They taught us to write. We came back to write their legacy in our hearts.
In 2022, we marked our second year of honoring teachers from Ruai Primary School. It was a heart-tugging celebration. Joy was spilling everywhere!
We gathered to celebrate the legends. Who once stood at the blackboard and etched lessons into our young hearts: Mrs. Kamau, Mr. Mungai, Mrs. Wambugu, and Mrs. Mirichu.
Now respected senior citizens and forever beloved teachers.
As children of the 90s, these hands shaped us. The voices called out our names, usually with a mix of love and mild frustration. The eyes noticed when we finally “got it.” They made us smile 😊 and cry 😢.
In 2022, it was our turn to return the favor. We made them smile 😀 and yes, even shed a tear 😢 or two.
✨ Memorable Highlights:
📌 RETIREMENT has transformed Mrs. Kamau from “Teacher” to “Shosh”. A title she now carries with well-deserved pride and plenty of laughter. 🤣
We visited her on October 8, 2022
Read more about Shosh, But Make It Legendary: Honoring Mrs. Kamau of Ruai Primary.
📌 Mr. Mungai’s iconic striped suits and classic walking swagger have stood the test of time. Clearly, style has no expiry date. ⏰
We visited him on July 9, 2022
Read more about Mwalimu Mungai: The Striped Suits, the Keys & the Legacy.
📌 Mrs. Wambugu is living a fairytale. Happily married to her high school sweetheart. Be still, our nostalgic hearts! 🥰
We visited her on April 30, 2022
Read more about Math, Music & Mwalimu Wambugu: A Melody of Memories & Mentorship.
📌 Mrs. Mirichu’s journey in teaching was never about the pay. She followed passion, not the payslip. 💰
We visited her on February 12, 2022
Read more about Still Teaching, Still Preaching: Honoring Mrs. Mirichu’s Fierce & Faithful Legacy
📌 One more thing we learned? Good nutrition can reverse disease and delay death. Your plate could be your prescription. 🥦
But even as we celebrated, there was also space for sorrow.
Death stole away Mrs. King’oo and Mr. Mirichu. And with it, our chance to say “thank you” in person. Their legacy now lives in memory. A solemn reminder that the time to honor is now.
To the alumni who rallied behind this vision, thank you. You showed up, signed up, spoke up, and gave generously. Ksh. 266,000 was raised to fuel this initiative. And more than that, your time, laughter, and presence made it unforgettable.
We keep moving forward. Because gratitude should always find its voice. And this is ours.
📚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.
🗨️ Share your memories…
Which teacher left the biggest impact on your life and why? I’d love to hear your story in the comments!
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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