Honoring the teachers who shaped us. With chalk, chords, and courage.
This is Mr. Gicharu. He taught us Art & Craft, Music, Kiswahili, and Home-science. With a voice that struck both awe and obedience.
We’ll never forget those dreaded long nails and his go-to punishment: “Four laps around the Olympic-size field. Now!” 🏃♂️🏃♀️
Clad head-to-toe in brown.
Brown coat, brown corduroy trousers, brown half boots 🥾. And his iconic brown leather bag 💼. Mr. Gicharu was a monochrome mystery.
According to him, the brown-on-brown fashion wasn’t his vibe. It was just the look of an untrained teacher in the 80s.
In his words, they were “earning peanuts.” 😅
He landed at Ruai Primary in 1985. His second post. And stayed 17 whole years. In our tiny eyes, he was long, not tall (you’ll get it if you get it 😆).
We nicknamed him Phantom. Not for his stealth. But, from a scary and comic strip cartoon in the Daily Nation (in the 90s). A superhero of sorts.
But Mr. Gicharu’s most unforgettable moment? His bee-fighting bravery.
When Class 1 pupils were swarmed by bees. After a careless act from a staffer who promptly bolted for dear life, it was Mr. Gicharu who ran toward the chaos.
He swatted, shouted, scooped children to safety. And paid the price: shattered glasses, a swollen face for a week, and medical bills on his tab. 🐝💥
No greater love than this: that a teacher would lay down his comfort. Almost his face! For his pupils.
Unlike the hired shepherd who flees at danger, Mr. Gicharu stayed.
On March 2, 2024, we, his former pupils, sat with him.
Laughed and looked back. We celebrated the chalk dust and chords. We honored the field laps and clef notes. He taught us love without a textbook.
And true to form. Being a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, he reminded us all of Isaiah 43:10 — “You are my witnesses.”
Mwalimu, today we honor you. Thank you for not just teaching, but standing in the gap. When it stung. Literally. 💛
📚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!
Do you have a memorable story, lesson, or laugh shared with Mr. Gicharu? Or a teacher who shaped your life?
Drop it in the comments below! Let’s honor the unsung heroes who raised us with rulers, rhymes, and relentless love.
📌 #TeacherTribute #UnsungHeroes #RuaiPrimary #ArtAndCourage #ThrowbackTales #FaithfulTeachers #ThankYouMwalimu
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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