Celebrating top teacher 2011

When she was a little girl, Eunice Wambua nursed a dream of becoming a neuro-surgeon. Whenever she paid a visit to hospitals she admired the men and women in white as they saved lives.

But her dream was not to be, as she was unable to get the required grades which could let her study medicine. She then tried her luck in education, actively nudged on by friends.

Ms Wambua, who was born at Kyakitoo Village in Kilungu District sat “O” level exams at Kithangathini High school in 1990 and scored a grade C+. She joined the University of Nairobi in 1992 where she specialised in linguistics and literature.

Murray Girls

Ms Wambua, 39, attained her bachelor of education degree in 1996 and started teaching English and Literature at Murray Girls High School in Mwatate.

After nine years, she was transferred to Precious Blood Girls High School, Kilungu in 2005, where she teaches to date.

It’s at Precious Blood that her career blossomed. In last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) the school registered a mean score of 10.72 in English/Literature with an improvement index of 0.53 up from a score of 10.19 in 2009.

Ms Wambua has been the best teacher in English/Literature in Eastern Province for four consecutive years. In February, this year, she was promoted on merit to the position of deputy head teacher.

She was among eight teachers from the eight provinces who were nominated for the TOYA award by KSSHA national selection panel. She therefore attended the award ceremony at Wild Waters conference centre in Mombasa accompanied by her principal, Sister Mary Wachira.

Minister for Public Service Dalmas Otieno was at the ceremony when the hall went silent as the announcement from the panel came: “And the winner of this year’s TOYA award is Eunice Wambua.”

She leapt with joy as a thunderous applause from the school head teachers rent the air.

As she shed tears of excitement her principal, Sister Wachira gave her a heart warming hug before she proceeded to the podium to collect her prize from the minister.

Upon receiving the glittering gong from Mr Otieno, she lifted it shoulder high and thanked God for scooping the prestigious award in the teaching profession.

Ms Wambua also received a cheque for Sh100,000, a laptop and a certificate. She will be the teachers’ ambassador for 2011.

This was the fourth TOYA award ceremony to be hosted by KSSHA. The award recognises secondary teachers and school principals who have excelled in their job, including as well as general management and administrative practices.

As the Nation approached Ms Wachira for an interview, she could not settle down as headteachers mobbed her for photo sessions. We had to endure interruptions as the heads clung on to the celebrity.

She had this to say: “I am over the moon to have bagged the award as I did not expect to win. I faced stiff challenge, so it’s a dream come true.

Glory to God and my mentor Sister Wachira who has always been giving me unwavering support and encouragement.”

She went on: “I also thank my colleagues and the students who worked hard to bolster my chances. Sheer hard work,

discipline, good work plan and results-oriented management made me achieve this coveted award in the teaching fraternity.”

The runner-up of the TOYA award was Peter Magawe of St Pius Uriri Boys High School, who was given a trophy, a cheque for Sh75,000, a laptop and a certificate.

Mr Jackson Mwelese of Bunyore Girls High School took the third prize of a trophy, Sh50,000, a laptop and a certificate.

Mr Otieno called on women teachers to emulate Ms Wambua so that they could perform well. He said a Higher Achievers programme would soon ensure promotions in civil service were on merit.

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