The Circle of Life
There is an old African proverb that states “it is hard to wipe the dust of Africa off your feet” and for anyone who has had the privilege and pleasure of living on this incredible continent, they will surely find themselves resonating with this sentiment.
Where It All Began
Our first international posting was Kenya. We arrived in August 1998 on a two year ‘jolly’ and left 9 years later completely captivated by the place and its people. However, for personal and professional reasons we then headed off to the bright lights of East Asia where we spent five and a half years in China followed by thirteen years in Singapore where we founded two international schools for Dulwich College International.
However, the lure of Africa was always there, and we often asked ourselves, ‘will we ever go back?’ So, when the opportunity to join Braeburn Schools Limited as their CEO for their eight schools in Kenya came about, the offer was just too good to miss. It was Braeburn where we had started our international adventure, and the campus at Gitanga Road was where I had enjoyed my first headship. However ,we had been away for 19 years, and the old adage that ‘you should never return to somewhere’ played on our minds and haunted us. So, it was with excitement and some trepidation that we arrived back in Kenya in August, a mere twenty-seven years after our first arrival.
Seeing Nairobi Again
Well in that time the physical Nairobi has certainly changed and with the exception of the traffic, all for the better in my opinion. There has been a huge investment in infrastructure with Expressways, Ring Roads and Flyovers everywhere. There has been an explosion of apartment blocks that have sprung up where there once used to be tired old colonial style bungalows in spacious gardens. It is a vibrant, modern city with all the attractions that this has to offer, which include a fabulous food scene. If you are a foodie like me, you will not be disappointed. Security would also appear to be much improved, something you must always consider when you live in a city where so many have so little.
But one thing has not changed and that is the heart and soul of the people; there is an energy, a positivity and an optimism that continues to exist here as it always has, despite the challenges that many Kenyans face every day. This is a beautiful country with the warmest, happiest, friendliest people that I have ever had the good fortune to interact with in all my travels. Every day is a joy as you meet people and each of them is genuinely interested in you and your story. Kenya is a place where you are a someone, where you matter. People want to know you.
A Growing Education Landscape
The international school scene has also grown exponentially in our absence. The schools here were always particularly good however the demand for international education amongst expatriates but more importantly Kenyans looking for something a little different to the local curriculum offering, has meant new international schools are springing up everywhere. Many of these existing and new schools have facilities, resources and space that would be the envy of any school, anywhere in the world. Kenyans value education: they respect teachers, they understand the opportunities for social mobility that a good education can afford and they acknowledge the advantage that it will give their children. It is therefore a pleasure to work in such a mutually respectful environment of trust.
A Gentle Call to Those Abroad
Over the years the Kenyan teaching profession has seen a large ‘brain drain’ with many Kenyan teachers tempted overseas to the Middle East or to East Asia, just as we were 19 years ago. So, my message to you is simple. When you have had your adventure, do as we have done and come home. There is nowhere else in the world quite like it. The sky is big and blue, the trees are green and the soil is a deep red – oh and the Nyama Choma is as good as ever!
I conclude with the wisdom of George Augustus Moore:
‘A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.’
We have come home. Is it time you came home too?
By Nick Magnus, CEO Braeburn School
For more information about the Braeburn School, visit their website below:
