Honoring 30 years of wisdom, wit, and the woman who raised more than her own kids.
On 28th November 2020 (at the height COVID-19 pandemic), we sat at the feet of a legend. And this time, no one was holding a mwiko.
We returned. Grown, grateful, and slightly greyer.
We celebrated one of Ruai Primary School’s finest: Mrs. Sikuku. Our no-nonsense yet warm-hearted Home Science and Kiswahili teacher.
She retired in 2014, after 30 unforgettable years of service. But truth be told, we never graduated from her school of life.
In class, she taught us how to fold samosas, stitch with patience, and polish our Kiswahili essays until they gleamed. Outside class, she modeled discipline, resilience, and grace. The kind you don’t teach, you live.
She’s a woman forged in fire.
In 1993, after losing her husband (a Pastor) in a tragic car crash, she did what many would consider impossible. She raised four children alone. She still showed up. Pressed, punctual, and powerful to teach us.
We sat and broke bread with the woman who taught us how to boil eggs and stand tall. Both lessons still useful.
We laughed as we told her she missed her second calling.
She could have been an exceptional policewoman.
She had the voice, the posture, and that signature radar for mischief. Even when it was hiding behind innocence. Sisemi kitu.
Her laughter. That deep, belly-rich chuckle
We were reminded why we came. It was not just to honour her. It was to reconnect with the better versions of ourselves that she helped craft.
“You people have grown tall, yes, but I still see the naughty ones in there,” she said, laughing.
She spoke of her journey and her gratitude. She felt joy as she saw her “children” return. This time, they returned not for correction. But for connection.
It was moving. Grounding. Holy, even.
Then came the moment of joy:
Our gifts to her. Wrapped with care, received with tears. The loudest “thank you” we could give for decades of quiet sacrifice.
It was more than a visit. It was a full-circle moment.
Mrs. Sikuku, your legacy is evident in boardrooms, hospitals, and kitchens. It thrives in classrooms, pulpits, and maybe even Parliament due to the values you sowed.
You taught us to iron our clothes, sharpen our minds, and guard our hearts.
We are grateful. We are better. Because of you.
“Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” — Hebrews 13:7
📚Read other inspiring teacher stories:
- 2024: The Bell Rang, We Came Back: Honoring Ruai Primary Teachers
- 2023: Laughter, Chalk & Legacy: Honoring Our Ruai Primary Teachers – Year 3!
- 2022: When the Students Give Back: Ruai Primary Reunited, Retired, and Remembered
- 2021: Nine Families, Countless Blessings: A Journey Back to Those Who Raised Us
👉 Click the links above or check the “Alumni Stories” category on my blog.
💭 I’d love to hear from you!
Did you ever sit in Mrs. Sikuku’s class? Or know a teacher who left a lifelong impact on you?
Share your favourite memory, lesson, or laugh-out-loud moment in the comments below. Let’s give her flowers while she can still smell them. 🌸💬
🔖#CelebrateYourTeacher, #LegacyInLearning, #RuaiPrimary, #UnsungHeroes, #TeachersMatter #MrsSikuku #HomescienceHero #KiswahiliQueen #LegacyOfFaith #RememberYourLeaders
Joseph Ngaara is inspired by people’s life experiences. Do you have an intriguing life story and need to share your triumph or tragedy? Email: j.mungai@hotmail.co.uk