High School & Other Facts

On the Move Again

We packed up for the third time since we've arrived.  We are now back on Rosslyn Academy Campus, but staying at another Teacher's cottage.  One thing I am learning about Missionaries is that they have the gift of hospitality.  The family is already hosting another teacher who is on medical leave.  Their high school age son has given up his room so the three of us can squeeze into the bunk beds and cot while he sleeps on a air mattress in the living room.  And they do it all with a smile on their face.

One Hour Drive to School

Hellen's daughter Ann attends a Boarding High School about one hour outside of Nairobi.  Talk about one crazy ride.  You start out on paved roads and then on to rubble roads and then to dirt roads with large holes and then up a winding hill only to turn off on road that is supposed to be accessed by a motorcycle.  Thank goodness for 4 wheel drive.

Today was Ann's 14th birthday.  We wanted to bring her cupcakes, but she's not allowed food gifts.  In fact, she is only allowed visits from her mother on Wednesdays from 1:20 to 2:00 pm which is the lunch time.  We snuck in a box of chocolates and a package from Bath & Body with a pkg. of candy buried inside.  Well, it's her birthday and they wouldn't let us sing to her!

The school is an all girl's school with 800 students.  A few facts:
1.  Everyone wears the same uniform and responsible to wash their own clothes
2.  NO cell phones allowed - You will be suspended if caught with a phone.
3.  NO laptops or computers.  All work is done by hand and copied from blackboard
4.  50-60 Girls in a classroom
5.  You stay in the same class room ALL day.  The teachers come to you for your subjects.
6.  Class is from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  After dinner from 4:30-5:30 you study
7.  Rooms are 8 girls to a "cube" which consists of 4 bunk beds and each girl has a small locker under the bed for her personal belongings.  No dresser.
8.  Extra classes on Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00 pm.  After 1:00 pm is free time but you can NOT leave the school grounds.
9.  Sunday there are two church services.
10.  Cost:  $285 per term (3 terms per school year)
11. Most Kenyan kids do not get to go on to High School after Standard 8 because they just can't afford it and most of the high schools are private.

Teacher's Hours:  In talking to Ann's teacher we thought you would enjoy his schedule.
   1.  Leave home at 6:00 am to arrive at school at 7:30 am (1-1/2 hr. commute)
   2.  School day is 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  School duties till 5:30 pm.  Arrive home at 7:00 pm
   3.  Repeat Monday through Friday and work every other Saturday.





Birthday hug for Ann from Mom - only get to see each other for 40 min.

 

Girls on the march to get lunch

Each girl carries her own plate and then washes it after she finishes

Talking and enjoying short lunch break.  It must have been 90 degrees standing in the sun

Dormitory.  Notice the lines of laundry in foreground.  Sometimes underwear gets stolen

Ann's Form 2 Classroom (Sophomore) - 60 girls in her classroom

 

For all you parents with High School students.  Please share this page with them the next time they complain about how hard they have it in school.

 

Fun Petrol Fact      

The government regulates the price of petrol.  They change the prices on the 14th of the month.  Prior to Jan. 14. the price was ksh 1.22 a liter.  On Feb. 14. it dropped ksh 30 to ksh 92 a liter that equals $4.08.  That's down from about $6.00 a gal. when we were here last year.  Pretty Good!  One thing is that it's the same price at every gas station so no hunting for the best price.