Retiring teacher Prodly Leaves a Legacy of Clean Water
Loum Joe Collins Christopher: A Headteacher’s Journey at Ongai Primary School
As the sun sets on his illustrious career, Loum Joe Collins Christopher, the headteacher of Ongai Primary School, is gearing up for retirement. With just two years left before he bids farewell to the school halls, Loum reflects on his time at Ongai with a mix of determination and pride. “I plan on retiring in two years, so I asked to be transferred to a grassroots school for my remaining time. I wanted one last major challenge, and I wanted it to be my legacy,” he shares with a twinkle in his eye.
Loum’s journey at Ongai began with a daunting realization of the school’s challenges. “The school had no transparency, no accountability, and no record-keeping. It lacked furniture, the grounds were overgrown, and only 400 pupils had enrolled that year. But by far, the biggest problem at the school was a lack of safe water and toilets,” Loum reveals.
A Quest for Change
Determined to make a difference, Loum set out to secure outside funding. “We were able to build new toilets, but now we need more,” he chuckles. His smile reflects the school’s progress, as enrollment has almost doubled under his leadership, now boasting 741 pupils.
With toilets in place, Loum turned his attention to the pressing water situation. The only water source was a distant well, impractical for daily use. Lacking funds to drill a new well, Loum found a solution in an old, nearby well that had fallen into disrepair. He proposed to the local community that the school could pay to fix it if students could also use it.
Challenges Along the Way
What seemed like a viable solution quickly turned into a safety concern when a student was struck by a speeding motorcycle while crossing the road to fetch water. “After that incident, we had to limit how often people crossed that busy road,” Loum recalls with a somber tone.
Facing this challenge head-on, students like Ocaya Rodgers and Okello Maxwel found innovative ways to collect water. “I picked up a bottle someone dropped after drinking soda. It’s the bottle I now use for storing my drinking water. I fill it up in the morning before school and drink from it during the day,” Ocaya shares.
The turning point for Ongai Primary School came when Drop in the Bucket’s surveyor identified water on the school compound. Two weeks later, drillers arrived to create a new well. Loum’s joy is palpable as he walks us through the school grounds, showcasing clean classrooms with freshly mopped floors.
“This is just what we wanted. I am so happy,” Loum exclaims with pride. The school now has a reliable source of clean water, marking a significant milestone in Loum’s tenure. “I consider this to be my legacy. The school finally has clean water, so now we can concentrate on other more important things,” he concludes with a broad smile.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Loum prepares to pass the torch to the next generation of educators, his legacy at Ongai Primary School will forever be remembered. Through his unwavering dedication, the school has overcome significant challenges, ensuring a brighter future for its students. Clean water, once a distant dream, is now a reality, empowering the school community to focus on learning and growth.
As the sun sets on Loum Joe Collins Christopher’s tenure, Ongai Primary School stands as a testament to the power of determination and community collaboration. With clean water flowing on its grounds, the school is ready to embark on a new chapter of success and prosperity. Loum’s legacy will live on in the hearts of the students and staff, a reminder that even in the face of challenges, change is possible with perseverance and vision.