Kiteng's Adventures

Ever had to change school in the middle of term? It is somewhat daunting when you are the only new person, everyone knows everyone else and they all have friends. Imagine how much harder it is when you come from a completely different community. Here is how Kiteng handled it.

A New School

“Hurry up Kiteng, you must not miss the school bus!” Mama called to me.

“I’ll be out in a minute!” I stood in front of the mirror smoothing back my braided hair trying to get used to the girl looking back at me. I was wearing my brand new school uniform, a smart gray skirt, white blouse, deep green, tie and blazer that sported the school emblem. I had to wear white knee length socks and black shoes. It was very smart and very far removed from the simple bright yellow free hanging dress that I wore at my missionary school back in the village. Nobody wore shoes and socks there.

I hardly touched my breakfast as I thought about how I would fit in with the children at Mazimba Academy, my new school. Would they know straight away that I was from the village? Would I be able to speak English properly like the city folks do? I was so nervous I really hoped I would not trip over and fall in my new shoes or embarrass myself in some way.

“Come along,” Mama said and took my hand as we walked to Baker’s Corner where I would wait for the school bus. How I longed for the familiar mornings in the village getting ready for school. I used to throw on my yellow uniform, after fetching water from the well, and pick up a snack from Grandma before setting off for school. I never had a school bag, just a small plastic bag where I carried my exercise book, a pen and pencil, and the snack that grandma had prepared for me. Akilla, my best friend, would be waiting by the large fig tree at the end of her road and we would walk to school together.

Akilla must be walking to school all by herself I thought a sense of loss creeping over me. My eyes filled with tears and I blinked them away quickly. I really mustn’t cry, I thought willing the tightness in my chest to go away.

“Don’t worry, Kiteng, you will make new friends too.” Mama said as though she had read my thoughts. She her arm around me and pulling me close up against her for a quick hug. “Akilla will always be your friend, and you will see her when we go to Mene to visit Grandma.”

“I know Mama, I just feel nervous about going to this big city school.” I said as we stopped at Baker’s Corner. “Mama, everyone will see me as the village girl. How will I fit in? Why can’t I go home to Mene. My missionary school there was very good.”

“Don’t worry, Kiteng,” Mama said again gently patting my head. “You are a bright friendly girl, of course you will fit in. Mazimba Academy is one of the best schools in the country. You are very fortunate to be going there.” Mama sounded a little bit impatient. “Just be your self and try to relax. It probably won’t be very different from St Mary Mene.”

The school bus drove up at that moment and Mama said her good byes and walked off to the regular bus stop.

As she walked away, I wondered if she had ever had to begin a new school like this. She didn’t seem to understand how hard it was for me. I boarded the bus trying to be as confident and relaxed as Mama expected me to be. I sat down at a window seat and looked around. I was the only person to board the bus at Baker’s Corner and all the children seemed to be looking at me and whispering to each other. They all seemed to know each other and I was the only one who sat alone. I looked out of the window wondering how I would make it through the day.

“Is this seat taken?”

Looking up I found my self staring at the bright smiling face of a boy who had just boarded the bus at the stop next to Baker’s Corner. His large eyes smiled at me and I couldn’t help staring at his untidy stubby hair. That would never be allowed at St Mary Mene.

“No” I replied in a quiet voice, looking away. “I mean the seat is not taken.” I felt flustered and uncomfortable under his steady gaze.

“My name is Ddamba, I am in Class 5.” He said as he sat down next to me. “You are new aren’t you? What Class are you in?”

“I am in Class 5 too.” I answered his last question first turning round to face him.

“This is my first day in Mazimba Academy. My name is Kiteng.”

“Welcome to Mzimba!” Ddamba still had that large bright smile. “It’s a great school. I’m sure you will like it. Everyone does. I will show you around and introduce you to everyone.”

I began to relax as Ddamba told me all about the school. Looking around the bus now, the children were all talking to each other and no one seemed to be paying any attention to me.

The bus turned into the school gates and my heart sank. Ddamba’s voice droned on but my mind could no longer grasp what he was saying. I was appalled at the sight of so many children! Even the buildings looked bigger, and more foreboding than they did on the day of the interview. I sat still in my seat, waiting for the children to alight. Ddamba had stood up as soon as the bus stopped and was already walking off towards the main building.

Oh why hadn’t I gone with him? I thought in despair. I slowly rose from my seat and moved towards the bus doors.

“Hurry up slow coach!” It was Ddamba he had come back for me!

I hurried to join him and we walked towards the school main building. At the large entrance I took a deep breath and set myself to face my first day at the new posh looking city school.

“God, please help me,” I whispered a quick prayer as we entered the building.