Before we talk about today, last night when we returned home to Savelberg, we came with all the art our respective students had created. In each of our rooms, we sorted through and made piles for each student, ohh and aahwed and occasionally had a moment thinking back on these students. I believe Margaret and I were up well past midnight considering all that had occurred over the last two weeks and how it felt like we had crammed in a semester of learning into 2 weeks and that they all just prospered.
With that being said, I could not pick out art from each student in forms 2 to bring back and Margaret was able to for Forms 1 which is probably a good thing because she had a rowdy bunch being freshman (form 1). I know both of us had a hard night sleeping with anticipation of today and it felt so much like an end of something that was so enjoyable and engaging.
Margaret the marathon shopper, did her deed today at Village Market in Mathiaga. Our driver/friend Franco is the best, he knew were to take us. I must admit, I also shopped a bit. I think that Margaret and I have started to sicken of Nairobi Java as we had it for lunch and it felt lackluster and not nearly as exciting as the day we started. Both Margaret and I realize that we could actually maybe eat at other establishments the next time.
When we got to school with paintings, celebration materials, certificates and pens to hand out in thanks, the walk from the street to the school through raw sewage and people's front yards where they had become used to us walking daily felt so sad and an end to this amazing journey with the students and our own personal selves. We had become accustomed to being accosted by children in their Swahili English shouting " how are you?, How are you?" and when you respond, a look on their face like, "Oh they said something?" and then you would hear, "I am good, Fine or Welcome".
When we entered the school, it felt like we were just part of the flow of the school and the students expected us. On a pretty regular basis, school never started on time for a myriad of reasons ( I call this Kenyan time), the children lunch between 1-2 and sometimes got served late or the office which we stored our stuff was not unlocked, so Margaret and I got in the habit of standing at the front door and welcoming each and every one of the students back by shaking hands and saying hello. It was always nice when the students would say hello and grab your hand before you did. They definitely made an impact on our lives and I feel us on theirs. Margaret and I who started out without children, and now feel like we have 2 classrooms full of "our students".
Before celebration began, Margaret went over with her class the pictures she had chosen to take home, while I handled out all the art to my class to have them select what I could take. Each approach worked well with the different temperaments of our classes. My student quietly went through their work selecting and sharing and Margaret's class quiet looked at her choices. Then we both introduced the "readers" that will reside in the library for them to learn about the art and artists we taught them. They all loved it and clapped when we showed them that this would be there for them. Then we both handled out certificates/pens as commencement of sorts and then off to celebrate.
One never knew how big of a deal 3 2-liter bottles of soda could have on a group who only has water. This was great and they totally perceived a celebratory time with this and the chocolates we brought for them. We talked about photos that they had taken and we showed them about 40 out of the thousands that they captured and explained how they told a story. They loved it and they were so excited, it felt like the school had a bright and shiny light around it.
There was lots of, "I will miss you" or " I learned so much" or "when is the next art class". These students are amazing without a doubt. When I asked them, what are the 3 things that I say about you every day, they all said out loud, "I am Smart, beautiful and important".
All had talent but some of these students showed exceptional potential. Jacob, who we have encouraged to continue, left him with supplies all his own. He is a wow artist.
After our celebration with the students, we met with Kiambi (headmaster) and Beatrice (deputy headmistress) and talked about our two weeks and they were so happy with how the work went. We talked about what we had taught and our methods, how we engaged the students and shared the finished painitngs. They laughed at the photos as well as realized the reality of the story that was being told. They were amazed and continued to say how they never knew that their students had such talent.
This moved into "what is next" and they agreed to continue to engage these students with art, with our help to create an art club and have art time for these students on a weekly basis who have taken the Art Immersion Class. We also discussed 2009. We have set dates when the 2nd year of the Art in Kibera/art immersion program will occur.
As we both walked out of the school and up the walk that we have come quite versed in navigating, we both discussed later what a lose that it felt like was happening by leaving Kibera today. I think had you asked us a week before our first trip to Kenya if Margaret and I would be creating curriculum and going to teach in the largest slum in Africa, I think we would have both wondered who had spiked your coffee. Now that it has become a reality and as Kiambi said "was a pilot and now is a program that we deliver", I can only share how excited I am to have this future with these students whom are smart, beautiful and important.
We would like to thank you all for your support, concern, interest and downright love you have given as it relates to this trip. We carried you all with us in our thoughts.
Be well and see you all soon.
Charles and Margaret
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