First visit to Ntilal primary school

My first visit to Ntilal Primary School was nothing short of an eye opener. An experience that left a lasting impression on me, both humbling and inspiring in equal measure.

The journey itself set the tone. The landscape was breathtakingly beautiful, yet strikingly dry, stretching out in vast, open expanses. Along the way, we had to drive across three dry riverbeds. I was told that when the rains come, these rivers fill up rapidly, often making them impossible to cross. When that happens, many children are unable to attend school. A stark reminder of the everyday challenges faced in this community.

As we approached the school, there was a sense of excitement in the air. The local chief, whom I had spoken with beforehand, had informed the teachers and students that visitors would be arriving. Even so, the warmth of the welcome we received was overwhelming. Smiles and curious eyes greeted us. It was clear that this visit meant as much to them as it did to me.

We hadn’t been entirely sure what to bring. Without knowing how many children attended the school or the size of the community, we did our best with what we could gather. We got some snacks and a few mangoes. Watching the children enjoy these simple treats was incredibly moving. I was especially surprised to learn that some of them had never tasted a mango before. Moments like that really stayed with me.

What struck me most was learning about the school’s recent progress. Just two years ago, there were no proper classrooms at all. Since then, three classrooms have been built through donations a significant step forward, but still not enough to meet the needs of all the students.

This visit made it clear how much potential there is, and how much more support is needed. There is a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference by helping to build one or more additional classrooms. With better facilities, more children will have access to consistent education, regardless of the challenges posed by their environment.

Leaving Ntilal Primary School, I felt deeply grateful for the experience, but also motivated. The resilience of the children and the dedication of the teachers are truly inspiring. With a little more support, their future could be even brighter.