Laughter, Chalk & Legacy: Honoring Our Ruai Primary Teachers – Year 3!

When pupils return as storytellers, even the chalkboard listens.

2023 marked our third heartwarming pilgrimage back to Ruai Primary School. And what a journey it was!

We traversed the counties. With purpose and a few nostalgic tears. We honored four of our treasured teachers: Mr. Kyalo, Mrs. Kimotho, Mr. Waithaka and Mrs. Musinga.

These were the faces that, back in the 90s, made us laugh till we snorted and cry till we snitched. This time, the tables turned. We made them laugh and cry.

We hoped they felt the kind of appreciation that lingers long after the hugs and photos.

Highlights from Our Visits:

👉🏾 Mr. Kyalo, now in Matuu, has clocked 32 years in teaching. But here’s the plot twist. His first love was cooking, not classrooms! 🍳

We visited him on November 4, 2023

📚Read more about ✨ Mr. Kyalo: Punk Hair, Painful Slaps & Priceless Lessons.

👉🏾 Mrs. Kimotho, still living in Ruai, has taught for 33 years. She’s now teaching a second generation. Our children’s teacher! Talk about legacy.

We visited her on August 5, 2023

👉🏾 Mr. Waithaka, now retired in Nyeri, hung up the chalk after 35 solid years. Would he do it all over again? “Yes,” he smiled, “with the same chalk in hand.”

We visited him on May 6, 2023

👉🏾 Mrs. Musinga, based in Kangundo, gave 35 years to molding minds. Her dream was to become a nurse, but God enrolled her into a different kind of healing. Healing ignorance.

We visited her on February 25, 2023

Read more about Mwalimu Musinga: Gentle Hands, Giant Heart

We laughed about school punishments, mimicked their voices, and celebrated the small moments that defined our big futures.

It was good to be home with you, Waalimu!

A Bittersweet Note:

We also remembered Wahome Kariuki. Our gifted group artist.

He drew 12 out of the 13 portraits gifted to our teachers. His artistic hand may have stilled. But, his legacy is etched in every stroke he made.

Wahome took the road we’ll all travel one day. May he rest in color.

Deepest Thanks:

To every alumni who showed up, stood up, and sent in support. Asanteni sana! Together, we raised Ksh. 366,000, poured in time, ideas, and love.

You proved again that the spirit of gratitude is alive and kicking (and sometimes wearing school uniform in our memories).

Let’s keep this fire burning. Because gratitude is a legacy too.

📚Read other inspiring teacher stories:

👉 Click the links above or check the “Alumni Stories” category on my blog.

🗨️ Share your memories…
Which teacher shaped your childhood in ways you still carry today? Share a memory that still makes you laugh… or cry.

📌 #CelebrateYourTeacher #RuaiPrimarySchool #AlumniLove #MemoriesWeCherish #ReturningToSayThankYou #LegacyOfLearning #TeacherTribute #WahomeKariuki #ThankYouWaalimu

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