Our daily routine of early tea and a walk continued - today we did our walk in the valley opposite Sultans House which was a first. We noticed that everyday at 8am it got noticeably warmer as if someone actually turned up the heat, fortunately this was the time we returned from our walk.
Breakfast was its normal outdoor pleasure watching the birds coming and going from the bird bath. We saw bulbuls, slaty boubou, purple grenadier, white fronted go away birds and a beautiful tinker bird - we heard its loud call yesterday so it was great to see this elusive little bird.
Today we were off to Nikloriti nursery school - the first school we ever visited and were moved by in 2007. Then it was one breeze block room - now it has 2 primary classes, 1 nursery class and a kitchen for approx 60 pupils. A further building is under construction for a government head teacher and deputy which will be a big step forward for the school. It must be remembered that the buildings are nothing like those we see in the UK and are more of the character of small outbuildings......but they are really important for raising the aspirations and education of these young people. As this is one of the poorest areas the children get 2 meals a day - the plastic mugs we took means that they can serve the maize porridge in something substantial.
All the children and the 2 teachers had come in especially to see us - they greeted us with singing, which was brilliantly led by a bright young lad. We then spent some time with the classes testing them on the posters and making up,and getting them to put on, the animal masks that we had brought. We also gave out pencils - see today's picture which is with the nursery class.
We took some age related English exercises to help the teachers - one of the teachers couldn't stop looking at the books; he was smiling and totally absorbed - I was so pleased as it must be difficult to think up new ways of teaching with no supporting materials - I am sure the pupils will benefit no end from this small but clearly valuable addition to our gifts.
After a great visit which illustrated why we must keep sending things to the school we returned to our very different world of relaxing by the pool and having our last massage and facial. While I went to the pool John pursued his passion for packing which by the time I returned from the pool was completed and importantly he was happy!
We had a lovely supper and watched two DVDs one on Laikipia - aimed at promoting the area and one short informative film on the practice of beading - young girls as young as 8 are given to a warrior and wear his beads around their neck. They cannot become pregnant, but they do and then horrendous things are given / done to the girl to force an abortion or the baby is born and left to its fate in the bush. There is a move to educate and prevent this practice - some of the women talking on the DVD had been subject to beading and were now speaking out which was positive- a heart rending film but important to watch.
Sadly this was our last night of a really interesting, enjoyable and informative stay.