Spontaneous Smiles and Song – Quick Laughter and Real Curiosity

The first time I saw St. Peter’s Primary School (September 2022), I was on my way to the lodge where I would spend three days. I could not forget the quick sight I had of a brick wall window through which I saw a child studying and behind them, the beautiful Lake Mutanda. It was a contrast and beauty I had never seen before. I knew I had to come back.

After a few days, riding a bike down the hills around Lake Mutanda, there it was again. I simply had an urge to stop and decided to take a chance. It was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made as I was surprised to be received with much joy by the lead teacher, Ngabirano Africano, and I just kept on being surprised. I toured around the whole school, inside every classroom, where I was greeted with a joyous welcome song.

It was an indescribable thing to feel the rhythm and energy coming from the children. They were curious, vibrant, unique and simply precious – even under the somehow precarious circumstances.

I came home with the feeling that there are things no money can buy – like the shine in one’s eyes. But helping give better conditions for these kids futures, is the absolute least we can do with the privileges of a tourist from the west. I thank the school board and children for giving me the opportunity to help.

I did not expect to be so quickly moved by what I saw at this small rural school. We arrived at St. Peter’s Primary School in a gentle late afternoon rain just before the end of classes. The Principal greeted us like old friends and was keen to show us where the students had their classes. I shall never forget this spontaneous explosion of smiles and songs, of laughter and curiosity, of authentic joy and happiness in a place where these emotions ought not to have been found. The students wanted to know everything about us. They were fascinated by our different worlds. We were humbled by their generous hospitality and inspired by their lack of complaints or excuses. This was a modest place struggling to do important work with such a scarcity of even minimal resources. We knew we had to help.

The next day we returned to the school with boxes filled with needed classroom supplies that we purchased in nearby Kisoro. The Principal was most appreciative. Soccer balls and a handbell proved the most popular items. The joyous outdoor reception we received from the entire school (staff and students) was, again, a bit emotionally overwhelming. We knew we had only addressed a small portion of their need. What the school really requires is a longer term relationship with many donors like ourselves.

The school had this incredible view of Lake Mutanda with the Virunga Mountains in the background. Yet, all we could see was a school with no lights, no clocks, few tables, and dirt floors in the classrooms. But, surprisingly, the students and staff were all so curious and full of hope. They wanted to see what was happening with the visitors. They peeked over the windows, around the doors and even through missing pieces of brick in the wall.