Morgan for our Schools

HIGH SCHOOL LIFE, LOVE AND TECHONOLOGY

It is 4 o’clock in Nairobi school Kenya. The teacher leaves as soon as the bell goes and the students after a whole day of learning. Students from both senior and junior block stream to one place, the school notice board .Any passer by would, on first sight, think that they are looking at the latest school activities or on the national exams analysis .But a keen eye would see more.

Every day the school administration posts a list of all letters to the students on the school board .And it is for this reason that masses of students flock near the school board, hoping that this time, someone (apparently a girl from another school – not mom or dad) just thought of them .As students scan through the list, usually containing around 100 names, one will be amazed at the different kinds of faces that you see. The “she (ps- not mom) replied” look or the “please Samantha where’s my name “look.

It is the trend in high school love, romance and intimacy which, according to the African setting, were previously confined to ‘grown ups’ have become the order of the day to teenagers who adore and look up to what the see in the media .The rush to the notice board is common not only to Nairobi school but to a good number of other schools around Kenya. One of the Key factors that fuels intimacy is that most high schools in Kenya are segregated into gender differences which, of course, are boarding schools. The only time that the two groups meet is during a function say sports, music, drama festivals, clubs and academic symposiums.                      It is during these occasions that both parties wear what they think is the best in their lockers. Functions commonly known as ‘funkies’ are mainly held on weekends. Friday night is always like a pre wedding occasion –every little thing is put in place .It is Friday night and I am walking around the dormitories and I get wind that a group of boys will be leaving school for an environment ‘funkie’ in a girl’s school. Kevin Meme my bed mate –who apparently is leaving for the function, is busy –and I mean busy. His shoes are well polished and placed strategically at the window (as if for the world to see).His white shirt probably, borrowed from a first form student (commonly known as rabbles) has been under a pile of books –close to three days and looks as good as new .The pair of trousers and socks are clean and neat as well .before he goes to bed ,he makes sure his shoes are shining straightens his shirt does a few press ups and exercises (fitness is a requirement- on a personal note) ten off he goes to bed.                                    It is Saturday morning, every one is awake by 6:30 am and breakfast is served in the dinning hall nearby .Kevin Meme is the first in the queue, he has some –a lot to do before he leaves for Saint Georges girls together with other ‘enviromentalists’.After breakfast the grooming begins .He carefully puts on his clothes –one more time he polishes his shoes-again which is then followed by a massive application of the latest cologne in market. One more look in the mirror an is good to go



Pregnancy cases among high school teenagers, according to internet research are set at 143 out of every 1000 girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Loads of teenagers are dropping out of school due to early pregnancies and prevalence of social epidemics like HIV/AIDS.

It is 4oclock evening again –and I need to rush out and check if I have got mail.