Long Lie today as it's mid term so don't get up till 7.30-it's a beautiful morning as always. The garden of  the house is full of vegetation - we had some sugar cane from it yesterday. What a treat! We stop to pick up the two men who are goin...

Long Lie today as it's mid term so don't get up till 7.30-it's a beautiful morning as always. The garden of  the house is full of vegetation - we had some sugar cane from it yesterday. What a treat!

We stop to pick up the two men who are going to finish the chimney of the new kitchen on the way to school.

Back at school we have another look around and I realise where the dining room is for the first time and I can see why they have started work on a new one.  The  pupils don't like eating in there and it's a problem eating outside during the wet season. The foundations have been dug for the new dining room though and hopefully will be built soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Thursday... Stop on the way to school today to pick up some  aluminium for the chimney on the new kitchen. I can't imagine a Head Teacher doing this back home! Later met the gentleman who is going to make the chimney and he can apparently ...

 Thursday... Stop on the way to school today to pick up some  aluminium for the chimney on the new kitchen. I can't imagine a Head Teacher doing this back home! Later met the gentleman who is going to make the chimney and he can apparently make anything out of bits of tin. I am fascinated at how skillful and resourceful people are here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A lot has been accomplished by the time we get to school!

When Mrs Murithi told me that the assembly would be in the church beside the school today I had no idea what would greet me. The sound of these

young people singing and clapping in perfect unison with no musical accompaniment moves me down to the depths of my soul! It is unbelievably uplifting and the sight of their happy smiling faces is incredibly infectious! I manage to compose myself and soon discover as we sit up on the altar that I will be making another speech! For someone who doesn't have a track record for public speaking I am notching up a few this week!

As I sit there contemplating all that's going on around me and feeling totally at one with the world ... i suddenly catch sight of a large black cow with a rope attached storming down the hill towards the open church door! It's a bit of a dilemma I can tell you...is this normal/has no-one else seen it/should I scream/run???? It's amazing how many questions can go through your head in a short space of time.

 

Anyway at the last minute she decides to make a sharp  left turn and disappears into the sunlight.

Thank God I didn't scream!

One of the cows is to be sold as she's not producing . Maybe this was a plea?? 

I spend some time in classes today following up on plans from yesterday's link meeting-we want to find out what the pupils' thoughts are on the link partnership and what they hope to achieve from it. They put alot of thought into it and I have some very full post-its by the time we're finished.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch I take up the offer of a visit to the primary just next door and I'm so glad I did. They were all lovely! The inspectors were in paying a visit but the Principal still had time to come and welcome me and arrange for some one to show us round. The children were so respectful and so happy.

 

 

There is a pile of cement in the middle of the yard and they are going to lay concrete floors in the classrooms-at the moment they are just earth.

The school has a special unit for young people with learning difficulties and I was invited in to meet them. Only 3 pupils were at school today -6 of them missing- attendance is clearly a problem for them. The teacher tells me his dream is to make this a boarding unit and it is clear how much easier this would make life for all of them.  One young man is actually 19 and only started school 5 years ago.I couldn't imagine how or  what to begin to teach these boys and the teacher tells me they start with basic life skills-dressing/tying laces/washing then move on  to numeracy etc. I wonder why there is a mirror on the back wall and am told that's how they learn to speak properly-by watching the facial movements in the mirror an copying them.

In the midst of this sight- a bare room with an isolated cool down area in the corner and a shower behind it/a few desks, their smiling faces and the dedication of their teacher wash me with almost overwhelming emotion.I manage to remain composed .

I have just been round 7 classes who all stared in awe at the mzugu and have to smile when one of the boys sticks his head in to ask if I AM a mzugu. Am I starting to blend in? Kiamariuki Primary are also desparate to have a link partner - hopefully we can do something to fix that.

 

 

 

 

 There is a tremendous sense of peace and harmony here. Annritah wonders what happens to these lovely primary children when they go to secondary school and I am strangely encouraged at the thought that teenagers are the same the world over...human nature and growing up.

Back in school there is a quick meeting with the Deputy looking for volunteers to take charge of things at Saturday's Parents Meeting. It's quite different to staff meetings back home where everyone is sticking their hands up to say something and the staff are very quiet. Photo session follows with the staff as this is the last formal day of school

We head off then to Muthambi Girls School for the meeting with the Link Representatives from the other schools (we are over an hour late but that's Kenyan time!)I can finally hand over the well travelled crocodile to Mary from St Augustine's and it's good to meet everyone else. David is there too of course-his school is linked with Echline Primary in Queensferry and he has visited the High School in the past. He is very much the heart and soul of Edinburgh links with Meru and is clearly dearly loved and respected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The meeting goes well and one of the items on the agenda was sponsorship-each school had been asked for the names of pupils who would benefit from sponsorship.It was clear that the main difficulty was selecting a few from the number of needy cases in each school and their stories were varied-some of them were orphans but some from troubled families who at times ended up driven out of the family home. These names are passed on to Claire Soper in the International Unit of the Education Department in Edinburgh so if you are reading this and are interested in funding a pupil's education then please get in touch. I was surprised at how little it costs per year and you could always share the cost with other people.

A busy but very rewarding day and it was rounded off at a rehearsal of the Chukan Drummers-I had discovered whilst looking through some family photos with Mrs Murithi and her husband that they have musical connections and they had arranged for me to go along to their rehearsal. What a treat and they performed just for me!

 

 Absolutely amazing-they would go down a storm at  the Edinburgh Festival. They go down to Mombassa in the summer sometimes to earn money but travel costs are clearly an issue. So much talent and energy! I have a tiny wee clip of them in action-would love to see them in their formal attire I can imagine how impressive they are!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rufoLR2LurU

 

18th Feb:Happy Birthday! 21 again..I have a feeling this will be a memorable one so I decide to wear a dress and some heeled sandals. I know I am planting a tree today (- poor Claire- I will have to break the news to her that the one she planted has ...

18th Feb:Happy Birthday! 21 again..I have a feeling this will be a memorable one so I decide to wear a dress and some heeled sandals. I know I am planting a tree today (- poor Claire- I will have to break the news to her that the one she planted has not survived the Kenyan sunshine! ) but they are at the front of the building-a bit grassy but nice and flat!!!! ... no worries. Akuna Matata!

We have our link meeting today and I make a formal presentation of the gifts I have brought from school. We spend a few hours working on our Partnership Agreement and I think we are happy with the decisions and we are resolved to making sure we work hard to achieve what we intend to.

 

 

 

 

 

Finally time for the tree planting so off we go....but wait a minute....where are they off to? Oh..........the forest. perhaps the dress and shoes were not such a good idea. Anyway make it in one piece and hopefully with some of my dignity still intact! This is a fantastic occasion with everyone in high spirirts and lots of fun. It is so nice to take photos of people who want to be photographed- when the camera appears back in school in Scotland everyone covers their faces or hides behind something!

 

 

Anyway.. my moment of fame arrives and I plant my tree back up at the school. Christopher has been well warned tolook after it and I have taken his photo so there's no getting away!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manage to capture a few shots and we make our way back up for more drama rehearsals. I won't forget this birthday in a hurry! What a wonderful day!...home to wash my feet!!!

Did you know that safari is simply the word for a journey. I thought it was a bit presumptious of them at the airport when I saw the signs " Have a good safari". Manage to make it up in time and Mr Murithi is going to drive us along the road despite ...

Did you know that safari is simply the word for a journey. I thought it was a bit presumptious of them at the airport when I saw the signs " Have a good safari". Manage to make it up in time and Mr Murithi is going to drive us along the road despite the fact he's been to the hospital already this morning with a neighbour. Arrive promptly at 7am...but then this is a bit like South America ... we have a long wait. Pity the pub's shut!

Could top up my phone but then who would I call at this time of the morning? Only 4am back home! We are offered a lift on the Nairobi bus and he doesn't believe that's not where we're going...says we look like we're going there!

 Could maybe try the cart?? Or the motorbike taxi -now we're talking. Didn't think to pack my helmet though( they come over to try and gain our custom too!- we have been there for quite some time!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Anyway...fear not...school bus turns up about 8 and we're on our merry way!

The journey is a long one but we have a lot of fun on the way. There's something about being on a school bus that brings out the child in you! We soon have a game going to see who can spot the funniest shop sign-Will of God Hotel, Small  but Smart, Fair Cut Butchery, Psalm 23 Kiosk, Gender Equity Bar, Blessed Shop, Miracle Hardware, Emmaculate Salon, Vision 2030-That Hidden Treasure.

Vision 2030 is a Government scheme which aims at making Kenya a newly industrializing , “middle income country providing high quality life for all its citizens by the year 2030”."

 Anticipation mounts as we reach our destination -Ol Pejeta Game Reserve at Sweetwater.

We spend rather a long time at the entrance and when we finally get going we realise they were bartering to reduce the tourist price for us. Normally 3500 shillings for tourists (600 for residents) but on the grounds that we were visiting missionaries given a day off by the priest we were given admission at the reduced price of 1750! Wonder if we need to bless people as we meet them?? Must remember to behave!                        Spotted some rather interesting nests at the entrance..  

           Phares at the entrance...and big game spotting below. We spot our first Gazelle as we are waiting by the side of the bus and child mode takes control once more!

 We have a fabulous day and are soon jumping up and down and entertaining our Kenyan hosts with our shouts of delight. It's amazing being able to  see all these wild animlas just wandering around freely.

 

 

 

Robert our guide is very knowledgeable and we are kept entertained with his stories -particularly the mating performance of the ostrich who apparently performs a dance to attract the females! Sadly he was standing between 2 seated females when we passed but didn't get into the rhythm in time for us to see! Phares wrote a special poem as a special reminder of a fantastic day...

 

 

 

 

 

 

LION FOR LUNCH-

 

It was on that memorable Mardi

We paid Olpejeta – the Sweet Waters

For a midday feast;

At the door of the Tented Camp,

The bedecked doormen said ‘Karibu’- Welcome.

Soon in the wilds we espied

Swara the Gazelle –

Thomson and the Greater brother,

 

So we asked Swara: “Swara, could you Please

Let us have you for lunch?”

To which Swara bleated:

“No please, I’m much too small,”

Then she arrowed away.

 

With whetted eyes we

Cast further afield.

A rustle in the brush;

Brown shadows of fear- filled eyes

Signaled Kudu – Swara’s larger kin-

Water and Bush Buck.

They kept their distance

Reluctant to invite us

For lunch.

 

Ngiri the warthog, without a care

Playfully pranced about;

His plain face he no doubt knew

Would rob us of our appetite!

 

Punda Milia the Zebra, colourfully draped in black/white raiment

Greater and common competing

For fame, paraded placidly

Nipping scanty grass for succour.

We too craved nourishment,

So could  P.M. Please oblige?

But Zebra, bemused

Snorted, as if to say:

Didn’t we know the maxim

Beauty belongs to the eyes

Not in darkened stomachs?”

Ah! One meal more, escapes.

 

Nyange the white – plumed Ox-pecker

Failed to excite our fevered minds.

 

The hunt continued.

 

Then we saw her – the succulent Topi

A general sigh, some food at last!

Until a poet amongst us proclaimed:

“Eland is my muse, and not for abuse!”

 

We hurried on, hunger gnawing our guts

Then came Kongoni, proud  Hartbeeste

Chaperoning his herd;

A swing of those javelin horns

Kept us at bay.

But, our luck was in –

Over the canopy of the thorny acacia

A graceful neck,holding high head

Of Twiga, lofty Giraffe.

 

Disdainful, Twiga gazed at us;

She knew we’d need a ladder (none of which we had)

To get at her neck – and a meal.

 

We sniffed, vainly;

Brittle air devoid

Of aroma,

But for sly dust

Who with uncanny guile

Gave us each a fine grey-brown coat!

 

On a veldt we beheld

A sublime spectacle:

Mbuni the Ostrich stately stood

Between two coquettish hens; Resplendent in jet-black coat &

Snow-white shirt, ready to dazzle them With his dancing skills-

And a hope to win a mate!

 

Alas! How could we interrupt

 A noble cause as this?

Quickly we passed, quickly.

Farther afield

Four shadowy shapes slumbered

Under the brush.

It was Nyati the Buffalo

Sulking moodily –

Exiles from the main herd

Victims of Darwin’s decree ….

 

Here clearly was zero chance

To win a meal

From the brooding bovine.

 

At the Hippo Hunt we met

The dainty Colobus family:

Jimmy, jocose and jaunty;

The proudly aloof Karuri

And their shy sister Teresia

Too timid to show her face.

 

The Kiboko lazed, half sub-merged

On the banks of Uaso Nyiro;

Four seven – ton sausages.

The bull on duty kept guard

With one Martian eye open

 

For all our hunger, what fool would

Lock arms (jaws actually!)

With 4 seven – ton wrestlers!

 

No Mamba the Crocodile

On the languid Uaso Nyiro.

No Samaki the Fish either.

 

Our eyes still sharp we hit the Homestretch.

 

Then we spotted Tembo the Tusker.

Ndovu is feeding as all elephants do;

Gigantic mono-hand sweeps out

Mows grass, leaves, twigs

Then shovels the bundle into his mouth.

 

The sight is majestic, awesome,untouchable.

Jumbo pays us no heed

He goes on with his feed;

We, regardless our pressing need

Our eyes greatly sated

Gratefully chose to proceed.

 

 

No Faru the rhino

No Chui the leopard

Nor Duma, his weeping cousin

 

And ah, yes, no Simba

King of Olpejeta.

Maybe we should have started

At Mfalme Lion’s tent

From where he’d have ordered for us

A sumptuous lunch!

 

But we were glad really

That we didn’t have to kill

For lunch;

The feast our eyes enjoyed

Will last us many a day

And always we can come back

For a second helping!

 

Kwa Kheri (goodbye) Sweet Waters

Who knows, You’ll tell us ‘Karibu - Welcome

Another day!

 

By Phares

For Maureen Cordner

And a wonderful time.

February 17,2009

 

 

 

 Well up with the larks ( cockerel actually- around 5 ish...) Don't know when I dropped off to sleep as there was something buzzing loudly around the room for a while and it's amazing how you become obsessed with these things-put the light on a ...

 Well up with the larks ( cockerel actually- around 5 ish...) Don't know when I dropped off to sleep as there was something buzzing loudly around the room for a while and it's amazing how you become obsessed with these things-put the light on a few times to make sure the mosquito net was still there! Feeling on top of the world................

 

 

 

 

 

Monday is assembly day and the pupils are all gathered outside when we arrive. A few announcements from senior pupils and staff then it's my turn to make a speech. Seems to go well...but not sure how much they understood. They are all smiling anyway so things look good! The Principal then makes the announcement that the Deputy is leaving and the pupils seem genuinley upset and shocked. He is actually leaving next day so they won't have long to get used to the idea.It must be good to know you will be so missed.I have a tour of the grounds and the scenery is breathtaking with fruit and vegetables growing freely all around the buildings.

COFFEE PLANT             BANANAS!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONIONS                                                              MAIZE

 

 Get a chance to meet all the staff and am fascinated by the kitchen. I can't imagine how hot it is in there! This is the cooks busy preparing Ugali for lunch. They use huge wooden stirring spoons to mix it.

 

Soon break time and I am causing a stir again because I don't take milk in my tea. Hot milk is used for tea and coffee ...luckily Annrita is looking after me though and has ordered a special flask of cocoa which she knows I can drink with milk. Pampered or what!The lemon flask becomes my trademark. I wonder what has happened to it since I left??? A few people are caught out and pour it mistaking it for tea or coffee!! OOps!

After break I spend some time finding out a bit about the Curriculum then pop into all the classes to say hello and find out if they have any questions for me. Some of the classes want to hear me speaking Spanish and French and they find it highly amusing. Particularly my French... Bit rusty!! After lunch head off in the car up the hill to the edge of the National Forest and go off in search of good photo opportunities! But don't tell the park rangers because apparently you're not allowed to take pictures. They were very keen to know what was in my camera bag but I don't know what we said! The forest is amazing and I particularly liked the beehives .

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was slightly more concerned about the elephant prints though and keen to find out how fresh they were!On second thoughts maybe ignorance is bliss!

 There are auditions going on when we get back - the school regularly takes part in a national drama competition and theyhave just begun toprepare for it so I go along to watch and offer words of wisdom(!)

The pupils are wonderful! So keen and very genuine. Mr Mwangi is an inspirational teacher and it's a pleasure to watch him interact with the pupils. They are dramatising a poem he's written.

 

On the way home we stop at theroadside to buy some fruit but as usual inflation takes it's toll when they see me and the prices go through the roof.

 After the extortion of the sweet potato lady though it's refreshing to be given a gift of a bag of passion fruits by the lady at the next stall to make me feel welcome in Kenya!

It works!!! Restores your faith in humankind!

Have a rather funny experience further on when we stop to speak to the mechanic...this wee kid has absolute hysterics when she sees me and soon every kid in the vicinity has appeared to have a look at the Mzugu. Poor wee soul is laughing so much she falls over and ends up crying. Maybe I am a liability after all! Finally meet Annie and Tricia from Drummond tonight over yet more food. Have a laugh about the fact we are all drinking black tea! Causing a stir! Find out the plans for tomorrow- we are all going to the game reserve together on the school  bus....meeting at 7am....need to get up at 5.30!! Well at least I might defy the cockrel! Have you ever seen one of these by the way? It may look innocent on film but I nearly lost my dinner when it divebombed my ear! Gave Mr and Mrs Murithi a laugh anyway.  I'm sure it's just like having the children at home!

 

 

 

Stupidly decided to have a shower before bed as it's been a long day... just get myself ready and pow! the light go out...and they don't go back on... feel like mosquito target practice .....finally manage to find the torch which is across the other side of the bed, having banged my shin on the wood, struggled my way past the mosquito net and leaned over into the cot at the side of the bed...seemed to take forever. A few foreign words spoken en route!

Had a great sleep though I hope someone up there appreciates me getting up to be at church for 7.30am. Must be one in my favour surely! As soon as I step in the side door I realise it would have been worth getting up in the middle of the night a...

Had a great sleep though I hope someone up there appreciates me getting up to be at church for 7.30am. Must be one in my favour surely! As soon as I step in the side door I realise it would have been worth getting up in the middle of the night as I am greeted with the most amazing sight of hundreds of school children all in uniform and the sound and volume of their magnificent singing takes my breath away. Truly one of the most emotional moments of my life. My jaws actually ached from grinning! Singing, clapping and dancing in the aisles-what a sight to behold! I particularly enjoy the sign of peace when kids come from all over the church towards the row beside me so that they can work their way along and shake my hand! I wish I could have told them how much that meant to me.                                                                                     

Ann Rita and Michelle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a way to start a day and the rest of the day was just as good. Michelle keeps me entertained for a while and I have brought some dominoes and teach them how to play-she soon brings a few friends along and they join in too. Read the papers-some interesting stories - I discover for example that they have bullfighting in Kenya too! I won't go out of my way to see it though. A nice family day and Ann makes me feel really at home. We have a bit of a walk outside and I am quickly spotted by some kids who want their photo taken

 

 

 

 

 

...the surrounding coutryside is very lush and green and there are fruit trees everywhere.

Off to my new home on Sunday evening-Mrs Murithi the principal is going to be looking after me now. I am so grateful to Ann and Michelle for making me feel so welcome.   I'll miss them!

Mrs Murithi lives in a more rural area so plaster myself with the Jungle Formula before I leave the building as it's getting dark! ( 1 bite on the head last night just going from the taxi to the house. Wee devils must have mzugu sensors!) Just before bed I decide to ask what time school starts...wish I hadn't....7am!!!  Better get to sleep....hope the mosquito net's easy!

By some miracle I must have dropped off to sleep as it was soon daylight and I awoke to find myself entangled in the mosquito net-I think I had been wrestling it through the night. To my relief I had not been bitten! As I ventured out onto the balcon...

By some miracle I must have dropped off to sleep as it was soon daylight and I awoke to find myself entangled in the mosquito net-I think I had been wrestling it through the night. To my relief I had not been bitten! As I ventured out onto the balcony I realised why I had heard so many car horns-the bus or "Matatu" stop was right beside the hotel. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picked  up after breakfast and we headed off to the market.  It’s a bright and colourful place but I clearly stand out as the new girl in town and I quickly become the favourite customer of every seller!

 

 Interesting to see Barack Obama putting in an appearance!

 

   I manage to buy a few things for the school notice board at a reasonable price thanks to Ann’s bargaining techniques then we head off to the Animal Orphanage stopping on the way to order lunch. 

 

Having travelled a fair bit I didn’t think there was much left to surprise me in the way of traffic but Nairobi is something else. There seem to be no rules! As we approach a roundabout everyone just joins it at the same time then it’s a test of nerves to see who gets round first and with their vehicle still intact. As we drove through the city there were as many people walking around on the road as there were cars at some points. So glad I didn’t opt for the hire car! It's Valentine's Day and it seems to be a big thing here. I was greeted with "Happy Valentine's Day" In the hotel this morning and we greet a few people from the car with the same as we drive (slowly) through the streets.

 Much more relaxed in the Animal Orphanage!

And they are celebrating Valentine's day here too with paper hearts all over the cages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

These animals have all been rescued and it is unlikely they would be returned to the wild as they may not survive.

 We are lucky enough to be allowed in behind the cages as the lions have just been fed-glad there is some strong wire fencing between us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My first taste of Kenyan food was a memorable one. I had no idea what to expect though I knew we had ordered some kind of meat. As we waited for the meal to arrive I spotted numerous kettles and basins dotted around the restaurant and deduced they must be into tea in a big way! Wrong again! The waiter soon appeared at the table with a freshly filled kettle, the basin and some soap to wash our hands before eating. Luckily he came back again afterwards though by that time it was almost a bath I needed as we had to eat the whole meal with our fingers! Mashed potato with corn, finely chopped tomato .... not a pretty sight and didn't really match my clothes!! Tasted good though.Heading back into town I was surprised to see more than a few cows walking along the side of the main road! What an interesting day....and it's not over yet!

Around 6 we head off in search of a Matatu to take us to Chuka- my home for the night. There are no timetables we just have to sit in the bus until it's full so that we can head off. Given the attention I was getting earlier I wonder if I stand outside the bus will it fill  up any quicker....maybe not! We don't have to wait long and are soon heading out of town. Quite a long drive and it was  dark for much of it so not much to see. There are police checks at several points on the road and they randomly pull vehicles over to check them for ...who knows what. They had spiked rails across the road and you have to slow down so there's no avoiding them. It's dark when we reach Chuka and we get a taxi up the hill with my suitcases. I am staying with Ann and meet her lovely daughter Michelle - she had tried to stay up to see us but sleep had overtaken her and she was unconscious on the couch when we arrived. Dinner was also waiting and most welcome. Blissful sleep and sooooo peaceful after last night. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz 

 

 

 

 

  Departure day: Friday 13th…decide to follow the continental superstition that Tuesday 13th is unlucky and not worry about flying today. Slight delay in London but it gives me the chance to meet a few interesting...

Departure day: Friday 13^th…decide to follow the continental superstition that Tuesday 13^th is unlucky and not worry about flying today. Slight delay in London but it gives me the chance to meet a few interesting people - my first Kenyans- a woman from Milton Keynes returning to visit her parents (she missed her flight last night and is even more tired than I am after my early rise!) and another who also lives in England now and is going back to visit family. Also meet some Americans from Philadelphia who are going to spend 10 days in an orphanage, one of them a newly qualified teacher.

Met at the airport by Ann Muchiri-we have been communicating with text messages and it’s good to meet her face to face. Achieved one of my ambitions to be met at the airport by someone holding my name on a sign (the fact that there were about 50 of them and it took me ages to spot mine did not put me off!) I was then escorted to the Marble Arch Hotel in Nairobi- my home for the night.

I consider myself to be fairly well travelled but I must admit the mosquito net was something which had somehow eluded me until now. I found it to be something of a challenge! The fact that it was completely open down one side was also rather unnerving! I need not have worried because it soon became apparent that I could probably stay awake and watch for the little creatures anyway as I couldn’t imagine sleeping through the constant din of car horns, music and people generally enjoying Friday night. I vaguely remember when I was young ..................

 

Preparations are underway for the first visit to our link school in Kenya. I leave on Friday 13th or a 10 day visit to Kiamuriuki school community in Magumoni ,South Meru. The purpose of the visit is to become acquainted with staff and pupils in th...

Preparations are underway for the first visit to our link school in Kenya. I leave on Friday 13th or a 10 day visit to Kiamuriuki school community in Magumoni ,South Meru. The purpose of the visit is to become acquainted with staff and pupils in the school and visits are planned to neighbouring link schools where projects are already in place. M.Cordner