I didn't know what to expect from a few days in Kawama School.I had seen photos and heard
stories but unless you are there, experiencing the heat, dust and countless smiling faces and
waves, you have no idea.
The drive into Kawama is certainly an unforgettable experience. The enormous pot-holes which
had filled with water from the night's rainfall made for a bouncy ride and seeing the different stalls
with tomatoes, drying fish and endless barbers introduced us to this different place. The sounds
and smiling faces of the children however is what I'll take from that ride. They were literally unable
to contain their excitement and were jumping about and running alongside the bus. Never will we
experience such a greeting again. Our entrance into Kawama School was similarly overwhelming
as children ran up to and onto us, introducing themselves and wanting to hold our hands or have a
cuddle. That moment of entirely mutually joy and kindness was pure and heartwarming.
The interviews and home visits were eye opening. Yes we saw differences: some very difficult
stories and experiences were shared and implied but there were far more similarities than I
expected. Hearing the children's favourite subjects, their favourite dishes (often chicken and rice
- something I adore!) seeing how much pride mothers had in decorating their houses and hearing
how they celebrate birthdays and weddings bridged what I had thought would be a significant gap
and brought out the common humanity that we share.
As a teacher, I have been eagerly awaiting the teaching days. I signed up for the baby and
reception class since I thought that would be great fun and different. Slightly apprehensive about
the class size and the language barrier, my team was struck by the discipline and enthusiasm that
Teacher Florence had created. Lots of rote learning and songs as well as an impressive amount
of enthusiasm and energy went into the lessons. It was equally incredible seeing the children get
involved and progress but also seeing the Cranleigh pupils rise to the challenge and really give the
best of themselves to these few hours. That ultimately is the aim - learning and fulfilment on both
sides.
It is hard to sum up my thoughts on Kawama School and Beyond Ourselves. I am impressed by
the school's physical appearance but I still dread the moment of going to the loo. I really enjoy
the nshima, mostly because of the delicious sauce that comes with it and eating with your hands,
but am deeply saddened to think that this is what people eat all day, every day, and many do not
get it more than once a day. I love playing with the children, picking them up and giving them a
cuddle, but come close to tears when I see the older girls and think these are their last years of
childhood as they are likely to soon get married and have children of their own. The fact that the
community ended up paying for their borehole themselves, with Beyond Ourselves merely acting
as facilitators by setting up the clothes sale, gives tremendous hope and encouragement but it also
reinforces the long journey left. I guess I am left thinking that it is a work in progress but a work
that is in very safe hands both from Beyond Ourselves and from Kawama itself. In the words of the
chant, "Mighty mighty Kawama" is definitely a happy, enthusiastic, energetic and hopeful place and
I love being a part of it.
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