Agneta is a former former pupil of M’changa Primary School who is the first alumni to join university and is now a teacher volunteer in her old school.
Jambo Agneta. Can you introduce yourself?
I am Agneta Shika. I am a 2nd year student in Taita Taveta University pursuing bachelor of education arts and I am 21 years old.
Where did you go to school?
I went to Kajire nursery school, later I joined Kajire primary but I then transferred to Mchang’a primary school because of the distance to my home and my performance. But after joining Mchang’a primary school, I really performed in my KCSE [Kenyan äquivalent to A-level] and later joined Murray girls high school in Wusi.
If M’changa school would not have been there, how far would you have to walk as a small child?
Approximately 5.6km to and from on a daily basis during school days (11km per day).
Did you join secondary school at a boarding school? Was it difficult for your family to pay for the fees?
I joined boarding school because that’s what the school could offer. As I remember it was really challenging to my parents because they are just farmers so they also used to apply for busery [student loan]
You are the first pupil from M’changa school to go to university. What does your family say about this? And your friends?
They really motivate me to put the maximum effort in my studies, because they want the best from me and I also don’t want to disappoint them.
You are now volunteering as a teacher at M’changa, your old primary school. How did it change from the time you have been a pupil there?
For now I am gaining experience in my career. When I was a pupil there, I was still shaping myself. Now I can encourage the learners!
What do you think of the opportunity to complete the entire secondary school (incl senior school) in M’changa (note: this is the project we are currently working on)
That’s a really good plan, because it will give the community an affordable place to acquire knowledge.
How will this (entire secondary school) make a change to the community?
It will increase the number of literates and give a chance to those who cannot afford education in far distances (e.g. boarding schools).
What’s your goal in (professional & personal) life?
My professional goal is to impact a change to the Kenyan child.
In my personal life I would want to become better every single day.
What should all the people know, who are giving money for the project?
That the project is really needed in the society!