Miss Jackson in Kenya: End of term

At Tirrim Secondary School we are almost at the end of term 1 as the academic year started in January. Students hope to travel home on Friday.

Last week all students sat end of term exams and are now really getting into the end of term spirit! Before they can finish, though, there are some jobs to be done. Prefects assign fellow students various duties and these are checked by staff.

All the desks are brought outside where the wooden parts are sanded to remove graffiti/writing and the paintwork is touched up.

Empty classrooms are swept

And then the rooms are 'mopped' using a rag

Dormitories, toilets, and bathrooms all receive similar treatment. Then the compound needs tidying especially clearing up all the wind-blown rubbish and paper.

Class teachers are busy compiling exam results and writing report cards.

I helped fill envelopes with a newsletter, report cards and remaining pocket money then supervised the video; students who had done their jobs correctly were allowed to watch a DVD (we watched Human Planet - the episode about deserts!) until clouds came and there was no solar electricity.

There's a bit more cleaning to do tomorrow and students must also sign up and pay for transport home. Tomorrow evening there's a closing ceremony where everyone will get their reports and the top achievers are congratulated. Finally, on Friday morning once blankets/dorm keys/light bulbs/batteries are handed in, they will be dismissed. The bus will take students towards home but it is likely that they will have to go much of the way on foot as many roads are impassable after the rain which has brought flowing rivers and lots of mud.

We want to leave for Nairobi on Friday so we can do our supply shopping and get to the coast for a few days. Our only viable route out of Korr is by plane, but we are still on the standby list for Friday's MAF shuttle service. We pray that an extra plane is put on and that we all, students included, have safe and smooth journeys.

UPDATE 16/4/13