As I reflect upon all of the events of this past week one moment sticks out in my mind - a conversation with my Form 4 student from Mawe Secondary School. After our exceptionally successful VCT Testing and tree-planting day at Mawe on Tuesday, one of my Form 4 Students, Miriam, joined Ibra, Bryan, Dre, and myself for a chat before the YESS team left for the day. Miriam is one of those students who you’ll always remember as a trainer. She always sat in the front row, was the first one to volunteer for an activity and wasn’t afraid to answer any of the questions.
She began by telling us how much she had enjoyed the tree-planting activities and having the opportunity for the whole school to get tested. She then went on to say, “I am so thankful that our school was lucky enough to have the YESS team come and work with us. Your training was so useful and has really helped us a lot. The entire time you were up at the front of the class all I could think about was how much I wish I could be up there with you giving this information to my peers. I am going to follow your organization and when I get to University I am going to join YESS and become a peer educator so that I can work with you to empower others. I love your program and I wish it could be in every high school in Kenya; thank you very much for coming to our school.”
The quote above does not do justice to Miriam’s words. Her passion and the effect that it had on us was however very evident as the tears welled in our eyes when we climbed back into the matatu to go home. The moment that the four of us shared with her was priceless because it was a confirmation that all of the hard work put into this project has been well worth it. It has been an inspiration throughout the remainder of this week as well because there is nothing more rewarding than hearing from one of your students that the team has been effective and has made a difference.
The YESS/QHO team has held themselves together and worked endlessly to make this year’s project a success. It was a wonderful experience to work with such a dedicated and passionate team. I am really grateful to have had the chance to meet everyone and work towards a common goal together. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by the team during the past eight weeks will continue to be an inspiration to us all for many years to come.
Miriam said that she wishes the YESS program could be in every high school in Kenya. That wish is our dream, and after the events of the past eight weeks we are one step closer to making this dream a reality.
Nicole
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