Shishtoni

It is possible to reach Ngarenanyuki by turning off the main Moshi-Nairobi road at Malula [even though the sign says 'King'ori] and follow up the road through King'ori, Leguruki, Nkoasenga and on to Olkung'wado. The road is generally better than that through the Arusha National Park, but for us it was a considerably longer journey to go that way.

We worked with the schools and villages along this road and while perhaps there was greater need for environmental work at each end of the road, the middle part needed a focus on preserving the vegetation that there and of course enhancing it through planting programmes. There is always a need for timber and we promoted the ideal of planting five trees before you cut one [down].

There are always more routes to take than just the to get to any destination and that is so with the village of Shishtoni. We usually turned off the road some distance from Leguruki, taking a narrow and sometimes wet track which led to the village.

We were welcomed the first time by Mch Nassari for a orientation of the village. DME encouraged the Pastors to take advantage of our project and Mch Nassari was one of the first to take up the offer. His church was vibrant and he welcomed us by feeding us first - this is what happened many times because it was traditional that our long journey to reach there was recognized with the belief that we would require nourishment.

Mch Nassari showed us around the church grounds where he thought there was potential to plant many trees he then escorted us to Shishtoni Primary School. They too were expecting us because there was tea and roasted peanuts ready for us.
The Head Teacher was a woman who had the welfare of her charges at heart and we grew to love her. She was very interested in an environmental project for the school. She was grateful for the desks, text books, teachers' tables & chairs and other teaching aids.
The organization at Shishtoni Primary School was always very good and each time we called there, they had a prepared programme written out for us, including times. And the programme was kept to!

Shishitoni became a model school for us because the environmental project worked very well and we were able 'to show it off' to visiting friends or dignitaries. We could depend on the pupils to put on a cultural display - often without notice. And the kids liked to sing and dance for us.
We held a Harambee, which is a 'pulling together' where there is a feast and speeches and everyone makes a pledge to contribute something for a cause. The cause being the completion of more classrooms. The Harambee was a success and the Hon Baba Askofu came to offer his support.

The Deputy Head Teacher/environmental teacher brought the school environmental committee to our house in his Landrover at our invitation - actually I ferried some as well. This was successful and they all took plants home with them.
We helped the school set up a tree nursery and those trees were taken home by the students to plant around their homes.

A typical trick played on us at the school was when the Head Teacher told us that we had to be given a small gift, but not a goat as is traditional but instead, some bananas to cook at home. Outside we went and there was our gift - one very alive goat. - I was speechless! Actually in the end we gave the goat [named Shishtoni] to Amani as a wedding gift.










At our first Seminar Mch Nassari, Mwl Mafee, Joshia and Mags listen intently.













Loti and I explain things with the use of the flip chart










I inspect household plantings belonging to a young Shishtoni couple










A delivery of trees for planting around the Shishtoni Church - on the steps of the church










The Shishtoni environment committee sup on soda on a visit to our house and tree nursery










Tree deliveries to Shishtoni school - most were planted behind the school to provide shelter.










Senior pupils' choir sing for our guests. It was obvious that the teaching staff took an interest in cultural art.










The use of dry banana leaves and drums had the kids 'in the zone' - they loved to perform.










The dancing and singing continues.













The Deputy Head Teacher's daughter prepares sour milk for us in a calabash










Mags strums the ukulele as the students sing 'Tunapenda'










Prizewinners for best tree grown at three months old. Head Teacher third from left.













Head Teacher and her deputy stand beside a papaya tree. We grew some special ones for for an orchard at the school. Also some special coffee trees to raise school funds.













The Hon Bishop DME addresses the Harambee.










Keki [whole, cooked goat] is prepared for the traditional ceremony of sharing it.










A classroom made into a banquet hall! Always felt at home at Shishtoni.













Mch Nassari presents Keki to Mch Majola who is his boss - OiC District [of DME].










With Hon Bishop and school teachers after the Harambee.













This old guy joined in as the kids danced, then later gave a demonstration for us all - he was very good! He had nothing to give for the Harambee [he said] so he would entertain us - fair enough.









Now here's a good thing! We planted a special memorial tree at Shishtoni and some special friends of ours did the same. Their son and daughter also came later and here inspect their parents' tree. There is also a tree growing planted by these young people.










All schools were required to make a sign to show location and the Shishtoni sign included a copy of our logo. I thought it a nice touch from them!