Today we have a special guest post from Bryan Jaybee, the winner of our Instagram #BeTheChange2015 photo & story contest. We asked him if he could share with us some further insights to his winning picture and he obliged us with this amazing story. We are extrememly thankful to him and to all contest entrants for their thoughtful responses. Here is Brian’s story:
I started experiencing the full potential and impact of teachers strike [in Kenya] when I joined a public school in 2003. We’d spend days without going to school while our competitors in private schools would be in classes learning and enjoying all the privileges of the strike. It wasn’t interesting at all.
On this day I decide to visit my former school – Olympic Primary in Kibera, after several days of the strike that started on 1st September, 2015. The school was deserted and it was in the late afternoon, I walked from class to class trying my luck if I could find any student in the institution to talk to, and possibly ask them why they were there. Then, in one of the rooms in the lower classes, I met a small boy. His name is James, 7 years old and in class 2 where he was studying on his own. I found it so amazing – what would drive such a small boy, who has so many years ahead of him to clear primary, to come to school while teachers are on strike just to study on his own. I remember asking him a couple of questions about why he was here. His response – to study hard.
This is such a phenomenal photo that has a lot to tell – despite all the negative factors surrounding us, there is always a way out that lies deep within us – and it all lies in the mind. The boy here has decided to come school, despite all the orders to keep children at a home and a directive by the government to close all the public schools indefinitely. I felt this photo was so much fitting for this competition and that real change lies within us. It is possible.
Thank you again Brian for sharing your story!
