My passion for teaching

I am a teacher by choice. Throughout my childhood, I used to listen to the news whenever I had a chance. Most coverages about Africa indicated a continent in trouble. I decided that I needed to contribute to changing this. Then, I had no idea what I was committing to and this led me to be the principal at Nova Pioneer Boys’ Secondary School – Eldoret

It wasn’t until when I was  in Form Two while listening to a motivational speech, where one of my teachers shared the quote; ‘if you want to change a nation, then the way to do that is through improving the quality of education of its people.’ This is what I needed to make up my mind to land on teaching as a career path. This is a choice that I made while young and vowed to pursue it.

When I was in high school, my teacher would task me with remediation as a group leader. All those students in my group would fully grasp the work assigned to me. I realized then that I can teach somebody. 

Before joining the university, I had a choice to make and I asked my parents to guide me on a career choice. However, my father told me that the best advice he would give is that I needed to decide for myself and choose something that I enjoy doing and is easy for me to do. 

I believe that Africa can and will take its rightful place in the competitive global economic arena if we prepare the current generation with the right mindset. I am a Pan Africanist because I believe in the African century.

Memorable moments

I’m a firm believer in building leaders. One of my students who had just joined the university as an undergraduate was seeking the position of the vice president of the student union and called me to ask for my advice. I told her to go for it. 

She eventually won the seat and made history. It was the first time a first-year student was elected for the second senior-most role of the student governing council. From that time, I have lost track of the number of my students who have served in student councils in both local and international universities. 

Another similar occurrence was when I was in the classroom when the KCSE national results were released in 2014, and I got a ring from one of my students thanking me for changing her life. I got confused. She explained that finally, her talent had an opportunity to thrive. She was a struggling student who we had to tailor teaching approaches to enable her to learn.

She got superior grades in the national examination which enabled her to pursue a career at a college which offers an opportunity for her to explore her talent.  

A day in the life of the Nova Pioneer Boys Eldoret campus  Principal

I consider myself lucky to be residing within the school compound. I wake up at 5:30 am and get ready. By 6:00 am, I join the young Novaneers for their morning preps and transition with them to the morning tea and Baraza. 

I get the privilege of listening to the young Novaneer leaders as they encourage each other. Eventually, the opportunity to address them which normally assumes the form of a motivational speech to start their day. The end of the Baraza gives way to the first lesson. I take a morning school walkthrough joined by the deans to ensure a good start to the day. I believe that ‘things don’t just go right, they must start right’. I settle back into the office to get some desk time responding to emails. A typical day is a swing between lesson observation, holding feedback meetings with teammates, coaching teachers, and attending other administrative meetings and duties. 

My day ends on a high note in the field with the students having fun playing various games- I play table tennis and badminton. During club days, I get to meet students as they interact through club activities. Even now, given virtual learning, I get to join some clubs like Model United, French and learn how they are progressing, as it is also important that they get to know their principal.

People who have influenced my journey

Former managing director of Nova pioneer Kenya, Danae Pauli, held my hand and believed in me at a time when I’d little faith in myself. She kept on pointing me to these great people and resource materials I would tap into for my growth in competency and culture.  

Craig Kielburger, a Canadian philanthropist and founder of We Charity. Craig taught me the value of following your heart even when the odds are not to your favor.  

Karren Okari is a lady who held my hand through high school. She took her time to nurture my leadership by giving me a chance to take risks. She eventually gave me a chance to start the Margaret Okari foundation right after my graduation that was an eye-opener and marked the journey to my education leadership

Mr. Meraba outside the classroom

I am a father of three and enjoy family company whenever I’m not at work. Seeing my two daughters and son grow has been rewarding with lessons on youth that impact my role. 

I also like reading books on leadership and motivation. On average, I read about one book a week when not very engaged. Motivating youth and keeping fit by regular long walks are other things I enjoy doing. 

Powering through challenges

The current trends with Covid 19 resulting in the loss of substantive on-campus  learning time and the uncertainty about schools re-opening have impacted the school community in ways I had not imagined. My Leading through tough times has been tested more now than ever before. However, Nova Pioneer has a great culture, and when the entire school community lives to the ideals of our culture principles, great things happen. I see growth every day. 

My hope for my students

Being the found principal at Nova Pioneer Boys’ School, Eldoret, I have so much hope and aspirations for my students. 

I hope they will go-ahead to pursue careers of their choice, rising to leadership. Others will pursue their talents or business. They will ideate and question every knowledge they gain. Eventually, they will graduate to offer service to humanity. They will do this by harnessing their talent, careers, or business ideas. They will serve the African continent and the world and will be true leaders, Innovators, and job creators. Serving at a time when the call to think on their feet will pay off will propel them to greater heights in transforming the world.