3rd Block Begins Construction

Much has been done by the Community since the last report early in October. The contract was signed with the builders for the construction of the 3rd block of classrooms, and building started right away. The block is to consist of 3 general purpose classrooms for the 3 streams of Form 3 and a science laboratory for use by the whole school. The design is similar to that used for the first two blocks.

By the end of the school term on 21st November, the foundations had been laid and walls were already half built. Much of the material used for the foundations consisted of stone excavated on site when the underground water tank was constructed – thus helping to keep building costs down.

3rd block under construction
The new construction in progress.

Form 2 East
Form 2 East with their English teacher.

Visit by Professor Karega Mutahi

On 19th November, the school had the honour of hosting a visit by Professor Karega Mutahi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education. Prof. Mutahi, whom I have known since 1995, was brought up in a poor rural area and herded goats until his family could afford to send him to primary school, aged 9. He excelled in school and university and became a professor of comparative linguistics before entering the civil service and rising rapidly to the rank of Permanent Secretary. During his tenure in the Ministry of Education, Kenya has introduced free primary and secondary education, vastly increasing the number of children attending school.

In October 2006, I briefed Prof Mutahi on the Community’s proposal to build a secondary school, and he has been most supportive of the project. During his visit, I understand that he agreed to the proposal, made by the school management and the Community, that the Ministry of Education should appoint and pay additional teachers. This is very good news as it should improve the quality of the teaching and, at the same time, reduce the cost of employing locally recruited teachers, now borne by parents and guardians.

Mr Karega Mutahi arriving at Got Matar
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Karega Mutahi, in between the Principal (left) and the BOG Chairlady (right), arriving at Got Matar Secondary School.
The Permanent Secretary and the Chairlady, Mrs Grace Andiki
The Permanent Secretary and the Chairlady of the Community Development Group, Mrs. Grace Andiki with contractors and reporters.
Students at break
The chief in uniform is arriving in school
and some of the students are out for break.
Classrooms
The Form 2 block of classrooms at the front and Form 1 at the end. Within the same block is also the library and the administration block.

Andrew MacMillan
November 20th 2008