Transforming Lives: Rotary Club of Nairobi Madaraka’s Impactful Visit to Oldorko Mosiro Primary Scho

Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of Kajiado County, Kenya, there lay a hidden gem known as Oldorko Mosiro Primary School. This school had remained elusive, even on the mighty Google Maps.

The adventure began at the break of dawn, around 7.30am. A vibrant group of Rotarians, about 23 of them, huddled together in a Rosa bus, ready to explore the unknown.

After breakfast, a few photos here and there, we were on our way to the school which is 50km off Ntulele town. The road is earthen and quite uneven so we had to drive slowly to avoid getting stuck.

At long last, after traversing 50KMs from Ntulele town, we arrived at Oldorko Mosiro Primary School around 2pm. As if by destiny, members from the Rotary Club of Maasai Mara and Enkare Narok had also answered our call and gathered here. We were met with a jubilant reception, as the pupils, with their traditional Maa melodies and dances, welcomed us.

After pleasantries here and there, and a warm welcome from the teachers and pupils, we were led to sit as our leadership observed Rotary meeting protocol. We had brought gifts, generously donated by our club members, including dry foodstuffs, diapers for some young mothers, and much-needed clothing. Books, too, found their way to the eager hands of young learners.

The principal then took over the meeting and introduced his staff. We were also able to meet some parents who’d come for a Parents, teachers meeting. He then narrated the extraordinary story of Oldorko Mosiro Primary School.

This institution provides sanctuary for children escaping early marriages, female genital mutilation, forced labor and parental cruelty. Amongst these brave souls was a nine-year-old girl who had recently fled an impending early marriage. With a heart full of courage, she had escaped her home in the dead of night, running 12 kilometers to the school. The head teacher and his staff had embraced her, protecting her even when her father arrived the following day, desperate to reclaim her. The young girl, with her infectious smile, welcomed us to the school, her non-uniform attire signaling her urgent need for assistance.

The whole school is a close-knit community.  Those students who were fortunate enough to have parental support came together, pooling their resources to assist their fellow students who had been rescued from dire circumstances. They once gifted 25 pairs of socks to their friends.

Sounds amazing, right? And it really is. But the school is in dire need of support from well-wishers to keep running. Food, water, proper fencing to keep elephants that destroy the vegetation at bay. They need a system that ensures they can keep going even during holidays so the kids running away from home don’t have to go back there when schools have closed.

The principal said that if they can keep the children safe just one extra day, it makes all the difference for them. Wouldn’t it be amazing if it weren’t for just one day though?

The Oldorko Mosiro community is quite the lot. They made us food. All the almost 30 of us. That even in this hardship they still had it in their hearts to offer us sustenance. We enjoyed the meal. And sang, and danced and interacted with these amazing teachers, parents and children. Our hearts were full.

After some serious deliberation between the school board and Rotary Madaraka Board to truly assess the needs of the school, it was time to leave. Just a little after 5 Pm. I won’t even get into the details of that trip on the earthen road back to Ntulele, then to Narok where we were to have fellowship and induct two new members.

Okay, okay, maybe I will. Remember our Rosa bus? And A.G. Ashley’s Pajero? Well, it rained on our way back and both vehicles got stuck in mud for about 3 hours. No, don’t feel sorry for us. We actually had the most amazing time bonding and getting to know each other as we waited for the truck that would pull our bus out of the mud.

They say the best way to know someone’s character is observing them during adverse situations? This crew showed tenacity and grace and all-round good vibes.

We got rescued, eventually. At around 9 Pm and took the rest of the trip to Narok. No, no, the fellowship couldn’t take place at midnight- we are not those people. So, we rested- those who did. Others went for swallowship- and on Sunday at 10:30 am, we inducted our newest members; Mogoi Ayienda and Grace Mugo to the club before driving back to Nairobi. We would like to thank everyone who made this trip possible. Starting from the leadership of our AG Ashley Myers, Our President Joel Wandurwa and the organizing committee that dedicated their time and resources into making this trip possible, and a success. Our gratitude extends to the Rotary Clubs of Nairobi-Langata, Nairobi-Ridgeways, Maasai Mara, and Enkare Narok for collaborating with us on this service.