Through children´s eyes A BOOK WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY CHILDREN FROM GATOTO PRIMARY SCHOOL
Original title in Kiswahili:
KUPITIA MACHO YA WATOTO
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS For all those who have believed in this project -before reading the first story or seeing the first drawing-. Special collaborators: Families: Guzmán, Buscemi Del Frari, Fernández, Cruz, Dallacaminá.
José R. Cruz Juan Martín Barrantes Gabriela Placeriani Jessica Newmark Juan Hintz
Gatoto Primary School Amani Institute Social Innovation Management Program 2013 Tea Turismo SRL ABC Revista
SECTION ONE
STORIES FROM MY LIFE “To be a person is to have a story to tell” Isak Dinesen
CHILDREN ESSAYS AND POEMS
THE DAY I SHALL NEVER FORGET by Faith Kerubo Some stories about the visit to the National Park 1. CHAMELEON ALONG THE ROAD by Mercy Kyalo 2. MONKEYS AND GIRAFFES by Erick Masinga 3. EAT, EAT AND EAT by Alex Kimanthi 4. PROUD AS A LION, GOOD AS A MONKEY by Emmanuel Shivanda 5. PARK DAY by Caroline Agutu WHEN I GROW UP by Chelcy Mwenesi MY FAMILY by Susan Indieka
KINGSTON VILLAGE by Bonventure Tinega LIFE AND WORKS by Paul Okemo MY DREAM by Samson Makori MY GRANDMA AND I by Teresa Kerubo I LOVE MY HOME by Hesborne Malabu GATOTO’S HEROES by Joel Mkabana LIKE STARS IN DARKNESS by Caleb Kivindyo Poem THE SUN by Cyprian Wasike Poem MY UNCLE by Standard 6 A
WE STRIVE TO SHINE INTERVIEW WITH BETTY NYAGOHA, GATOTO SCHOOL MANAGER
What does Gatoto mean? Gatoto is a Kikuyu word meaning “small child�, but in this respect, Gatoto is the name of the woman who donated the land on where the school stands. How was the school started? Why? The school was started in 1994 by the community of elders and the local administration of Mukuru kwa Reuben. There were many children from the village who were not attending school instead spending their time on the streets to beg. The community wanted to do something to support and provide an education for these children. 6
How many children are assisted by the school? When we started the school we had an enrolment of 370 children, but now we have 1000 children who attend the Primary School. How is the school funded? Gatoto depends on well-wishers to fund the running of the School. We get donations from organizations, foundations and individuals. The parents are requested to contribute towards their child’s educational costs. This is an amount of 900 Kenya shillings per year (USD 10). Out of the 1000 children who attend the School only 700 of them can pay the fees.
BETTY NYAGOHA
Where I was born: I was born in the Western part of Kenya, in Kakamega My hobby: listening to music, playing netball and reading novels My favorite music: I listen to country music, reggae and gospel A childhood dream: I wanted to be a teacher. I admired my female teachers, the way they dressed, the way they spoke English and the way their families were living. 7
Do you have any Government support? At the moment we are not receiving financial support from the Government, but we sometimes get technical assistance. What is the motto of the school? What does it mean? The motto is “We strive to shine”, meaning we always put all our effort into achieving the best in everything we do. What is your main challenge? The main challenge that we are currently facing is funding. With the population that we have and with the number of staff in the School, it is a challenge to 8
raise funds for operating costs (salaries, stationery, utilities, maintenance, co-curricular activities and other running costs). What is your main fulfillment? My main fulfillment is the success that the school has been able to achieve for the last 20 years, in terms of providing a safe haven for children, the children who have gone to secondary school, college, university and the success in “co-curricular” activities that the school has been able to maintain for the last 10 years. What are the plans for the 20 Years Celebration of the school, in 2014? We are planning to have a fundraising dinner this
year, and next year clean up exercises in Mukuru kwa Reuben Village, medical camp at school, a fundraising walk at the Karura Forest with a number of students from upper primary classes and the biggest event will be a fun day at school, in June 2014, to celebrate the 20 years of success with our pupils. What is your final message for our readers? We are humbly inviting you to join us in making a difference in the lives of these children that we serve. If you want to volunteer with us or donate, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Gatoto means giving hope and a new lease on life to a child. Thanks Betty!!
A place to write: IIf you want to know more about our school, if you have any ideas or comments, you can contact us! In English: Betty Nyagoha bettynyagoha@gmail.com Nairobi- Kenya In Spanish: Mily DallacaminĂĄ mily.dallacamina@gmail.com Salta- Argentina our website: www.gatoto.org 9
THE DAY I SHALL NEVER FORGET SIKU AMBAYO SITAISAHAU KAMWE
It was on a Saturday when my parents told me that they were going to hold a party for me. I did not remember that the following Saturday would be my birthday. “A party, for what?” I asked. My father reminded me that it was my birthday and I was overwhelmed with joy. When the day came, I was excited like a king. My parents had already invited people, bought everything that was needed and even started decorating the house. When it was eleven o’clock visitors started arriving. At noon the party began, we were served with chapati and meat, rice and other foods. It was then time to blow the candles and cut the 10
FAITH KERUBO
cake. When the cake was put on the table and the box opened, the cake was inside but there were three rats which had started eating the cake. The children screamed as they ran away. The rats ran too, so that they could hide. After a few minutes there was a large silence in the whole compound. The children had stopped screaming. My father ran and bought a new cake. The children were still afraid to enter the house but some entered. When my father wanted to open the box some of the children closed their eyes thinking that there where other rats. We opened the box, cut the cake and continued with
Age: 11 Class: 6 B My hobby: reading adventure stories My favorite song: “Mama�, by Bony Mwaitage My favorite game: hockey My favorite food: pilau served with chicken A dream: I wish to become a surgeon A person who I admire: my mother, for the determination she has for work so us to provide basic needs for us the party. The children had already forgotten what had happened in just a few minutes. My friends and I went outside to play after the party. I was as happy as a king after my birthday. I thanked my parents for holding a party for me. 11
Chameleon along the road KINYONGA BARABARANI
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A National Park is a place where wild animals are kept. There are many National Parks in Kenya. It was on Monday when our class teacher told us that we were going to visit Nairobi National Park on the following Saturday. Each pupil was to pay four hundred shillings. On that Saturday I woke up very early in the morning. I rushed to the “frog’s kingdom” to take a shower, dressed and I ate a delicious breakfast which my mother had prepared for me. I then ran to school. When I reached school I found my classmates ready for the journey. Without hesitation our class teacher told us to board our school bus. After a few seconds the journey began. Our group leader took a crate of soda which was set
MERCY KYALO for lunch and we left. We went near the bus stage, I met my mother at her working place, where she sells second hand clothes and she gave me two hundred shillings for pocket money. We reached the animal orphanage at nine o’clock in the morning. We saw some graves with crosses. We walked slowly like a chameleon along the road. We saw the female and male police along the road. Then, the teacher told us to go to the toilet first before going to the animal orphanage. When we were inside the animal orphanage, I saw some animals which I hadn’t seen before. I saw such animals as a lioness, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, lion, monkey, crocodile and buffalo. Then the time for lunch came and we ate bread and
Age: 11 Class: 5B My hobby: reading storybooks My favorite book: “Don’t be long” My favorite food: rice and meat A dream: to be a doctor A person who I admire: Caroline Agutu, she is my classmate and my friend drank soda. Then I saw someone who had drawn on her face. I pretended to draw my face with the different beautiful colours. We went back to the school bus and the bus took us back to school. That was my happiest day.
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Monkeys and giraffes NYANI NA TWIGA
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When we reached the National Park we went inside and saw some animals. There were “the big five”: lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. Those animals are very dangerous, because they can kill you if you start approaching them or even when they see you. When we continued walking around we saw some animals like monkeys, warthogs, giraffes, antelopes and many others. When we were eating our lunch some monkeys stole our bread and ate them. We were sitting on the ground and some monkeys came and started beating us with mangoes. My friend was a greedy boy because
ERICK MASINGA
Age: 11 Class: 5 B My hobby: reading My favorite food: rice A dream: to be a teacher because I want children’s to get education A person who I admire: Cristiano Ronaldo because he is a good player, like Agüero and Rooney
when the monkeys were throwing mangoes he was taking them down and eating them all. I told him “Stop eating them. We are not at home”. When we were leaving we saw giraffes eating leaves on a tall tree. I asked my friend: “Can a giraffe eat leaves of a small tree?” He told me that giraffes can eat leaves of a small tree.
ALEX KIMANTHI
Eat, eat and eat
Age: 10 Class: 5 B My hobby: drawing My favorite song: “I am in the race�, by Paul Mwangi My favorite game: football My favorite food: pilau A dream: to be a pilot A person who I admire: Erick Masinga, a classmate
KULA, KULA NA KULA
We went and saw animals like cheetahs, lions, giraffes, monkeys, warthogs, crocodiles, gazelles, antelopes and snakes. We even saw leopards in the trees. There were animals that were eating meat, leaves, fruits and grass. At 1 p.m., we took our lunch. Even the animals ate food that they were given by the people who were taking care of them. Animals like lions, cheetahs, foxes and leopards
were eating meat. And animals like buffaloes, squirrels, antelopes, warthogs and gazelles were eating grass. The giraffe alone ate leaves of trees. The monkeys were eating fruits on the trees. Other people ate very delicious foods, such as chapatis, pilau, chicken and pizza. On that day everybody was excited. 15
“National Park” by Edmund Irungu
EDMUND IRUNGU
Age: 11 Class: 7 B My hobby: riding bicycles My favorite song: “Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find you” by Matt Redman My favorite food: rice and chapati A dream: to be a good racer of bicycles A person who I admire: the musician Ali Kiba, the President Uhuru Kenyatta and Barack Obama My favorite subject: Christian Religious Education and Social Studies A place I would like to visit: New York
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“Zebras and giraffes” by Daisy Waithira
DAISY WAITHIRA
Age: 5 Class: Pre-Unit My favorite food: meat and rice What I want to be when I grow up: a policewoman My hobby: singing My favorite game: football My favorite song: “Leo kutawaka moto” by Size 8
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Proud as a lion, good as a monkey KUJIVUNA KAMA SIMBA, MZURI KAMA NYANI
When the day came we were so happy. On this day I wore my Sunday best, had breakfast and went to school. At school I found that only two pupils had arrived. Our English teacher gave me a camera so that I could take some photographs of the animals I would find and see. He gave all of us some notebooks so that we could write down the things we would see. As we were waiting for the other pupils to arrive, we started playing hide and seek game. When all the people who were to go arrived, we 18
EMMANUEL SHIVANDA started the journey to the National Park. We saw many industries and even some rivers that had big fish in them. I was so excited that I was going to the National Park. I took photos of those industries and rivers and gave the camera to the teacher we went on the trip with. He is a generous man who loves his pupils very much. I was sitting in the front chair with the driver who was as proud as a lion of his work. He told me stories that made me sleep. As the prefect of the class I was told by the teacher to order the pupils out of the bus. We entered the National Park as we sang songs on the way. The teacher told us if we had some pocket money we could buy some things outside the park. Then I bought some bananas and sat under a tree where a monkey came down and I shared my bananas with it. I was shocked to see that monkeys can eat like
Age: 11 Class: 5 B My hobby: playing football My favorite music: Gospel songs, that makes me feel blessed A place I would like to visit: Jamaica My favorite food: pizza and sausage, but I like also eating a balanced diet A dream: to be a good footballer and to support other people who have some other dreams and talents A person who I admire: Lionel Messi, because he is the best player in the world human beings. That monkey became my own friend and it followed me everywhere I went. At lunch time I found the monkey was still with me. I shared my lunch with the monkey. When it was time to go home I was so sad that I was going to leave my best friend. 19
CAROLINE AGUTU
Park Day
SIKU YA KWENDA MBUGANI
That day, when I was going to school I saw my friend and I joined them on the way. When we reached the school we found our teacher and the pupils standing and waiting for the bus to come. The bus came and the teacher told us to go in slowly. We got in and we set off for the journey. We saw many things like donkeys, cows, farms, cars and hotels. We reached the National Park and saw many people watching the animals. The teacher told us that when we go somewhere, we should be patient and go slowly. So the first animal that we saw was the monkey. The monkey looked like a person: when it sees you with a banana it takes it. When I came back home, first I removed the uniform that I was wearing and my mother asked me how the 20
Age: 11 Class: 5 B My hobby: reading My favorite song: “I have got a joy� My favorite food: rice and chicken A dream: to be a pilot A person who I admire: Mercy Kyalo, my classmate, because she likes reading in class and she is very kind
trip was and I started explaining to my mother what happened there. My mother was proud and told me that I would not miss the other trip. The following day, we told the other pupils what had happened; the teacher told them that we saw a lot of wildlife. Even the teacher was proud and everybody in the school knew what we saw at the National Park and what we ate there.
CHELCY MWENESI
When I grow up NIKIWA MKUBWA
When I grow up I want to be a teacher, because I want to help children make their own good choices, like what they want to be when they grow up. I will make sure every day they are clean. I will promise the pupil who reaches number one that I will give him or her a present. My class will be the best in the school. I will help the pupils who can’t read and write. I will help them to pass their examinations and go to high school. They will even go to universities. I would like to have my own school and obedient pupils. I will make sure I bring the best teachers from
Age: 9 Class: 4 A My hobby: skipping the rope My favorite song: “Sitolia” My favorite food: rice A dream: to be a teacher A person who I admire: my mother, because she provides me with everything
universities to teach my students. I will make sure my school is provided with everything like libraries, classes and field so that the students don’t lack anything. I will also build a staff room, toilets and even a store. I will make sure my students participate in things like games, choir and many more… I will build classes for them to hide in when there is bad weather like hot sun and rain. 21
MY familY JAMII YANGU
A family consists of a father, mother and children. My family is a single parent family. My father passed away when I was 2 years old. My mother did not know where to go, because my grandmother had told her that if she went to her home she would kill her. My mother decided to reside in Nairobi. Then she stayed in the Industrial Area, in Mukuru kwa Reuben, near the police post, in 2004. She looked for a job to get money to buy a book, but all was in vain. My family faces some challenges like: sometimes 22
SUSAN INDIEKA
lack of food, lack of money to buy clothes, especially our school uniforms which are torn. My mother sells oranges, bananas, sandarac, avocados, groundnuts and mangoes. She is a grocer along the Road A street. My brother did not finish his college, because my mother did not have enough money. Now he is struggling so that we cannot be like him because he is the firstborn. When my brother and I return from school, the house is dirty. My mother told me that I am the one
Age: 14 Class: 7 A My hobby: reading storybooks My favorite music: Gospel My favorite book: “The tortoise’s wings” by Dorothy Bracey y Peter Lieta My favorite food: fish and rice A dream: to be a hostess A person who I admire: my mother, because she provides everything for me
to: cook, wash utensils and mop the floor. So I don’t get enough time to study. My dream is to become an accountant. But surely will my dream come true? 23
“My family� by Isaac Ronald
ISAAC RONALD
Age: 9 Class: 2 B My hobby: learning Kiswahili and playing football My favorite music: Rose Muhando music My favorite food: pilau A dream: to be a goal keeper My favorite subject: Kiswahili A place I would like to visit: Nairobi City Park 24
EDDY OLENYO
“Insecurity� by Eddy Olenyo
Age: 13 Class: 7 A My hobby: drawing and playing football My favorite music: Gospel My favorite book: storybooks My favorite food: chicken and rice A dream: to be a pilot A person who I admire: the footballer Robin Van Persie
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Kingston Village KIJIJI CHA KINGSTON
I live in Kingston Village, located just few miles from Gatoto Primary School. It is on the Westside of the school. It is only the river which separates it from the school. Some of the pupils of Gatoto come from this village. Most houses of Kingston Village are built from iron sheets. Any kind of visitor is welcome in this village. The people are very kind. They direct visitors properly and they show them the way in and the way out. Kingston Village has a major problem when it comes to security. Although the people of Kingston are kind, there are a few people who risk the lives of the villagers. They rob the people and even kill them because of money. People have reported them to the police, but most of them are friends of the police. They are jailed for only a couple of days and then, released. Another problem is the loud music played from 26
BONVENTURE TINEGA
Age: 14 Class: 7 A My hobby: playing football and drawing My favorite song: “Race�, by Paul Mwai My favorite book: storybooks My favorite food: chicken and chapati A dream: to be a surgeon A person who I admire: Kipchoge Keino, who was the first medalist in the world pubs. There are many pubs in Kingston. It is very difficult for communication to take place. The person has to shout so that he can be heard. Also there is a lot of dirty water everywhere in the village. When children are playing sometimes they fall into the sewers. They get water-borne diseases and other diseases. Those sewers are directed to River Ngong. The dirty water pollutes the clean water making it unsuitable for use.
Life and works MAISHA NA KAZI
My name is Paul Okemo, I am twelve years old. I am in class seven. I am the fourth born in our family. There are six kids in our family. I have three sisters and two brothers. My mother is the head now because my father died four years ago because of high blood pressure. He left her as a widow. Our family lives in Mukuru in two iron thatched rooms. The iron sheets are old, rusty and have holes. My eldest sister is working to help my mother provide for our daily needs. She helps my mother by paying our school fees. My mother is a green grocer. She sells fruits and vegetables. She provides us with food. She works very hard. She talks to customers politely. Customers admire her and always return to see her. She doesn’t like gossiping. When my sister and my mother lack money, we
PAUL OKEMO
Age: 13 Class: 7 A My hobby: drawing and reading storybooks My favorite music: Gospel My favorite book: adventure books My favorite food: rice and meat stew A dream: to be a journalist A person who I admire: Kendagor Wabadia, because he is a journalist who inspires me have to share the food which is there or go hungry. We thank God for what we get everyday. My brother’s dream is to become an athlete. He is a good runner. He runs as fast as a deer. My dream is to become an accountant. I will be dealing with accounts, and I will be helping orphans and widows in Kenya. 27
My dream NDOTO YANGU
Since class five I have wanted to choose what I would like to do in the future. I would like to be an important person to help my parents, our nation and the needy especially the street families. I would like to be a pilot to visit as many countries as I can. My dream of becoming a pilot is coming up only with respect and hardwork. In this country of Kenya there are many secondary schools both national and district. I would like to join one of the national schools which are found in Kisumu County. I like the school very much because it performed well. If I joined it I will be 28
SAMSOM MAKORI
as happy as a toothless mother who had got her dental formular replaced before a great feast. Where there is a will there is a way, and my will is to join Kangawanga High School which I am talking about. It is said no plant chooses where to be planted, this does not mean that I will not join the School of my choice. Even if we are living in the slums God has given us knowledge and talents. In high school I will still work hard to go to the university. I would also like to help our school because it helps me learn. I would like to join the aviation school to achieve my dream
Age: 13 Class: 7 A My hobby: visiting the sick and playing football My favorite song: “I have a Father” My favorite book: Peter Pan My favorite food: ugali and chicken A dream: to be a pilot A person who I admire: Wayne Rooney, because he is the best football player I have ever seen
of being a pilot. With piloting I will carry food and transport it first to my little sisters and brothers. I would like God to find me a sponsor who would aid me in my studies. I won’t forget our teachers who keep encouraging us. 29
BEATRICE MWIKALI
Age: 8 Class: 3 A My hobby: reading My favorite song: “Row I row row your boat” My favorite game: skipping the rope My favorite food: rice A dream: to become a doctor A person who I admire: my teacher, Madame Jackline
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“Overcrowded slum” by Beatrice Mwikali
“Teacher� by Magret Syovata
MAGRET SYOVATA
Age: 8 Class: 2 B My hobby: farming My favorite music: Rose Muhando music My favorite food: rice A dream: to be a teacher My favorite subject: English A place I would like to visit: up country A good memory: playing and learning at School 31
My grandma and I MIMI NA NYANYA YANGU
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My name is Teresa Kerubo. I am in class seven. I go and gain my knowledge at Gatoto Primary School. I live with my grandmother. I was born in 2000. My grandmother takes care of me. My father passed away in the year 2007, when I was seven years old. He was suffering from diabetes. He used to visit the medical centre after one week. My grandmother is 42 years old. She helps me with many things such as doing my homework when I do not understand. She gives me food, clothes, pays my school fees and also she takes me to the hospital when I am unwell. I respect her and I love her with all my heart and soul because she showed mercy on me when my father died. My father was a hardworking man and he was also handsome.
TERESA KERUBO
Age: 13 Class: 7 A My hobby: singing My favorite song: “Dear friends� My favorite game: netball My favorite food: rice A dream: to be a lawyer A person who I admire: my grandmother
My grandmother tells me to work as hard as my father did in order to succeed in the coming future. Knowledge and intelligence are the keys to success in life and if I do not have them my life will not bear fruits. When I grow up I would like to be a teacher because I want to teach the young ones the right things and also to improve their talents. I will never give up until I become a teacher.
I love my home NAPENDA NYUMBANI KWETU
The place where I live is my home. I know that many people live in homes, as well as animals like donkeys, cows, goats and sheep. Animals and people live in homes because they want to protect themselves from enemies. I live at home. My home is found in Embakasi District, Nairobi County. In my home there are many different animals and things. Animals like goats, cows, cats, dogs and sheep. Things like tables, chairs, cars and beds. In my home there are five members: my father, my mother, my brother, my sister and I. My father is the head of my home, his name is Joash. My mother is his assistant, her name is Rebecca. My brother is the last born and I follow my sister Lydia who is in class seven. My father makes me very happy because he buys many presents for us like a tuft of grass.
HESBORNE MALABU
Age: 12 Class: 4 B My hobby: washing clothes, because it makes me hand strong and also makes me happy My favorite music: Gospel, I love it because it praise my heart My favorite game: football My favorite food: meat and ugali A dream: to be a pilot A person who I admire: the President
I love my mother because she cooks delicious foods which are as sweet as honey. In my heart I feel very good. That’s why I love my parents. Also my brother is as wise as an owl and makes me as happy as a lark. We started living there since March, we have lived there for three months. I love my home. 33
GATOTO’S HEROES MASHUJAA WA GATOTO
In our School we have co-curriculum activities which include football, handball, netball, marathon, swimming, hockey, etc. “Gatoto rules the nation”: the television commentator shouted. That was in the second term when our school won trophy in each seven games. Every person in our school was happy since no school has ever kept a record as we had done. The participants were happy because each one got a free scholarship. Everyone in our school benefited, hence we were given free milk daily. There was applause as the Gatoto heroes came in 34
JOEL MKABANA
a school bus carrying a lot of trophies. There were cheers and jeers and everyone had a banana smile although this was not the first time for Gatoto to display such awesome performance. Games and sports are very beneficious in our lives today. They are a source of income in the nation, for the coaches and the participants. People also interact with others as they go to cheer for their teams. Games and sports are also source of good health and physical fitness. I am as sure as cock that our school will produce the next world Olympic champions in the coming years.
Age: 14 Class: 8 A My hobby: playing football My favorite food: chicken and chips A dream: to be an electronic engineer to help our country achieve “Vision 2030” My favorite subject: Maths A place I would like to visit: Ireland A good memory: the day I got a total mark of 398/500 in an exam and became position 3 in class eight A person who I admire: President Barack Obama because of his intelligence and his slogan “Yes, we can” that reminds me that I can be anything in this world
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VINCENT AMALEMBA
Class: 2 A My hobby: drawing My favorite music: Gospel My favorite food: meat and pilau A dream: to be an engineer A person who I admire: Lionel Messi My favorite subject: Kiswahili A good memory: watching the “Wedding show” in TV
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“Football” by Vincent Amalemba
“Gatoto’s heroes” by David Kilonzi
DAVID KILONZI
Age: 14 Class: 8 B My favorite food: pizza A dream: to be a principal, to empower students of Kenya A person who I admire: Wanyama, the former Celtic player My favorite subject: Sciences A place I would like to visit: Pluto, the farthest planet that nobody has ever reached A good memory: football games from English Primer League and also Kenya Primer League 37
LIKE STARS IN DARKNESS KAMA NYOTA GIZANI
Co-curriculum activities are activities which take place outside the classroom. They may include poetry, debate and sports like netball, football, volleyball and hockey. Our school participates in all these activities, and for a number of years has been receiving numeral awards. When we participate we carry the big name “Gatoto” and make it famous and actually it shines like stars in darkness. In the real sense our school has gained national eminency. The first activity we take part in is poetry. In this category, we have been champions for years and years. Like in the year 2011 we were recognized as the best school in music festivals in Kenya. 38
The school choir has also been regaining national eminency countrywide. Although this year we didn’t manage to emerge the winners, we are working hard in order to take a large number of trophies to our school. Our trainers are looking forward towards retaining our fame. Additionally, our school takes part in sports like football whereby this season our performance depreciated. Our coaches are trying to improve our performance in order to better our best. In the year 2014 we will strive and ultimately unleash our potential in this type of sports. Another type of sport is netball. When we participate we are not always
CALEB KIVINDYO
lucky. We get defeated by opponents since we lack good coaching in netball. In addition to that, we also participate in volleyball. When we take part in volleyball, we are always capable of reaching to the national level because the players always have tactical skills to use in the entire game. Basically we call upon our fellow colleagues to join us in order to diversify access in co-curriculum activities from twenty-five percent of total pupils in school to at most seventy- five. The activities are important because when playing the games, we enhance muscle fitness. Another reason for enhancing school pride on
Age: 12 Class: 8 A My hobby: reading novels My favorite food: ugali and fish, one of the most common foods in Africa A dream: I want to be a prominent lawyer A place I would like to visit: United States of America, to see President Obama A good memory: I remember the General Elections in USA where Barack Obama won A person who I admire: Luis Moreno Ocampo, because he had gained prominence during the time he was a prosecutor in the International Criminal Court co-curriculum activities is because the activities enhance one to pursue your talents and careers in order to have productive, systematic people in the society. When we participate, we carry the big name “Gatoto� and champion for it. 39
CYPRIAN WASIKE
THE SUN SHAIRI: JUA
Round and beautiful it makes cheerful sometimes it is crying other times it is laughing like a big orange gives us the courage to face each new day at school. 40
Age: 9 Class: 5 A My hobby: playing football My favorite song: “The small ducks� My favorite food: chicken and meat A dream: to be an engineer A person who I admire: Peter Kamau, he is my friend and he does the teachers works
Standard 6 A- 2013
MY UNCLE
SHAIRI: MJOMBA WANGU
A ribbon on my ankle I wave for stars to sparkle high above the star to twinkle I see my uncle he’s all I have thanks to him I can’t starve. Spin the wheel push the barrow today borrow; tomorrows sorrow not at will lives speak it so.
Dawn will come sun will shine stars will shine as a kite I’ll fly to me my uncle’ll pine. Not to borrow not in sorrow never more to starve!
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NANCY NYANCHAMA
Age: 13 Class: 6 A My hobby: watching television My favorite book: the Bible My favorite food: chapati, meat, rice and green grams A dream: to be a nurse A person who I admire: my mother, because she cooks for me and helps me in my homework
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“My neighbourhood” by Nancy Nyanchama
SECTION TWO
CHILDREN´s ANSWERS “All grown-ups were once children… but only few of them remember that.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
CONTENTS
What do I like the most at my School? Which is the best gift I have ever received? What do I want to do when I grow up? If I could choose 3 desires, what would they be?
What it would be like if I were born 100 years later? What would I do if I were the President of Kenya? What would it be if I were born in a different country? What is peace?
WHAT DO I LIKE THE MOST AT MY SCHOOL? NI KIPI NINACHOPENDA ZAIDI SHULENI?
I love my School because it gives us food and milk and we learn. We also have enough water to drink and it is good for drinking. (Beatrice Njeri, class 4 B) We have cooks at school. They cook very well because they are mothers. (Samuel Kilonzi, class 6 B) 44
In our school there are some clubs and classes which pupils can take part in. Those clubs are: 4K club, the red cross, poetry, choir, handball and the school football team. You can participate in any club that you would like to join. Our school motto is “We strive to shine�. (Kelvin Vosolo, class 6 B) What I like most at our school is the compassion of the teachers towards the pupils. Even when you are sick the teachers volunteer to help you get an injection and some medicines for your good health. (Teresiah Inyunza, class 6 B)
I love Gatoto because of milk, poems, choir and the red cross team. (Franklin Nyabira, class 6 B) Some children like activities like games, poems, scouts and subjects. I like the subjects that are taught in my school, such as English, Maths, Kiswahili, Science and Social Studies, because I go to school to learn. In all subjects what I like most is English because it helps me learn how to speak it. In our school every child speaks English starting from class one up to eight. (Phinta Adhiambo, class 4 A) 45
WHICH IS THE BEST GIFT I HAVE EVER RECEIVED? NI IPI ZAWADI BORA NIMEWAHI POKEA?
One day when I was position one in the school, the teachers gave me a gift that I had never received before. It was a school uniform and a book. I will never forget that day because it was a nice gift to me and my parents, relatives, neighbors, friends and even my enemies appreciated it. (Valpah Savai, class 6 B) The best gift I have ever received is a bicycle. In the last exam I became number one with very high marks. Then my father bought me a bicycle. (Seth Apollo, class 6 B) 46
The best gift I ever received is my parents. I love my parents very much and my parents love me. (Frank Nyabera, class 4 A) The best gift that I have ever received is when my mother came from the supermarket, she bought many things: she bought for me a uniform: socks, sweater and shoes, to prepare my things to go to school. (Millicent Nafula, class 6 B) The best gift that I have ever received is a dress. I got this gift when I performed well in singing. I wear it in the church while reading a memory verse. (Joan Wanjiku, class 6 B) There are many gifts that I have received from my parents, teachers and other people like relatives. They are not bad gifts. They are gifts that I can use like books, pens and a ball. (Joshua Okworo, class 6 B)
WHAT DO I WANT TO DO WHEN I GROW UP?
When I grow up I would like to be a flourist. I love flowers. I will work hard so that I can get high marks, for my dream to succeed. (Beth Wanjiru, class 6 B)
NI NINI NINATAKA KUFANYA NIKIWA MKUBWA?
When I grow up I want to be a pilot because if I wanted to go somewhere I can go there quickly. (Anthony Otieno, class 6 B)
When I grow up I want to be a doctor. Either a surgeon or an optician. To be a doctor you must be clean and tidy. (Miriam Waithera, class 4 B)
When I grow up I would like to be a teacher. Many people like teachers. The teacher teaches us things we don’t know, such as how to write and read sentences, and how to use pencil, book and pen. When pupils do anything wrong the teachers give them work to do like wash the lower classes. Teachers are good to pupils. Pupils love them. (Jackline Mwende, class 4 A)
When I grow up I would like to be a pilot. I would like to fly aeroplanes that are as beautiful as a peacock. To fly an aeroplane is not something easy. You can’t fly an aeroplane if you are not a pilot. To become a pilot you must go to college to be taught. If you want to be a pilot the first thing they will do to you is to test if you can fly. (Naphtali Kivuva, class 4 B) 47
ALVIN MUSYOKI
Age: 7 Class: 1 B My hobby: playing football My favorite music: Gospel My favorite food: beans A dream: to be a teacher
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“THIS IS my school” by Alvin Musyoki
“I would like to be a pilot� by Hillary Livondo
HILLARY LIVONDO
Age: 9 Class: 2 B My hobby: learning English My favorite food: chapati A dream: to be a mechanic or a pilot My favorite subject: Mathematics A place I would like to visit: Kisumu A game I like: football
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IF I COULD CHOOSE 3 DESIRES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE? -EVEN WHEN THEY SEEM TO BE IMPOSSIBLEIKIWA UNGECHAGUA MAMBO MATATU UNAYOTAMANI, YANGEKUA YAPI?
I desire to be a surgeon when I grow up. I desire to work hard in order to live a happy life. I desire Kenya and America to have good cooperation. (Seth Apollo, class 6 B) 50
I desire playing all the time. I desire my parents can continue working very hard to succeed. I desire peace for our family for the rest of our life. (Bridgit Matundura, class 4 B) I desire to own my own aeroplane and travel with it. I desire to go to South Korea with my family. I desire to be a footballer and play for Liverpool. (Festus Nyaosi, class 7 B) My first desire is to work smart, pass in my national examination council and go to a good National School. I would like to join Nairobi University and after am through, to be a lecturer. When am through with my education, to get my parents out of the slums. (Sheila Kwamboka, class 8 B)
I desire to get quality education that would assist me to soar for greater heights. I wish that one day, one time, the disaster of poverty shall vanish from the beautiful face of the earth. That there will be professionals in all the areas. (Caleb Kivindyo, class 8 A) I desire wisdom and knowledge, patience and kindness. (Orpha Kwamboka, class 8 B) I desire to be strong and to become a good teacher. I desire that there would be peace in our world. My last desire is that I could fly high in the sky like the birds. (Leah Wanjiru, class 4 A)
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WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE IF I WERE BORN 100 YEARS LATER? INGEKUWAJE KAMA NINGEZALIWA MIAKA MIA MOJA 100 BAADAYE?
Supposing I were born 100 years later I would have benefited from laptops and use them to promote the digital way of life. I would also find another President of Kenya and join him/her to make peace in our country. I think the whole world would have changed. (Gladys Warokera, class 8 B) 52
If I were born one hundred years later, I would find this continent full of wonders. The technology would be very advanced. All over the continent there would be permanent houses. Everything would be modern. The bread that is sold at fifty shillings, would be one thousand shillings. I would find this country with little trees because the population will be very high. People would start cultivating forests in order to get a place to settle. People would start cutting trees to get some charcoal for cooking and selling. The selling price of goods would be very expensive. Children would learn many things while they are small. I think that little children would not be going to school because there will be different things to do. Some would decide to be mechanics because there will be many electronic goods. Drivers would not be earning more income because many people would buy their own cars. This country would look different from the past. (Risper Mueni, class 7 B)
Being born a hundred years in the future would be missing an important chance in life. I would miss such happy experiences I have gone through. (Faith Kerubo, class 6 B) If I were born 100 years later I will be happy to see how the world is going. (Lucy Njeri, class 6 B) If I would born 100 years later, I would be so sad like a person who hasn’t eaten for a whole month. (Joyce Kerubo, class 6 B) If I were born 100 years later, I know that the economy of Kenya will have grown to a much higher level. This is because now the government has already started building Kenya and we already have a future plan by the year 2030. Our houses will be rebuilt and permanent, the hospitals would be many, because recently there was a strike of doctors because they are few and the
patients are many. But all this will come into reality if the young stars are given opportunities to learn. As the saying goes, education is the key to success. Today parents neglect their children but if they would give us an education we would be the ones to build Kenya. Kenya is a name but we are the people and so we need to take care of our beautiful country for it to be greater in the future. (Virginia Makhalanyia, class 7 B) Supposing I was born 100 years later, I would still be happy. This is because the economy would be improved compared to nowadays. Not only the economy but also serious diseases would be less. (Sheila Kwamboka, class 8 B) If I were born 100 years later in the future it would be so delighting for me because I would get the chance to face the life that the people in those years will be leading. They also say and believe that Kenya would be a good developed country then I will get to see for myself. (Orpha Kwamboka, class 8 B) 53
ALEX MUSYOKI
Age: 8 Class: 2 B My hobby: drawing My favorite music: “Utamu wa Yesu”, by Rose Muhando My favorite food: chapati and meat A dream: to be a king My favorite subject: English A place I would like to visit: the Animal Orphanage A good memory: having visitors at home
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“Education” by Alex Musyoki
“THE President´s Speech” by Eugine Onyaiti Collins
EUGINE ONYAITI COLLINS
Age: 14 Class: 8 B My hobby: drawing My favorite song: “Money maker”, by Tommy Lee My favorite game: video games My favorite food: cooked rice and fried chicken A dream: I desire to be a social worker so that I can help people to solve problems A person who I admire: Wangari Maathai, the former Minister for Environment who fully conserved the environment and won the Nobel Peace Prize 55
WHAT WOULD I DO IF I WERE THE PRESIDENT OF KENYA? NINGEFANYA NINI KAMA NINGEKUWA RAIS WA NCHI YA KENYA?
If I were the President of Kenya I would ensure that every child’s basic and secondary needs are met. (Brian Ngige, class 6 B) Suppose I was the President of Kenya I would take the responsibilities as a President to serve Kenyans. I would talk less and work more for Kenyans. I would serve all Kenyans equally without favoring other tribes. I would also make sure that all pupils have high standards of education. (Susan Minayo, class 8 B) 56
I would facilitate involvement of Kenyans in the Diaspora in development. My government would be committed to full Constitution implementation. (Cathrine Nzilani Stoja, class 7 A) In Kenya some children go to school without taking anything in the morning. So, I would supply all primary school with food in order to have lunch and every child in the evening must be given three kilograms of food to take home for supper. (Jane Mwambi, class 7 A)
According to me, if I was given a chance to be the President of Kenya, I would make sure all the children get free education. The reason behind this is that most of the children are denied their right of education. What makes me feel angry is that these children engage in different activities like theft and many others. (Sheila Kwamboka, class 8 B)
promotes health to people, ensures equal rights, ensures kids go to school. I would respect, uphold and safeguard this Constitution. As well as safeguard the sovereignty of the republic. I would promote and enhance the unity of the nation and promote respect for diversity of the people and communities of Kenya. (Salome Wamalwa, class 8 B)
If I woke up suddenly one day and found out that I’m the President of Kenya I would polish out its economy by giving out many job opportunities to many youths who are jobless and also try my best to make Kenya the paradise it should be. (Orpha Kwamboka, class 8 B)
I would be as wise as Salomon to improve society. I would upgrade the slums and build the houses there using bricks and make them perfect places to live. I would set the ball rolling by improving more electricity in the country and making more electric machines. I would make the economy of our country the best in the Eastern Africa region by making the farms better and a good source of income. Me, as a President, I would manage my work in justice to help all the needy, the poor and the rich people as well. (Nicklaus Kiyondi, class 7 A)
If I were the President of Kenya, I would be a good leader. A leader who is ready to serve the citizens, an understanding leader who works with dignity, is helpful, uses dialogue, is not corrupt, ensures security, stops drug abuse, exercises devolution,
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If I were the President of Kenya I would first help the children to go to school every day. I would make sure that every person is taking care of her or his child. I love to see every child is in good health and good discipline. Some of the time I would divide a part of my land and give it to the needy. I would make sure that water is plentiful all over my country. (Doris Kageni, class 7 A) I would request students to listen to good music to relax their minds and watch educative films after they have finished their homework. I would also ask them to work both smart and hard. I would tell people to put God first before everything. I would increase their salaries by 40% and tell them to keep their children clean. I would put down all the iron sheet houses and build stoned houses, which I would ask them to paint the colours of the Kenya national flag, the land of peacemakers. (Faith Waithera, class 7 B) 58
I would encourage both local and foreign tourists to come and explore our beautiful sceneries and National Game Parks thus improving the revenue of our country. I would improve the education system in Kenya by employing more teachers in the schools where pupils are overpopulated. I would also inform parents on the importance of educating their children. I would also provide bursaries to the unprivileged children in rural areas to pay their fees. I would look for donors from other countries to come in Kenya and support the poor and orphaned children in the slums to undertake their education. (Esther Mbatha, class 7 B) If I were the President of Kenya I would tell people to take care of trees and wildlife. I would also tell all people that fight to stop fighting to live in peace and love each other and everyone. (Ivy Kwanboka, class 5 A)
If I were elected the President, I would pay teachers well, as well as other workers. I would increase food production and improve animal keeping, improve tourist attraction areas and build more hotels. And I would invite many investors. (Samuel Bisonga, class 5 A) If I were the President of Kenya I would rule the country in peace and harmony. I would put the well being of the kenyan’s first. I would protect the country from any dangers or dangerous activities that would put kenyan’s lives at risk. (Josphine Nyangau, class 7 B) If I were the President of Kenya I would build children’s homes for orphans who don’t have parents or relatives, and also animal’s orphanages for those animals who are hurt. I will make sure that there is no child walking at night in the country. (Francis Mbuyua, class 5 A)
I would advice my people to stop taking revenge against their enemies. I would be a mediator in politically troubled nations. I would serve as a good leader in democracy to other leaders who continue clinging to power for longer periods than it’s necessary. I would help in making peace negotiations with other countries. Then, I will help the refugees. (Vincent Ondwari, class 7 B) 59
“My school” by Lavender Amadadi
LAVENDER AMADADI
Age: 8 Class: Pre-Unit My favorite food: rice What I want to be when I grow up: a tailor My hobby: playing My favorite game: football My favorite music: Gospel 60
“Reporter” by Dennis Malila
DENNIS MALILA
Age: 10 Class: 5 B My hobby: drawing My favorite song: “Sitolia”, by Willy Paul My favorite book: “Kiswahili Sanifu” My favorite food: chapati and meat A dream: I wish I could fly A person who I admire: my teacher, Madame Wairimu, who is very good
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WHAT WOULD IT BE IF I WERE BORN IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY? INGEKUWAJE KAMA NINGEZALIWA KATIKA NCHI NYINGINE?
If I were born in another country I wouldn’t be able to learn different languages which other countries use. (Felista Nyamao, class 6 B) If I were born in a different country I would be very happy because I would be surprised to join other people. (Lucy Njeri, class 6 B) I would be very happy to be born in a different country like Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia or Sudan. (Dennis Mutava, class 6 B) 62
If I were born in a different country I don’t know how it would be, because I would be unhappy. Because Kenya has peace and it is the best country I have ever seen. (Joshua Okworo, class 6 B) If I were born in a different country I would be very sad because it will not be my country. (Johnstone Musila, class 6 B) If I were born in another country I would be very shy, and would not play with the other children. (Naomi Moraa, class 6 B) If I were born in a different country how hard it would be! I would return to my country and visit my mother, father and my grandmother. (Samson Sundey, class 6 B) If I were born in a different country I would appreciate it. I would be proud of that country and be a patriotic citizen. I would work together with the citizens of that country and obey and respect their rules. (Sheila Kwamboka, class 8 B)
When one is born in another country it does not mean that that person is bad. Some people think that all people who are born in another country are harmful. If I were born in another country for example Uganda, I would make sure that I maintain peace and law of the country. As in Kenya no one is above the law so in the country that I was born in would strictly follow all the rules. (Eugine Onyaiti Collins, class 8 B) I would not be a patriotic person who loves his country. I love Kenya and I would never want to loose my patriotism to Kenya. (Vincent Ligami Maina, class 8 B) If I were born in a different country, I would be very different from the way I am. If I were born in America, I would be very yellowish in colour and I would not speak Kiswahili. I would have studied in America and enjoy living there. I could also desire to come to Kenya. I would hear many praises of this country and would like to come to Africa. (Risper Mueni, class 7 B) 63
WHAT IS PEACE? AMANI NI NINI?
Peace is when people are between people and help one another. Peace is good for the family so that they will hear one another, and help those who are in trouble. Peace is also good for animals so that they cannot fight and beaten. (Yusuf Arunda, class 4 B) Peace is the way of being polite to others and them being also polite to you. It is about relaxing, being kind and playing together. (Nicklaus Kiyondi, class 7 A) Peace is living in harmony between people, God and with oneself. Peace also means staying without quarreling with anybody, respecting one another and doing something together. Peace 64
will make people enjoy their lives without fear. With peace, the country will not have any violence cases, and the police will not have a lot of work. (Brian Kennedy Tom, class 4 B) Peace is the state of being in harmony with one another. These means not having any conflict with anyone and if there is, use a rather diplomatic way of resolving the situation. (George Kennedy, class 8 A) With peace, everything is ok, because you can make jokes with your neighbors and came together as one. All this is about peace. (Leticia Mongina, class 7 A) Peace is staying without fighting or having conflicts among people. Peace can make someone to pass the exam. That is because without peace many pupils can have stress and may not
pass their exams. You may not live a long life without peace. Many people have fought each other during elections and people have died so much. They have lost their lives because of staying without peace. In all my life I will live with peace and help my friends how to live with peace. (Virginia Wambui, class 6 B) Peace is where there is no fighting and conflicts. If people do good things to others, there is peace. But if they do bad things to others, there are conflicts. Do you remember the time that there was election, in 2007? During that time peace was not here because people were fighting due to political issues. People were burning each other and even killing. They wanted the people who they were supporting to be elected. When there is no peace, children cannot go to school because some schools were burnt. So we need peace in Kenya, to go forward and not backward. (Charles Mwendwa, class 6 B) 65
Peace is harmony. In our school there is peace. Even in our village there is peace. When people get a conflict they go to chief and he tells them not to fight. Then, they decide to get that conflict away and that people shake their hands together and drink together. (Benedict Mathias, class 4 A) Peace is a way that you can live together with others. We should have peace at home to be able to live together with our neighbors. At school we should have peace to be able to learn in class with our schoolmates. (Florence Wangeci, class 7 B) Peace is the act of having stability. Peace promotes good interaction among people, and creates a sense of togetherness. In a peaceful country, investors from various parts of the world admired to come and invest in their business. Peace also promotes the spirit of adventure: people would like to move freely in a peaceful country, therefore promoting the freedom of movement. (Maureen Aoko, class 8 A) 66
Peace means the act of staying away from any times of violence. Peace enables one to live without any fear, the rich and the poor, the old and the young. Peace has many advantages, like for us pupils, it is one of the factors that enable to learn and achieve our future dreams. To me peace is a key to life success. (Caleb Kivindyo, class 8 A)
Peace is what Jesus Christ brought for us. For that, it is the right thing for us to bring peace in our families and also in the world. (Leah Wanjiru, class 4 A)
Peace is a great gift that enables people or nations to live together in harmony and to coordinate or cooperate with each other. (Titus Mumo, class 8 B)
Peace to me is when people are sharing meal and when they talk together. Peace is very important in our families, school and everywhere we live or stay. (David Mbwaka, class 4 A)
Peace is a state of well being and friendliness. Peace also brings forgiveness and understanding among people. Where there is no peace, people fight, quarrel and shout at each other. Peace is very good for a family because when people discuss, they can sit down together and start talking and solving the problem. (Naphtali Kivuva, class 4 B)
Peace is living with other people as your own brothers and sisters. If there is peace we can live for many years without dying because we would be loving and respecting each other. (Festus Nyaosi, class 7 B) Peace for me is a very important issue since without peace life will not be lived happily. Peace must be accompanied by love and harmony. (Orpha Kwamboka, class 8 B)
Peace also helps to build one’s country and makes it famous. Like in Kenya, there was once a woman whose name was Wangari Maathai. She was born in Tetu, Nyeri county. She was also the first lady in Kenya to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, because of environmental conservation. This made her famous, and also it brought fame to our country. (Catherine Kathina, class 8 A) 67
GLADYS WAWERU
Age: 13 Class: 8 B My hobby: swimming My favorite song: “Appointment”, by Jimmy Gait My favorite book: “The rain maker”, by John Grisham My favorite food: fried chicken and spaghetti A dream: to become an actress A person who I admire: my mother
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“Peace in Gatoto” by Gladys Waweru
“Gatoto Emirates” by Anthony Musyoki
ANTHONY MUSYOKI
Age: 16 Class: 8 B My hobby: keeping photographs of players My favorite music: Gospel My favorite game: football My favorite food: hotdog A dream: to be a doctor 69
GLOSSARY Kenyan shillings: Kenyan currency: it replaced the East African shilling in 1966 at par. The exchange rate of the Kenyan shilling is about 84 shillings per US dollar. Kikuyu: A group of Bantu people inhabiting East Africa. They are the largest ethnic group in Kenya (about 18%) and speak the Bantu Kikuyu language as a mother tongue. Apart from them, there are more than 40 ethnic groups, such as Luhya 14%, Kalenjin 13%, Luo 10%, Kamba 10%, Kisii 6%, Mijikenda 5%, Meru 4%, Turkana 2.5%, Maasai 2.1%. 70
Swahili language (or Kiswahili): A Bantu language and the mother tongue of the Swahili people. It is spoken by various communities inhabiting the African Great Lakes region, and serves as a national or official language of four nations: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ugali: A type of stiff porridge made by mixing corn meal with boiling water: the basic starch constituent of a meal in East Africa. The traditional method of eating ugali is to roll a lump into a ball with the right hand, and then dip it into a sauce or stew of vegetables and/or meat.
Chapati: A flat bread made in many Kenyan homes, often served during special occasions. Preferring their chapati’s heavy and thick texture made with a lot of oil, Kenyans soon moved away from the thinner, healthier, Indian original chapati and created their own. You can tear off pieces of a chapati and use it to pick up other foods, because it is bread and a utensil at the same time. They are made at home, bought in restaurants or at street stalls all over Kenya.
Pilau: A spiced rice dish of Indian origin that is found all along the Swahili coast of Africa. Often it is made with shredded chicken or bits of beef, or can be a vegetarian version. Rice is a staple food in Kenyan cooking.
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