Ngao Girls High School

Population - 80%

Performance - 70%

Success - 90%

Life Skills - 75%

Name :
NGAO GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
Category :
NATIONAL
Location :
TANA DELTA, TANA RIVER COUNTY
Structure :
BOARDING

Contact Us

"Ngao Girls High School was founded with one purpose - to build a space for all students to grow, learn and create with each passing day. Through a unique teaching approach and a truly passionate staff, we help students develop academically and personally to the highest level. We invite you to explore our site and discover the academics and community the Delta Eagles provides to each and every student. Get in touch with us today to schedule a tour, learn more about enrollment, or ask any other questions."

"Introduction

On 17th March 1887, Rev. Ferdinand Wurts of the Neukirchen Mission in then West Germany set foot at Ngao village (then across the river) and immediately embarked on his mission of preaching the good news of Jesus Christ to both young and old.

To make his task more effective, he also undertook the responsibility of teaching his students basic skills of reading and writing.

Soon after, other missionaries, male and female, came to Ngao leading to increase in evangelization and education activities. Due to Somali raids, Ngao village was relocated to its present site. Churches and schools were established at strategic places along the river, upstream and downstream.

The missionaries opened a training school in 1906 in Lamu whose objective was to produce teachers for the established schools. The first trainees were eight of which five came from Ngao while the other three were from its environs. The training was a two year programme. Upon graduation they embarked on teaching of religion (main subject), reading, writing and arithmetic for lower classes. The senior classes were taught arithmetic, world history, geography, mission history and English.

This marked the beginning of formal education at Ngao. The lower classes were sub standard A and B while the upper classes began at class 1. In 1914, at the break of World War I, some missionaries left. However, those who were left who were: Ev. Simeon Ubo, Michael Bahari, Reuben Dala, Emmanuel Joseph, and Abae Galana went on with the evangelical and education work.

When the missionaries who had left were allowed back by the colonial government in 1926, they developed better organization with clear programmes and specific objectives. They shared tasks with each heading a particular department.

Mr. Herman Muller was in charge of the education sector. His responsibilities included:

Head of teacher training college now at Ngao.

Supervisor of all education institutions then existing in the district.

Head teacher of Ngao Hill primary school (boarding) for both boys and girls.

Mr. Amos Chadhoro, one of the earliest trained teachers, was of great assistance to Mr. Herman Muller when Ngao Hill primary school was started. Other fellow teachers were deployed to man other schools in the district. Some were sent to Jeans School for further training (2yrs) and graduated as P4 teachers. They came back and continued with their education mission. Apart from Mr. Amos Chadhoro, there was Mr. Israel G. Kanana and Mr. Kaleb Madyawa who were graduates of Jeans School. Later due to pressure of work, Mr. Herman Muller appointed Mr. Amos Chadhoro to be his official assistant. The duties at the school were shared as follows:

Herman Muller – Principal of college and Boarding school.

Amos Chadhoro – Head teacher of Ngao Hill primary school.

Kaleb Madyawa – In charge of Boarding

. Israel G. Kanana – Head teacher of Ngao Elementary school.

J.M. Paul Pakia – Moved from teaching and assigned other official duties.

Acting in his capacity as the principal of the teacher training wing of the larger school, Mr. Herman Muller in May 1939 bade farewell to all the schools around Ngao as he was proceeding home on leave. He took with him those teachers he had prepared at the college to Malindi to undergo interviews. The trainees rated very well and were immediately awarded certificates. They headed back to join the rest in the teaching profession.

While in Malindi before his departure for Germany, Mr. Muller discussed and agreed with government officials that after his return, he would initiate the start of a secondary wing of the larger school. His vision was to model it in the fashion of Alliance High School.

However, this was not to be. In 1939, while in Germany, the Second World War II broke out. He could not come back. The plans for the secondary school were shattered. Even the training college was in jeopardy as he was the trainer.

REBIRTH OF IDEA TO START A HIGH SCHOOL AT NGAO

Mr. Lisania M. Buya (A long serving teacher, head teacher and later an education officer, now retired) and Mr. Yuda Komora (teacher, education officer, director of education and later a permanent secretary, now retired) met one bright morning for a cup of tea. They were lifelong friends who benefited from the education system established at Ngao.

They discussed issues concerning development in the constituency. One of the key issues was realization of Mr. Muller’s cherished dream of starting a secondary school at Ngao which was introduced by Mr. Buya.

They decided to co-opt other like-minded people for further discussion and development of strategies.

PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TOUR OF TANA RIVER DISTRICT

Mr. Buya and Mr. Komora co-opted Mr. Mamboleo Mikaya, Mr. Flezian Komora, Mr. Jeckonia K. Jara and Mr. Tola N. Daddah who was by then head teacher of Arap Moi Primary school (Formerly known as Ngao Hill primary school). Mr. Daddah became the group secretary. The idea of a secondary school was sold to the rest who unanimously accepted it as a wise step in the right direction. However, further deliberations were postponed.

The idea was to be sealed in secrecy as the political establishment was opposed to any development ideas linked to Ngao.

As luck would have it, the group came to know of a planned provincial development committee tour of Tana River district to assess general development. Within Ngao location, they were to pay a visit to Tarasaa high school before heading to Ngao hospital.

The group convened and resolved to seize the opportunity. They planned to solicit support for a detour of the provincial team to Arap Moi primary school before it headed to Ngao hospital. As the location chief was a strong supporter of then MP, they sensed he would use all means at his disposal to block such a move. Therefore, they asked Mr. Komora to discuss the idea of the school with then District commissioner, Mr. Aggrey Mudinyu who accepted it. Soon after, the chief called a leaders meeting to discuss among other issues, the impending visit by the provincial team. Mr. Daddah had discussed in his capacity as head teacher and secretary of the Arap Moi primary school SMC the impending visit with the school staff and SMC. He briefed them on his wish that a visit to the school be part of the itinerary. The issue of establishment of a secondary school remained concealed.

At the leaders meeting, Mr. Daddah introduced the recommendation by Arap Moi primary school SMC, staff, pupils, and entire community. It was noted that this was the only school in the district bearing the head of state name and as the provincial commissioner was his representative, it would not go down well if he failed to pay it a visit.

The chief put up a spirited argument against the idea as expected citing logistical problems. The head teacher message however had sunk down really well to majority of the leaders. It was agreed that the team would only stop over at the school for only a maximum of ten minutes. Thanks were given to God as the first battle appeared to have been won. It is important to note though that the idea to establish a secondary school remained up to this point, the preserve of those self-appointed members.

The committee headed back to Ngao to map out the next move. These meetings were done in isolated and secret places to deliberately avoid other people who could turn out to be detractors.

The committee resolved to draft a memorandum in which among the key issues would be the establishment of a secondary school wing. The head teacher drafted the memorandum which received approval of the working committee and SMC.

As the D.C was aware of what was in store, it was felt that the provincial education officer needed to be briefed earlier. The district education officer was kept in the dark as he was a very strong supporter of then MP. Mr. Buya, who obliged, was tasked with the role of briefing the P.E.O. This was because Mr. Buya had worked in Machakos district with Seth Oluoch when he was the D.E.O there before becoming Coast P.E.O. He was to hijack him on arrival, give him a copy of the memorandum and brief him on the same.

PRAYERS ANSWERED On the material day, the SMC, school community and other members of surrounding society were well mobilized by the village headman and turned up in exceptionally large numbers to receive the visitors. On arrival, the visitors were shocked at the rousing welcome they received. It was all dance and song by pupils, parents and indeed everyone.

When the dust settled finally, all took their seats and all protocol observed, the head teacher stood up to read the memorandum on behalf of the school management committee. The scene was unbelievable; as the head teacher read out the committee request for the secondary school, the crowd went wild in ululation.

In his response, the P.C (Mr. Mohamed Yusuf Haji) first conferred with the P.E.O. The later who had been briefed well by Mr. Buya as planned, was affirmative. All those opposed were caught flat footed. It was too late for them! Ngao secondary school was born.

After the tour, the P.E.O wrote a letter to the school (Ref. no. CP/GA/1/15/8 of 23/10/85) authorizing the SMC to start a day secondary school wing. In attendance at the function were all departmental heads who included the D.C, and D.E.O in addition to the P.C and P.E.O.

In their discussion during the briefing, Mr.Buya was asked if the community was ready with classrooms and teachers apart from other infrastructure. Confidently he responded in the affirmative as the SMC had set aside the old Muller building, the only existing tuition block from the original 2 classrooms and an office, a teachers’ house and six volunteer A-level teachers who all hailed from the community. The volunteer teachers were:

1. Mr. Israel B. Komora

2. Mr. Acquila M. Kiwanza

3. Miss. Cathrine Kaingu

4. Mr. Zedi D. Mauni

5. Miss. Grace H. Guyato

6. Miss. Malika Komora

7. Mr. Patrick Paul

INVOLVEMENT OF OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

Since the project had now been given public consent, it was now necessary to adhere to the correct procedure. The primary school SMC became involved fully and all correspondence were to be done through it.

A meeting was convened urgently between the SMC and volunteer committee. SMC was briefed on what had been taking place in the background and why they were kept in the dark. They were briefed too on why they were now being involved and actually being handed over the mantle to go on with the process. It was important that they actually own the project.

SMC responded in a jovial manner and were satisfied by the volunteer committee efforts and their recognition as important stakeholders. However, they requested that the volunteer committee continue with the task at hand to its logical conclusion on their behalf. As a sign of involvement, they offered to allow SMC Chairman Mr. Ayub Miyaka to be involved in future volunteer committee meetings as the school head teacher was already a member. They also asked that they be given periodic updates on developments taking place.

The committee accepted the deal and thanked the SMC for their understanding and appreciation of the work done so far. Mr. Mikaya automatically assumed the role of committee chairman while Mr. Daddah continued with his as the secretary in his capacity as the head teacher.

Immediately after, late September 1985 to early October 1986, a number of representations in both writing and personal were made to all relevant offices which included D.E.O’s office Hola, P.C’s office Mombasa, P.E.O’s office Mombasa among others to make a follow up of what had transpired at the meeting at Arap Moi primary school grounds where the P.C gave the green light to start the school.

In all these undertakings, Mr. Mikaya (Chairman), Mr. Yuda Komora (Patron) Mr. Lisania Buya and Mr. Flezian Komora (both members) represented the committee. Due to their work experience in the Ministry of Education, the good rapport they cultivated with education officials at both junior and senior levels and their great wisdom, they received great cooperation in every office they went to. Even those offices that were initially opposed to the establishment of the secondary school now began to give the much needed advice and cooperation.

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION TO START THE SCHOOL After the PDC visit and the several follow up committee representation to his office among others, on 23rd October 1985, then P.E.O Coast Mr. T.W. Seth Oluoch, wrote to the chairman of Arap Moi primary school, Mr. Mikaya Ayub indicating that the SMC could go ahead and work towards opening the secondary school either as a government or harambee school. The ref. no. was CP/GA/1/15/8 of 23/10/1985.

On 10th December 1985, SMC through a letter whose reference number was D/1/1/144 requested the D.E.O to be allowed to form a SMC for the secondary school wing since they had already resolved that the school be under the district education board supervision. The D.E.O gave his consent. The committee that was formed was known as Ngao Harambee Management committee. It forged ahead with plans and preparations to open the school early in 1986. At this stage, assistance was sought from late Mr. Silas Buko Tunu then the principal of Tarasaa high school through his B.O.G chairman Mr. Flezian Komora which was readily awarded. Tarasaa high school gave teaching materials required in addition to technical advice from the experienced school managers.

SCHOOL LAND

Another big hurdle emerged; land. Land was required where the secondary school was to be built. After a long consultative meeting, Ngao Harambee Management Committee unanimously resolved that the secondary school would be part of the larger Arap Moi primary school. Education would progress from pre-primary, primary to secondary level. As land was scarce, the land available would be availed for common use e.g. the playgrounds by both primary and secondary school.

The primary SMC land offer for the secondary school development was a maximum of 20 acres. Therefore, extra land had to be sort elsewhere.

The village elders (Gasa) and village development committee were approached with an urgent request. Their response was prompt. They offered to negotiate with those who owned land around the school to give up part or all of it. After lengthy discussions the following offered their land:

Miss. Busara Manase – Entire piece

Mr. Parmena Mungatana – Part of

Mr. Yesse Matufi – Part of

Mr. Yohana Nechodemus – Part of

SELECTION OF THE FIRST FORM I CLASS (FEBRUARY 1986)

As the form 1 selection for the established schools of coast province was already on at Mombasa, the P.E.O wrote to the chairman, Mr. Mikaya to prepare and be available for the second selection which was to take place immediately after the first. Ref. No. CP/GA/1/15/8 dated 23rd October 1985.

A committee was quickly convened to discuss this development. In the letter, the P.E.O instructed the head teacher of Arap Moi primary school to act as the secondary school head teacher until further notice. It was resolved that Mr. Lisana Buya would accompany Mr. Tola N. Daddah to Mombasa for the selection of the historic class as he was experienced in this undertaking.

As per instructions, the school would be a day school. Therefore, all students selected would hail from proximity of the school.

The exercise took place on the first Monday after completion of first selection at Mombasa Polytechnic Hall. Gender balance was strictly adhered to. A class of 40 was selected comprising 20 boys and 20 girls. All those selected were from Ngao, Tarasaa and Golbanti villages. In March 1986, the first class commenced classes.

MORE REPRESENTATIONS

The committee after the studies commenced felt that the plight of the school needed to be known in as many offices as possible. All in efforts to seek further assistance geared towards educational and physical development. The committee worked tirelessly in this endeavour. The P.E.O appointed Mr. Kenneth P. Pakia then a teacher at Kilifi Secondary school to be head teacher of Ngao Harambee secondary school. Mr. Daddah, the acting head, handed over the reign to him.

BOARDING FACILITIES

Mr. Pakia engaged his management committee on the need to make a change in the agreement with Ministry of Education on statement that tuition at the school would be exclusively as a day secondary school. He cited the managerial problems that arose due to the long distances covered by the students.

Several obstacles towards this change were highlighted. They included:

The school was hardly eight months old and had lots of problems.

The school lacked necessary infrastructure it could call its own apart from that loaned to it.

This school did not have an office even for the head teacher.

These new needs would be a toll e.g. dormitories, beds, mattresses, kitchen utilities etc.

However, the committee tasked the head teacher with the challenge of consulting the head teacher of primary school with whom they shared an office to come up with a proposal for the way forward. The two counterparts proposed that:

One of the boys’ dormitories would be allocated to the secondary school boys.

The secondary school girls would share the girls’ dormitory with the primary school girls as it was large enough.

Primary SMC would give up 40 bed frames from the about 80 lying to waste in the store for the secondary school to rehabilitate for their use instead of buying new ones.

The primary school dining hall and kitchen would be shared with the secondary school. Since the primary school had a water connection, the secondary school students would access it on condition that the primary school was compensated by the secondary.

The agreement received support from both management committees. This arrangement was to last till the secondary school developed its own facilities.

As this was taking place, Mr. Pakia was in communication with the Ministry of Education requesting that the government consider taking over the school. Finally on 11th December 1986, the Permanent Secretary informed the head teacher that the government would take over the form 1 Harambee stream as a fully maintained boarding government wing with effect from 1st January 1987. This meant that all requirements for teachers would be met by the government through the Teachers Service commission. The school would also receive grants to assist in running it. Ref. No. S/HAR/1206/9 of 17th December 1986. This was really good news indeed! In January 1987, the school started the year as a government boarding secondary school.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST OFFICE BLOCK

With the assistance from the government through the district development committee, the school received Kshs. 100,000/= which was utilized as follows:

Bush clearing for the area to put up classrooms, dormitories and dining hall.

Levelling up the earth to map out the school playgrounds which were to be used by both primary and secondary schools.

Construction of a 4 classroom tuition block.

Construction of a temporary and furnished staffroom.

After the completion of these initial structures, Mr. Pakia and his staff moved to the new site where the school stands today.

SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Ngao secondary school changed its status from a mixed boarding secondary to a girls only school via registration on 12th November 1992 (Vide certificate No. GP/A/266/92 of 12th November 1992).

It was registered as a single streamed secondary school with forms I – IV with 40 students per class thus a maximum of 180 students at any one time. The subjects taught were to be in line with the 8 - 4 – 4 education cycle.

… ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The co-authors of Ngao Girls High School history: Mr. Lisania M. Buya, Mr. Flezian Komora and Mr. Tola N. Daddah.

Ministry of Education

Mr. Pakia for his role in rise and development of Ngao secondary school.

Eng. Mwaka Mungatana (Current BOM chairman)

Mrs. Rita Kofa Balaghar (Former principal)

Staff of Ngao Girls High school with distinct note of Mr. Buko who availed relevant documents.

All other school stakeholders for the unending support."