A delegation from Kabarnet High School, representing the alumni association from the 1980s, travelled to Rwanda this week to express gratitude to their former Rwandan teacher, Oscar Kimanuka. These former students, now prominent figures in various fields, attribute much of their success to the teachings and mentorship of Kimanuka. Kimanuka taught at the elite boys' school between 1983 and 1987. The ceremony took place on May 11, through various testimonies to the long-term impact of educators, alumni of the school led by the Chairman of the association, Kamonjo Kiburi, pointed out that Kimanuka left an unforgettable mark on the lives of countless students during his tenure in the early 1980s. “He contributed significantly to shaping who we are today,” Kiburi remarked. Reflecting on Kimanuka's tenure at Kabarnet in the early 1980s, Kiburi emphasised his enduring influence on generations of students. Kiburi highlighted that their visit serves as a moving reminder of the enduring bond between teachers and students arguing that various teachers have been visited in the past. They were joined by their former principal Daniel Rono who was in school when Kimanuka was still a teacher, current Principle Jilius Ndirangu, and their former teacher Sellah Aketch, among others, underscoring the collective debt of gratitude owed to the educators who shaped their formative years. Among the alumni were accomplished individuals spanning various professions, including lawyers, businessmen, educators, and public servants. Their collective success, they assert, is a testament to the foundation laid by Kimanuka's teachings. On her part Aketch, a former teacher at Kabarnet High School, talked about her time at the school, highlighting the meaningful memories she holds for the institution itself and the students. She particularly commended Kimanuka for his role in guiding her through the school and showing her around when she was new. Reflecting on his experience, Moses Cheboi, a former deputy Speaker of Parliament, now Chairman of the Advocates Complaints Commission, spoke warmly of Kimanuka's influence. “He taught us more than just history and literature; he instilled in us a sense of purpose,” Cheboi shared. Moreover, he attributes Kimanuka's influence to enriching his former classmates' knowledge of French and his contribution toward students’ success. “He contributed highly to our success today,” Cheboi asserts, “where now we all have good positions wherever we are, and we thank him for that.” For Kimanuka, the visit was profoundly moving. “To have former students, whom I taught nearly four decades ago, remember and honor me in this way is incredibly humbling,” he remarked. Kimanuka emphasised the importance of recognizing the impact educators have on their students’ lives, even decades later. Kimanuka further said that “Life's most humbling experiences are rare, but when they occur, they remind us of the profound impact we have on others.”
