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opportunity to get involved in sewing one’s own uniform, badges and to participate in housework was priceless. “I always wanted my uniform to be in place, my belt well starched. We were only given one uniform every year so if you did a bad job sewing it, you were stuck with that for a long time. You learnt to be responsible for how you looked and also for the cleanness of your living area.” The last of four children, Josepha had always enjoyed the comfort of being taken care of by her family. However, this was to change when, as was the practice in Gayaza, she was given the responsibility of taking care of a new student when they joined in Senior One. It would be her first experience in mentoring others. “Gayaza taught me that when you are successful, you can reach out and help someone else succeed.”
JOSEPHA, THE MANAGER As a manager, Josepha is unapologetic about setting very high standards for her staff. But she is also fiercely loyal and supportive of them. “I set the bar high. I know that they can reach it because they are competent people but I also realise that they will not reach it easily. I push hard sometimes. But I support my team 100% both in and outside the office.” “My life experiences have convinced me that the world is big enough for many success stories.” To this end, Josepha is convinced that old girls have a crucial role to play in the school that has contributed to their success. “Former students have a responsibility of upholding the values of the old Gayaza. It was built to educate future queens. We need to preserve that brand.” Josepha also believes that the Old Girls must get involved in contributing their specific skills to areas that present a need.
My life experiences have convinced me that the world is big enough for many success stories
“Young people today are challenged by issues like drug abuse. We have counsellors among us who can lend their skills and experience to the school to support the administration. Many of us through education and travelling for work encounter the latest technologies being used for teaching. Can we access these for Gayaza?” Asked whether she would send her now four-yearold daughter to Gayaza, Josepha’s answer is emphatic: “Yes.” “I fall back on lessons learnt in Gayaza as I bring up my children. I am keen that they are involved in housework and cleaning up after themselves.” Attending Gayaza would make her daughter third generation Gayaza girl. One thing that Josepha hopes will not change is the strong Christian foundation on which Gayaza was built. She recalls the words of Miss Ann Cutler, who challenged her students to ‘bank in prayer’. “Even today, I think in terms of accumulating savings in prayer for my family, my career, my children, their friends and teachers, and so on.” Christian values of integrity and honesty are a major part of what Gayaza can contribute to society. “Sub-Saharan Africa is grappling with issues of corruption and injustice. We will see someone build a mansion and have an expensive car after only two years of working. It can take 30 years of consistent hard work to acquire wealth. There need to be people about whom others can say: ‘I know beyond doubt that this person will never take a bribe.’” l
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