On October 5, the United Nations' World Teachers' Day celebrates the role teachers play in providing quality education. The eduKenya team is aware that the Kwa Watoto School teachers are integral to the present and future welfare of Mathare children, so investing in the success of the teachers is a priority. What a privilege it is to provide the means for personal and professional growth opportunities for the Kwa Watoto teaching staff throughout the school year.In 2014, the teachers had the opportunity to take part in several events to foster teacher growth, including a staff retreat at the Maasai Ostrich Resort; Creating Positive Relationships workshop; and a visit to top-rated Kenya teaching institution, Makini School. The response to these events was overwhelmingly positive and teachers returned to the classroom with renewed enthusiasm and skill.One teacher who has shown consistent personal and professional growth while at Kwa Watoto School is Grade One teacher, Joyce Ahadi Njuguna. Joyce has been with the school since 2008. She says, “Working at Kwa Watoto School has changed my life considerably. I have grown in so many ways as I am encouraged by mentors and pastors who are part of our Kwa Watoto family. I used to be very reserved and unable to speak in public, but being at Kwa Watoto has given me the courage and ability to do so now.”[caption id="attachment_1716" align="alignright" width="565"]

Joyce Njuguna and Grade One[/caption]Joyce is the eldest of four siblings raised in Embu, on the slopes of Mount Kenya where she had the opportunity to engage in many outdoor activities. Joyce states that life was never dull growing up and she was fortunate to encountered many types indigenous wildlife, including elephants and monkeys. Her students, most of whom have never encountered native Kenyan wildlife, thrill at the stories of her experiences.Joyce was raised in a godly home and her father is a pastor of the Family Worship Churches of Kenya. She brings her faith to the classroom as she provides excellent Christian nurture for her students. Joyce admits to being equally encouraged spiritually by the students “who love God despite the many challenges that they face. I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to help in the transformation of their lives.”eduKenya and Kwa Watoto School are grateful for the ability, compassion, and high expectations Joyce brings to the students in Grade One. She is a role model to both students and staff and we are blessed to have Joyce as part of our family.