Kenya - Part 5 - St Steven's Academy

One of the most humbling events is my recent volunteer teaching experience during my travels to St Stevens Memorial Acadamy in Limuru, Kenya. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know the kids, mingle with them, and teach/show them a thing or two. My first impression -- WOW. The kids were absolutely AMAZING. From their manners to the discipline to the eagerness to learn to the attentiveness in class, it was all very heart warming. Their enthusiasm was intoxicating. Each morning, getting up and going to teach was not a chore but a sheer pleasure. No two days were alike; The adventure was different each day. Each class had its own energy and interacting with them meant required doing different things to reach them. Talk about "flying by the seat of your pants". For example, the class with entertaining and loquacious kids, a little dancing did the trick to get them going while another class with reserved kids, it took showing them pictures to muster their attention. It did not take me too long to gain their trust and love. A bond so strong, that just after a week and prior to my departure, the kids gave me letters and told me how much they were going to miss me. Leaving the premise was one of the hardest thing I ever did. How touched I was by the entire experience.

Is this what people feel when they love what they do for a living? Teaching is such a rewarding and fulfilling experience. At the end of the day, you walk away feeling like you have made a difference in the world. I have utmost respect for teachers but now appreciate them tenfold after walking a mile in their shoes. I cant thank Gladys, Linda, Anne, the teachers, and the kids for giving me this once in a life time opportunity. I will forever be grateful to you. Thank you for giving me this chance to walk beside you.

Here are some of the pictures that captures my heart while I was in Limuru, Kenya. Asante Sana Africa.