Computer Lab Makeover

After four weeks of trying to raise noise on the principal, deputy principal, head of department (Mbogo), and another computer teacher (Simon) about using my technology skills, and put me in the computer lab to improve it.  I was a little (well maybe not little, but very) frustrated on their ignoring me.  Mbogo is hardly around anyway, even when its during school hours.  Simon is new to the school, so being a Kenyan, he seem to want to follow the chain of command "culture" (meaning if not told to do so, then do not do so).

So, one day, I simply decided to take matters into my own hands, and started to move some computers around.  Simon joined me immediately and worked with me throughout the project.  Mbogo noticed some activity, and walked in and tried to "direct us" but we simply ignored him.  There were so many old CRTs (they got enough flat panels), old computers that I know are not worth keeping at all, but yet they kept it for years.

I taught them "eye candy" term, meaning when visitors come in to see the lab, they may think keeping all the equipment have their "shock value" or "awe value".  It seem to work for them because most of their visitors have no clue about anything, especially that so many computers did not have any power to begin with.

I also asked the principal and Mbogo where I could put the old CRTs and stuff that, as I explained, I would "encourage" thieves to steal, which is really more of "free labor" and "free disposal" for me.  All good stuff will remain in the lab.  But they seem not able to find any space.  So, again I took my own liberty and chose the so-called KSL office (not even one piece of anything is in it, except for broken chair, table with no tabletop, and one shelves) and dumped all the CRTs and old computers. The principal and Mbogo did not like it, and said that would be temporary (sure yeah right whatever), but of course they could not tell me to haul them all back in to the lab since they loved the new makeover.

Before: 10-12 desktop computers hooked but no power, and about 10 computers still in their boxes  Tables and chairs all over the place, and only 4 working computers but infected with viruses and many unnecessary software, drowning them into near-standstill.  Getting around the lab is a challenge with lot of walking sideways around the table edges. Not shown in the picture, above the shelf on the wall, there were like 20 old CRT monitors, along with some junk.

Amanda Herrell, previous PCV that I replaced.

After: All 20 desktop computers hooked and plugged into power.  Arranged all against the walls, and the middle table used for student study space with books and paper.  Teacher can teach class, then class can turn around and work on their computers.  All computers refreshed, so they hum well.

Simon Kaiga (computer teacher) and Mbogo (head of department of one staff)

Working on now: Setting up simple peer-to-peer networking on all computers, and having all computers save their files on one master computer for backups, sharing printer from it as well.  Will set up user id and password for all teachers and maybe single one for all students so teachers can protect their files, especially exams, from students prying eyes.

When I requested a meeting with Mbogo and Simon, Mbogo appear to try to set a meeting with the principal, which was cancelled due to other conflicts, so rather than waiting around, I kept asking Mbogo to have a meeting with just the three of us so that we all are on the same page.  Mbogo kept himself invisible for several days and I finally held his hand not letting it go during our greetings (Kenyans always greet by shaking hands every morning), asking when are we going to have our meeting.  So finally we had our meeting.  I asked Mbogo to explain his plans, and whether he thought the lab (after makeover) is all finished.  He answered that he thought it was finished, and wanted to discuss about covers for these computers.  Sigh.  Then I handed him the project plan that I typed up quickly earlier, and of course he s--t in his pants.  Naturally he agreed to everything listed.  He asked for a copy for himself, and one for him to give to the principal and explain the project himself (of course let him get the credit).

But then of course, as Mdogo was doing his vanishing magic trick, the principal decided, spontaneously, to come in the computer lab.  Fortunately Simon and I were in there chatting.  She was very surprised with the makeover, and we started to talk.  I handed her my copy of the project plan (chuckling because I end up showing it to her instead of Mbogo). We all talked about each task, and she suggested some more tasks to add to the plan, making it about 16 tasks.  They include, but not limited to, additional training for teachers, web site makeover, etc.

So I am very pleased how things turn out, even though it took me 4 weeks to make something happen that required only two days.  Simon and I work quite well together, and we simply are doing our stuff on our own with or without Mbogo.

School Opening, Sort of!

Two school weeks came and gone, but yet I feel I have not yet really started teaching.  There continue to be different interruptions (but they call them normal) that affect lessons.  

One big interruption that pretty much took up the entire day was inspection which was announced last Friday morning, which was unexpected for me.  The whole experience is a little heart-wrenching for Mzungus like myself.

Although each student had a "school supply list" which were sent out to their families through a newsletter, there are a few additional items each student are required to have.  So, an inspection of every student's worldly possessions were done by all teachers.  I was assigned to inspect Form 4 boys (seniors). 

The following items are required:  2 padlocks, 1 geometrical set, 1 long ruler, pens, one pencil, 1 mathematical tables, 1 dictionary, 1 atlas, 1 Bible (or Holy Quran if Muslim), 1 Golden Bells-Hymn book, pair of green (sky blue for girls) bed sheets, at least 2 blankets, a pillow and green (sky blue for girls) pillow case, 1 mattress, 1 metallic bucket, 1 pair of games shoes, 1 pair of black leather shoes, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, washing and bathing soaps, toilet paper rolls, good size towel, adequate inner wears, 1 spoon, 3 files, 1 warm school jacket, 1 calculator, 1 set of assigned reading books.

Referring to the "adequate inner wears", I asked for clarification as to how many is considered adequate.  They say at least two (yes two, for students staying in the boarding school for 3 months at a time).  Also, I am surprised about requiring their own spoons and mattresses, and toilet paper rolls.

So, all students have to haul every measly possession they have out of their dorms into the open, lined up, and be presented to the teacher.  I sat by a desk with a checklist, and instructed students to show me all the items above and inspected their trunks.  Again it was heart-wrenching to see so many of them having only ONE underwear, worn out few clothing, holes and worn out mattresses, and so forth.  Many of them did not meet the required checklist. 

The next day, those that did not meet the checklist (and/or outstanding fee balances) were sent home.  Yes, they travelled, mostly on their own, great distances to get to the school, and the principal decided to wait one week then have them sent home if they did not have everything.  About 2/3 of the student population were given their gate papers.  But fortunately about half of that 2/3 (sorry about the math) were able to travel to Karatina, the nearest "sizable" town (where I go for my groceries) and purchase the required items.  The rest will probably not come back until later next week (or not).

The school fees are about 17,000/= ($195) for three terms.

The previous Peace Corps Volunteer has been sponsoring two girls, and I helped facilitate and contributed to some.  I went to Karatina and purchased reading books and will buy a calculator for these girls.  I will also go to the bank and use my VISA to withdraw $195 in shillings to cover one girl's school fees (the previous PCV will mail me a check).

A Deaf guy working at the school.  He was a refugee from Uganda during their difficult times.

Holding a bowl of salt, everyone used their spoons or hands grabbing pinches of salt.

Kids washing their own plates and spoons.

Strawberries!  They are hard to come by, but I found them in Kenya's largest open-air fresh fruit/vegetable market in Karatina.

The school did not have table tennis (ping pong) balls for long time, so I decided to hunt them down and found them.  I drew "Wavy Jay" (my sign name) on the ball to tease the kids.

I found some "long life" milk (kept at room temperature), so I tried it instead of powdered milk with my cereal this morning. It was not too bad!

Machete!

When you see the picture above, seeing me with machetes, you (at least I would), probably feel terrified.  We Americans are not used to see anyone with such a large "weapon".  We often see those knives in movies, news, or newspapers where people kill or terrorize one other. Or maybe you think I am in some kind of secret fraternity.

But in Kenya, and I am sure for other countries like Kenya, these machetes are their way of life.  I have seen people of all sexes, almost all ages, and in almost all places carry or use these machetes.

• Three year old toddlers chopping down some tall grass.
• Old grannies cutting down their harvest.
• Students cutting down weeds and grass.
• Guys cutting down banana trees and bananas.
• Grounds guy trimming bushes.
• Grounds lady digging out overgrowth around bases of trees.

I always see village folk walking up and down the dirt roads or trails carrying machetes looking normal.  I always, in my own imagination, they decided they hate Mzungu and want to chop me.

Fortunately for the past four months, I have not yet had a scratch from a machete.

Kenya's Sexual Offenses Act

I came across a pamphlet that described in simplified manner the Sexual Offenses Act that they passed in 2006.  I thought it would be interesting to see what is considered serious, what isn't, and how that compares with the law in America.

Rape: Jailed not less than 10 years, can be increased to life.

Attempted Rape: Not less than 5 years, can be increased to life.

Sexual Assault (either part of his/her body, or of any part of an animal): Not less than 10 years, can be increased to life.

Defilement (at or under 11 years old): Jailed for Life

Defilement (between 12-15 years old): Not less than 20 years.

Defilement (between 16-18 years old): Not less than 15 years.

Attempted Defilement: Not less than 10 years.

Gang Rape/Gang Defilement: Not less than 15 years, can increase to life.

Indecent acts (with child): Not less than 10 years

Indecent acts (with adult): Not less than 5 years, and/or fined 50,000 shillings

Promotion of sexual offense with child: Up to 5 years, if a company, fined 500,000 shillings.

Child Trafficking: Not less than 10 years; if a company, fined 2,000,000 shillings.

Child Sex Tourism: Not less than 10 years, if a company, fined 2,00,000 shillings.

Child Prostitution: Not less than 10 years.

Child Pornography: Not less than 6 years and/or fined 500,000 shillings.

Exploitation of Prostitution: Not less than 5 years, and/or fined 500,000 shillings.

Prostitution of persons with mental disabilities: Not less than 10 years or fined 2,000,000 shillings.

Incest: (victim below 18 years old) For life

Incest: (victim over 18 years old) Not less than 10 years

Sexual Harassment: Not less than 3 years, and/or fined 100,000 shillings.

Sexual Offenses Related to Persons with Authority: Not less than 10 years.

Deliberate Transmission of HIV or any other Life-Threatening STD: Not less than 15 years, can be increased to life.

Administering a substance with Intent (e.g., drugged drinks): Not less than 10 years.

Cultural and religious Offenses (forced to have sexual act for cultural or religious reasons): Not less than 10 years.

Kenya's National Anthem & Pledge of Loyalty

Kenyan Flag

When Kenya got their independence from the United Kingdom in 1963, Kenya commissioned 5 people and a musician to come up with a national anthem for the new Republic of Kenya.

O God of all creation

Bless this our land and nation

Justice be our shield and defender 

May we dwell in unity 

Peace and liberty 

Plenty be found within our borders. 

Let one and all arise

With hearts both strong and true

Service be our earnest endeavour 

And our homeland of Kenya 

Heritage and splendour 

Firm may we stand to defend 

Let all with one accord

In common bond united

Build this our nation together 

And the glory of Kenya 

The fruit of our labour 

Fill every heart with thanksgiving. 

Now for the Kenyan's Pledge of Loyalty (Allegiance)...

I pledge;

My loyalty to the president and the Republic of Kenya 

My devotion to the words of our national anthem, 

My life and strength in the service of our republic 

In the living spirit embodied in our national motto, 

Harambee! 

And perpetuated in the Nyayo Philosopy of Peace Love and Unity. 

Notes:

Harambee is Swahili for "all pull together".

The Nyayo Philosophy became nationalism in 1980's by President Moi who was trying to pull the country together from its long history of tribalism. He said: 

"In unity and love lies our salvation and strength as a nation. Sectionalism, tribalism, and personality cults are destructive forces which the nation cannot afford today."

Maybe one day, I will work on coming up with KSL version of the national anthem and pledge of loyalty!