John Muchiri is the former principal of Tigithi high school in Nanyuki, Kenya. During his illustrious career, John was a dedicated educator. Although Tigithi did not have top marks in the region, it was a school that valued individuals. Academic achievement is important, however for John, opportunities for student enrichment and alternative learning were also highly encouraged. The school had a bus so students could be taken on school trips, and Tigithi had one of the only libraries on school property at that time. John was innovative and looked at learning as important beyond the government issued standardized test.
When PA-MOJA initiated the Butterfly Effect program to connect Canadian and Kenyan students through an online learning platform, John said “I wanted my school to be the first to join Butterfly Effect because I liked to give different learning opportunities to my students and what better way than connecting with other students around the world.” Although the school had some computers, they did not have an internet connection. The PA-MOJA team in Kenya worked tirelessly for over a year to have a small tower constructed to bring internet to the school. Finally, in 2013, the students were connected to the global community. They were excited because none of them had ever experienced the internet and once they realized that they could explore anything they wanted to learn, it was life changing. John’s willingness to take risks added so much more to his student’s educational experience.
In the eyes of PA-MOJA and his community, John was both a visionary and a strong advocate for his students. One example of this is how he made a life altering difference with one of his students named Winnie. Winnie was bright and had dreams and career goals for her life. Even though her family struggled to pay her school fees, she enjoyed school and tried hard nonetheless. John was aware of Winnie’s drive and determination and saw it as his responsibility to help her through school.
After the first term break of her Grade 9 year, Winnie did not return. John noticed and asked her classmates if they knew why she was away. When John discovered that Winnie’s parents had agreed to marry her off to an older man in exchange for money, John went to find her. Although marrying a minor is illegal in Kenya, it is sadly common in some parts of the country. With the help of local police, John found Winnie far from home and school. Winnie was asked whether she wanted to remain married or return to school. Without reservation, Winnie chose her education. Winnie returned to Tigithi, but she needed funding to help her finish her education. That is where Project Kenya Sister Schools, (now PA-MOJA) stepped in. Winnie became PA-MOJA’s first scholarship recipient. Winnie graduated, went to university and now owns her own computer business in Nairobi.
John has since retired after many years in education to spend time with his family. He wishes PA-MOJA the very best.
