By Martin Shardow
NAIROBI, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) — “Securing a chance in one of Kenya’s most famous schools demands hard work, determination and focus,” said Mike Kinoni, a grade-three student at Mang’u High School.
Joining Mang’u High School was Mike’s childhood dream. But securing the golden chance to pursue his secondary education there did not come on a silver platter.
Mang’u High School, one of the most famous schools situated on the outskirts of Nairobi, was founded in 1925 by the Holy Ghost Fathers at Kabaa in Machakos district, but later moved to its current site along the Thika-Nairobi Highway in 1972, in a bid to create room for the country’s aviation program.
Joining Mang’u High, one of the top 10 schools in Kenya, is quite competitive and only students who perform best in the national primary examination, the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) are admitted.
When the results were released showing that he had attained marks to secure him a place at Mang’u High, the only high school offering classes in aviation, Mike could not hide his joy since he finally secured the chance to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot.
Apart from studies, Mike enjoys playing rugby, a game that has made the school famous since it delivered some of the best player sto the national team.
The boy said he was quite thankful to the dedicated teachers who are always at hand to help students and to the high standards of discipline, without which he would be a “spoilt child.”
Peter Kinoni, Mike’s father, echoed his son’s sentiments, saying “I am glad that since my son joined Mang’u I have never been called to school to address issues of indiscipline.”
While many parents relegate parental duties to teachers, Kinoni makes sure that he has time to be with his son to ensure his progress, which, according to the father, has greatly helped build confidence in Mike.
Among the Mang’u High alumni are Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, his long-time ally Environment Minister John Michuki, Internal Security minister George Saitoti, former Vice President Moody Awori and retired Catholic Church archbishop Nding’i Mwana Nzeki.
As for famous people coming from famous schools, Patrick Mutuku, father of Jimmy Mutuku, a student in another well-known Nairobi School, said “it is not always the case, …, it is hard work that pays.”
The school was started by the colonial government and has maintained high academic standards.
The father’s opinion was agreed by Jimmy’s English teacher. “I have seen many failures due to the assumption that attending a great school guarantees one success. They failed to understand that being in a good school will not earn one an automatic ticket to university, they have to work hard, too,” he said.
(Source: xinhuanet.com)
