He taught Maths. He wore a tie like it was armor. He walked like every step was a bell ringing for assembly.
We knew him as Mr. Githinji. Our Maths teacher and Head Teacher at Ruai Primary School.
On 23rd May 2021
We saw him with different eyes. Not just as the man with the chalk, the register, and the tie. But, as the quiet architect of our lives.
He left Ruai in 1998 after 13 years of firm (and fast) leadership. Yet, when we met him in 2021, decades later, he still walked briskly. It was as if he had a school bell to catch.
Upright. Purposeful. Head held high.
Some things just don’t age. Or do they?
Teaching, we learned, wasn’t his first love.
Not even his wife’s preferred a teaching career path for him. But God had other plans. Plans that involved patience, discipline, and a whole lot of chalk dust.
We laughed about the maize we planted in 4K Club and never harvested. Apparently, we were better dreamers than farmers. 🌽
But behind the laughter were memories of a man who saw beyond grades and games.
He was the hope
Of pupils who had no shoes, no books, and sometimes no lunch.
He was the quiet voice that said, “You matter.” Even when life said otherwise.
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas). She was always doing good. She was helping the poor. Acts 9:36
We brought him tokens of appreciation.
On this day, my former classmates returned with gifts in hand. But these were nowhere near the gift he gave us. He provided 13 years of presence and leadership.
He had steady belief in young people who weren’t yet sure of themselves.
There are people who teach. And there are people who build futures in silence. Mr. Githinji did both.
Mwalimu, it was good to be home with you. Your tie may have changed, but your impact hasn’t. 🙏
📚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 have a teacher who changed your life?
Share your memory below of a Mwalimu who saw your potential before you did.
I’d love to hear your story, your gratitude, or even that funny classroom moment you’ve never forgotten. 👇🏽
#MrGithinji #HeadTeacher #RuaiPrimary #MwalimuForLife #4KClubThrowback #LegacyBuilders #TeacherTribute #ThankYouMwalimu #WalkingWithWisdom #Acts936
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
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