Community Service - Muslim Primary School in Kawangware

This weekend, the Community Service Team along with a diverse group of Braeburn Secondary School students attended the first session of the community service teaching project at the Muslim Primary School in Kawangware.

With a handful of activities surrounding several academic, skill and recreational areas, we taught lessons and participated in learning based games with children of various ages and interests.

From maths and English to art, origami and chess, we met our aim of providing an engaging and inspiring environment for all the kids. It was truly heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of so many and the deep sense of fulfilment we all felt when realising the impact we have on the days, weeks and lives of the children at the Muslim Primary school was unmatched.

I, along with the Community Service Team, wish to consistently pursue this project on weekends throughout the academic year and hope to see more students share their talents and passions with the community around us.

Kalkidan

Deputy Head Of Community Service

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi

On the 21st September, our school got the privilege to engage with the students of Muslim Primary school, where we taught pupils a multitude of subjects and shared an enriching experience. The day was filled with various interactive activities, including reading, chess, basic arithmetic and boat making. 

In English, we read short, alluring stories aimed at improving vocabulary and nurturing a love for literature. The students were highly engaged, and the positive feedback we received emphasised how much they enjoyed interactive elements like hangman. Transitioning to the maths session, we focused on developing their basic arithmetic skills, laying a strong foundation for tackling more complex problems in the future. It truly was surreal seeing the joy on their face after solving each question. 

Furthermore, in art, the atmosphere was buzzing with excited whispers as we introduced to the students the fun process of making a range of vividly coloured boats. They eagerly followed the instructions and looked at their finished product with awe. Once the task was completed, we took learning outside, where the students played games recalling their maths skills. For now they had to group themselves according to the number being called. 

Lastly, we introduced the students to chess, and it quickly gained popularity. Using a recycled chess board I made, along with a teaching board and a board employed in tournaments; I taught them the number of squares on the board, how each piece moves and the difference between check and checkmate. To make it entertaining, I called upon the students to demonstrate what they have learned and set up the board themselves. Though some were initially reluctant to come forward, as the class progressed, the number of students wishing to come to the board increased. This lesson not only improved their critical thinking skills, but also taught them the FIDE motto, “Gens una sumus”—a Latin phrase meaning "We are one family," reminding them that chess goes beyond languages and culture. 

In the end, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Njagi and our school for giving us the opportunity to share our expertise with the students of Muslim Primary School. The day concluded on a high note, with a number of thank you notes and cherished memories of lessons packed with fun and learning.

Lakshita Dutt

Year 11