One bright morning, the pupils in grade one were modelling. As they made different items, teacher Jane, the deputy headteacher walked into the classroom. The pupils stood.
Teacher Jane greeted, “Good morning pupils?”
“Good morning teacher Jane. How are you, teacher Jane?” They cheerfully replied. The teacher went on to introduce a new student to them.
Lucille, the new student wore a broad smile on her face. She waved at the pupils who sang to her a welcome song. Teacher Mary who was in class asked Lucille to sit with Magdalene.
Magdalene said, “ I am happy you are going to sit with me, Lucille.” Lucille nodded and quietly sat. Teacher Mary gave her a green and orange modelling clay. She modelled a hut, a cup and a ball. They were beautiful.
At lunch break, everyone wanted to be around Lucille. They kept on introducing themselves to her. All this time, Lucille just smiled and nodded. She laughed at funny jokes made.
Magdalene brought her big sister to meet Lucille. Her sister was in grade four. Magdalene’s sister was full of comedy and she was quick to use that on Lucille.
“Heeeeeelllo? Habaaariii gani? Bonjouuur?” She said making funny faces at every word.
Lucille replied, “Je vais bien?”
Wow! Magdalene’s sister was amazed. She got serious and asked Lucille if she speaks French.
“Oui, je parle français.” This time she spoke so lively that Magdalene called the others to witness.
Now, Lucille and Magdalene’s sister were having a conversation in French. The other students watched them in admiration. Others were heard wishing that they were already in grade three where they would start learning French, German, and Music.
In excitement, Lucille shared with the students about herself. She had transferred to her new school from Princeville Academy in Kinshasa, Congo. Also, she comes from Cameroon and her father was a diplomat while her mother was a businesswoman.
“Goodness you, it must be fun travelling around!” Cried one of the pupils in surprise, when Lucille finished speaking.
Magdalene’s sister was translating for Lucille but at some point, Lucille tried speaking in English. Teacher Mary was watching the pupils and realised that they had not heard the ringing bell. It was time for them to go back to class.
“Pupils, Lucille is here with us. She will have ample time to answer everyone’s question,” she turned to Lucille, “Merci. Il y a beaucoup des temps.”
Lucille gratefully accepted the embrace. The pupils had grown fond of her already.
In class, all went calmly. Unfortunately, some pupils were anxious to hear Lucille share about her country.
“Teacher Mary, I have never been outside Kenya.”
Another pupil added, “Please teacher, allow us to share with Lucille now.”
Teacher Mary asked them to wind up their work in five minutes for some time with Lucille.
When the hour dawned, they all sat quietly. Now that Magdalene’s sister was not there, teacher Mary offered to help with translation.
The first question was whether people in Cameroon speak Kiswahili. Also, if they have beaches. Lucille was happy that they were eager to know about her country.
Lucille said that Cameroon was a peaceful, beautiful, and developing country. She loved how it was warm and hot throughout the year and cold in July. Lucille added, “ We pride ourselves in our national football team, beaches, and unique music genre; Makossa and Bikutsi.”
Someone shouted, “Samuel Eto’o” and that made Lucille more excited. She went on and on to say how she is determined to learn more languages. Then Magdalene vowed in front of the class, “I will teach Lucille Kiswahili and English then she will teach me French.”
There was a thunderous clap from the pupils.
What a first day for Lucille in her new school!
Read – I am Cameroon – A Children’s Story by Grace Tendo, Uganda
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