided us with meals and accommodation.
Our daily routine resembled this:
Scene 1: A Day’s Schedule
| Time | Activity |
| 6:00 am | Morning Prayer |
| 6:30 am | Breakfast |
| 7:00 am | Classes |
| 12:00 noon | Angelus |
| 12:45 pm | Mass |
| 1:30 pm | Lunch |
| 2:00 pm | Classes |
| 5:30 pm | Soccer |
| 7:00 pm | Dinner |
| 7:45 pm | Get Together |
| 8:30 pm | Rosary |
Top of Form
Our dedication was unwavering as we meticulously crafted the class schedule, ensuring that no precious minute went to waste. Class after class, we delved into subjects, relying on research from various textbooks and online sources.
Scene 2: The Teaching Brigade
| Name | Designation | Subjects Taught |
| Anthony Chacha | Student, B.tech. Mech. Eng. 4th yr. | C.R.E Form 1 – 4 |
| Edwin Mungai | Student, B.tech. Mech. Eng. 4th yr. | Physics Form 1 – 4 |
| Clinton Mokaya | Student, B.Sc. Civil Eng. 3rd yr. | Chemistry & English Form 1 and 3 |
| Emmanuel Bahati | Student, B.Sc. Statistics & Comp. Science 4th yr. | Math & English |
| Bernard Mutunga | Student, B.Sc. Pure Math & Comp. Science 4th yr. | Math |
| Emmanuel Afubwa | Student, B.tech. Mech. Eng. 4th yr. | Geography |
| Pius Macharia | Student, B.tech. Mech. Eng. 4th yr. | Business Studies & History |
| Bercyl Gati | Student, Economics 2nd yr. (UON) | Business Studies & Biology |
| Moffat Obara | Awaiting graduation, B.Sc. Nursing (PU) | Biology & Agriculture |
Our impact became evident as we realized the students’ dire need for dedicated teachers. The syllabus was lagging behind, particularly for Form 4 students who hadn’t even commenced their final year’s curriculum. To address this, we focused on comprehension rather than rushing through the material, adapting to the slower learning pace of many students.
Scene 3: Building More Than Minds We delved deeper, forging personal connections with the students to understand their challenges at home and school. Financial constraints weighed heavily, with some students resorting to offering farm produce as payment. We discovered that some lacked awareness of the value of education.
Beyond the classroom, we imparted life lessons and values, emphasizing proper school attire, cleanliness, respect for teachers and peers, punctuality, and responsible notebook handling.
Scene 4: Moments of Joy and Bonding We weren’t all about academics; we made time for soccer, pouring our hearts into the game. Afterward, we relished in refreshing showers and delicious dinners prepared by the gracious hosts, Mrs. Furaha and Mrs. Mwagonah. Our stay was punctuated by celebrations, including a day dedicated to slaughtering and preparing goat meat, and the pleasure of savoring chapatis with coconut beans.
Scene 5: Assessing Progress and Promising Futures As our teaching camp neared its conclusion, we organized a two-day Random Assessment test for all subjects. This evaluation allowed us to identify promising students who, if given scholarships, could flourish academically.
In the end, our teaching camp concluded, and we departed with heavy hearts. The camaraderie we built, enriched by daily spiritual nourishment from Fr. Edward, left a profound impact. Saturday meditations further deepened our connection. We long to return, dedicating our prayers, sacrifices, and future visits to continue what we’ve started at Kolongoni Secondary School.
As St. Josemaria Escriva once said, “Do not be afraid to aim high, to vie with noble and lofty undertakings!” We remain hopeful and prayerful for the future of these bright young minds and their school.
