REPORT ON KALUKUNI SECONDARY SCHOOL FOLLOW UP VISIT ON 7TH NOVEMBER 2009

One year ago, CEK in partnership with Computer for Schools Kenya (CFSK) granted Kalukuni secondary school twenty computers for their Computer laboratory. The school had taken initiative of constructing a computer lab, but was unable to purchase the facilities to enable students to learn computer science. CEK and CFSK therefore came in to assist them acquire the computers. And so we did.

There is a common saying that if you want to help a villager, you don’t give them fish; instead, you teach him how to fish for himself. Well, as true as this may seem, I just learnt that the villager will most of the times know how to fish better. You don’t each him, because chances are they already know. You empower him! Give him fishing nets and hooks! And a boat too.

A year later; on November 7^th 2009, CEK paid a follow up visit to the school, to monitor and evaluate the progress made so far by the school community in respect to the use of the computers.

The young enthusiastic students were very happy to have CEK pass all the schools along the long 300 kilometer stretch from Nairobi to Matuu; just to land on their school. This was extremely special to the whole school. It was amazing, for the second time round, to have a group of very young Kenyans with visionary ideas and the Globe’s prosperity at heart. Young scientists who are determined to see follow mankind make correct decisions for peace and tranquility of the nation, continent and the globe. Love and concern for the young students was outstanding; never heard of. The superstitious dogma spewed forth by the society has become the youths’ greatest enemy. To break ranks, we have to do something that has never been done before; and so we did.

The students were taught a myriad of processes; from computer programmes, career choice and preferences to study skills and motivation. They shared their dreams, ambitions and hopes. CEK did not fail to strengthen those believes in greatness, because we understand that they are, or sooner they become, the blueprints of our lives. Students were very happy to learn that whatever they dream of, can, after all, be achieved. This was in a practical way, in that they interacted with young people who have gone through the same path, and made it. Be it Doctors, veterinarians, journalists, Engineers, Economists etc. all were present, as young as they appeared, in flesh and blood. This is the essence of inspiration; Motivation into doing something realistic, something evident, the understanding that there are no unrealistic goals, only unrealistic time frames.

The students were taught not to be afraid of taking big leaps or one big step forward, because you can’t cross a chasm in two small steps. And so the understood and believed. More importantly, put their minds into it and promised to work smart, till the day they see their dreams unveil!

CEK had a lot to learn as well. Great lessons, the most outstanding one being the “Water Key project” in Kalukuni secondary school. This is a technological masterpiece where a bore hole is computerized, pumping water only when a water key is inserted. This water key has to be loaded with credit, to be able to access water. Talk about young minds put to good use!

All in all, the school was seen to have made very commendable progress, and is one good example of empowered minds. CEK hopes to continue mentoring the school, and even take up other schools and implement such projects. This is a clear license to development of the world. Science education is the key!