TALES OF AFRICA

 MY FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL.

By Gumbi Kaziguda Jele

In 1996/97 i was taken at Chingazi Primary School in the Nzamane chiefdom in Chipata, together with my cousin for enrollment into grade one. We were both very small in the physical sense. 

As was the practice in those days, not just in Ngoniland but in other parts of Zambia, were subjected to a per-enrollment test.

For one to be admitted into grade one,you had to touch either of your ears using a different hand which had to pass through your head as shown in this picture below. 

If you failed, you would be sent back and would need to wait for a full year to try your luck again. Well, the practice was biased as those with small hands (despite being of age) would not start school with their age mates.

I was so excited at the prospect of starting school that i had not even practiced for this same 'test'. When we entered the Head Masters office, my friend started first, he failed and was sent back home. Next was my cousin, he too failed and was he too was asked to try again the following year.

My heart started pounding fast at this very moment. I knew i was the smallest among the three of us that had started off the journey from my village together. I was shivering when i was putting my hand across. 

This is the very moment i encountered the power of positive thoughts. Initially, a voice within me told me that i was wasting time and i was definitely bound to fail.

And failed i did at the first attempt. But i do not know what came over me, i started crying when i was told to go back home. I then started begging the headmaster to give me one last chance. 

I still remember the face of the Head Master; seemingly surprised at my audacity. Before he could utter a word, another teacher, Mr Chisenga who unknown to me, was watching the drama unfold, came in the office and gave me a go ahead to try my luck again.

This time a much stronger voice within me told me 'you can do it Douglas'. Am not sure if it was illegal or not but i used my other hand to pass the one across my head and only about two fingers grazed my ear. 

Before the head master could 'regain consciousness', i removed my hand and started shouting and celebrating that i had done it. That's how my name was put in the register whilst my other two colleagues had to wait for the following year to join me at school. Mr Chisenga became my favorite teacher (i have no idea where he is).



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