Book dossier
by Anduvate K. Mwavali
Kifo cha Mwalimu tackles a universal theme. It is about the teachers' tribulations at the place of work.It is told from the point of view of a former rebelious pupil Yassin Marijali who is now a C.E.O of a big company in the city. His father had taken him to 9 different primary schools and on getting him to the tenth school had vowed to disown him if he didn't settle down. It is in that school that he met Teacher Chapakazi who showed him compassion and love.Yassin opened up to Chapakazi after he was included in the school's drama club and given a role that fitted his notorious character. This opened a rapport for Chapakazi to counsel Yassin who turned out to be a winner. Chapakazi goes on to better his education at university level, teaches at secondary level then goes on to Masters and Phd degree thus teaching at the university where he leads a lecturers' union strike demanding for better pay. He is sacked by the government at an age when his health is failing yet he cannot get employment nor afford to pay his bills. This is a teacher who has taught in primary and secondary both private and public schools. He has spent his entire life shaping humanity, yet he has nothing to show for it. When he goes to seek treatment from a medical lecturer who owns a private clinic in one of the ultra modern buildings in the city, he sees Yassin Marijali's name on an adjacent door. He goes in only to meet his former pupil after a very long time. Chapakazi narrates his past life to his former pupil in graphical detail that reveals the exact tribulations of a teacher even as he was counseling him many years ago. Yassin is overwhelmed and decides to assist his teacher get out of his financial quagmire.He gives his former teacher an appointment so that he may discus ways of assisting may to repay him of what he made him to be. On the day of the appointment Yassin reads through the Sunday Nation. He is shocked to see Chapakazi's photo in the orbituary - Dead! Its from this sorry state that Yassin narates what Chapakazi had shared with him. The book raises disturbing issues viz a viz, how do the adolescent learners, parents from the lower,middle, upper classes and the government view and reward their teachers? Why should a teacher die miserably? Has a teacher been reduced to a sign post weathering in the sun and rain, only pointing to the learners towards the good life they enjoy later? Some say teaching is a noble profession needing a lot of sacrifice that will only be paid in heaven; should teachers suffer on earth to enjoy in heaven? If education is key to the good life and the teachers have the key why shouldn't they enjoy all the fruits of the same education? Indeed the book raises very interesting insights into the role of a teacher who is expected to shape the future of the present generation. Is it any wonder that the world over the youth seem to be singing their own tune? Does the world need teachers? It is a very thought provoking book and quite interesting to read. Perhaps it should be translated into English? Anduvate K. Mwavali.
