It all started in 2008 when we first heard the request, "please can you build us a school." Students were learning in the open air under trees without shelter. The nearest secondary school was ten kilometres. In 2013 Canadian Lynn Zolinski dedicated Musaga SS in memory of her daughter Deanna O'Neill. Since then CES has added 4 additional classrooms, electricity and now a new Kitchen.
From the original mud hut kitchen to a modern functioning facility...it's like the difference between night and day.
How do you feed 300 students twice daily with tea breaks in between under these conditions? Impossible.
The Musaga Kitchen has been a work in progress over the past three years. Thunder Bay's Lynn Zolinski has been the driving force with hundreds from her community coming alongside. July 8, 2016 we told Deanna's story, how miracles of good will often emerge out of a tragic event. 1200 people had gathered at Musaga SS, teachers, students, parents, community leaders - all except the local MP had walked to get there. Trees were planted by four Canadian CES volunteers. Kids were sitting in trees, pressed against fence posts, standing on roof tops just to get a glimpse. Musicians played, dancing started and despite the hot day all were in a great mood. Tents provided much needed shelter.
The ribbon was cut, doors opened as we got our first look at a brand new facility. Plaques to commemorate the occasion were unveiled. The party was now in full swing.
First the honour guard of scouts and girl guides raised the flag. The Kenyan national anthem was sung in both English and Swahili. Speeches in Kenya tend to go on...and on...and these did. No complaints. CES students offered their welcome in song and dramatic verse. The band began with rhythms from an electronic keyboard. Dancers emerged from the sidelines and like cheerleaders got the crowd involved. Visitors were wreathed in colourful garlands and given special shirts to wear. Women using "udhalili" shouted their high pitched praises during the celebrations.
In Kenya one cannot leave a place without some tea or a meal. The chief cook and a dozen students prepared a fantastic Kenyan feast. The big size jiko ovens made the difference. Entering into a quiet zone of enjoying our ugali (maize base), githeri )beans), sukuma wiki (similar to spinach) rice, nyama coma (roasted meat) and kuku (chicken) with lots of soup (gravy), we washed it all down with warm soda. Mangos for dessert. No cutlery required or available - Delightful!
There is every reason to believe that Musaga SS will thrive. Nutrition and good food are key to healthy learners achieving their best. The new kitchen will do just that. At the request of CES, the school made a decision to keep the old kitchen as a reminder that we can only be thankful when we understand where we have come from.
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