On The Way to School

ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL
Written by Sarah Landis 

Recently a film was released, called On The Way to School. The documentary follows four children and their families as they embark on their quest to learn. One of the children featured in the film is Jackson, a ten year old student in Kenya. I showed the movie trailer to my class of 7th and 8th grade students at Oloongila Primary School. They watched in awe as a student that looked just like them (Jackson) appeared on my laptop screen. I reminded them that a real movie was made about this child, a child just like them. The faces in front of me that July day -- the hard-working and eager-to-please students --decided to write about their journey to school. After watching the movie trailer, students wrote fast and furious in English, their third language, to share their own stories. I was curious to hear about their journeys to school.

What emerged was shocking.

Stories of danger and gratitude. Stories of hardship and reward.  Stories of perseverance and dedication.

The students wrote about waking up at 4 am to start their day. If lucky, they "would take a cup of tea" before beginning the long journey to school. Walking 5-7 km to school (3-4 miles) was common. During that daily trek, the children mentioned many obstacles, such as: lions, hyenas, crossing rivers, or getting tired. And that was just one way. Many of the young writers shared secrets to getting to school safe: climb a tree if you see a threat, hide before the animals see you, run as fast as you can. Almost every child then described the joys of arriving at school. Comments emerged, such as, "Now I can get an education for my future," or "the long journey was hard, but the learning can happen at school."

What quickly emerged was a deep admiration for these young learners. How is it that after such a long journey, day in and day out, these students remain eager to learn and grateful for their education? Is it the true power of education that motivates them each day to take on the journey? Is it that school offers friendships? Does learning give them a sense of purpose they can't find on their own homestead? Is the journey part of the education?

What do these children think about during their long journey to (and from) school? Does that quiet walking time provide reflection and growth in ways we will never understand? Do American students have a time in their day to walk and be part of the journey -- or is it really all about the destination?

What are the joys of walking to school each day? A strong and healthy body? A time for mindfulness, meditation, and reflection? An appreciation for being outdoors? An understanding that some things (education) are worth the effort?

HERE ARE SOME OF THE WRITING PIECES
Written by the students in Class 7 and Class 8 @Oloongila Primary School, Kenya