Kiambi Dionisio - Principal
With his electric smile, muscular frame, and warm presence, Kiambi admits that he has a large influence in the lives of his 280 students. He says, “It’s just what we have to do here. We get involved in the lives and struggles of our students.” But he gets, “a lot of satisfaction to see that what we do here somehow transforms that shy kid into an empowered and well rounded Christian citizen.” “I feel more valuable and useful here. Our students are so desperate for an education they appreciate anything you do for them.”
Kiambi is proud that there is a holistic Christian formation going on at St Al’s. “Apart from teaching we are evangelizing here. You can see God working through you. It’s personally fulfilling and helps my own faith - Being useful as I ought to be!” He arrives before 7 am and doesn’t leave until after 6 pm, “Without feeling overworked”. Before coming to St Al’s, Kiambi was teaching Math, Physics and Physical Education for four years in his hometown of Meru at the base of Mt. Kenya. His sister-in-law told him about the “new school” in Kibera and he became very interested in its unique environment and mission. He says that he “was definitely ready” to make to leap to be a Principal. Even though he, and the other teachers, could make more money in the public school system, Kiambi prefers to stay here. He laughs saying, “This is definitely the right job for me!”
Kiambi most appreciates his interactions with his students. As principal of this unique school Kiambi says his relationship with the students is “a bit more playful and free.” But he insists that “the respect for my position is definitely there!” It sounds like many students are intimidated by his large presence and stature, but those who know him remember his kindness. Joseph Duma, a fourth year student, says that Principal Kiambi is “a good example to us, understanding of our situations, and very caring. I once had an accident playing football and Mr. Kiambi was the one who took me to the hospital and cared for me.” This act of kindness made a big impression on Joseph.
A group of teachers at the school had these adjectives to describe their boss; “considerate, approachable, generous, understanding, down to earth and sociable.” Kiambi says that, “Overall there is a healthy, productive attitude among teachers.” The proof of this is that staff room is often erupting with laughter. “Our teachers are self selecting. So we get the ones who are dedicated, flexible and talented. And our unique students draw out the most and the best of our teachers.”
As most Principals do, Kiambi worries about the school finances. “Since our families can’t pay, we need to rely on outside sources. I wish more people knew what good we are doing here.” He especially wishes that he had more funds for the “social program” to help offer limited short term financial assistance for the most desperate and worthwhile cases of the students.
Kiambi insists that “This school revives hope in students’ lives and they are really appreciative. Our mission and hope is that our graduates learn from the example of our benefactors and some day return the favor and “pass it on” to serve others.”
To learn more about and support St. Al’s, please visit the website http://www.sagnairobi.org/ or call 1-800-922-5327 at the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus - http://www.jesuits-chi.org/
