On Monday morning and Friday afternoon all the students and teachers would gather around the parade area. First the scouts (not unlike our Boy Scouts) would do a drill and raise or lower the flag. Then everyone would sing the national anthem. After, one of the students would read a passage from the Bible and say a prayer. Once in a while, the students chorus would also have a song to sing. When this was done everyone would listen to announcements from the headmaster, deputy headmaster, and the master on duty (teacher on duty for the week).
One interesting point – while the flag was being raised or lowered and the national anthem was being sung everyone within hearing distance would stop what they were doing and stand at attention. This was done for respect for the country – something not seen here very often.
I never really did hear the national anthem sung – the students seemed to mumble the lyrics to the song. They made me wonder if they knew it!
The Flag
 |
The shield and crossed spears represent the defense of freedom. The black bar symbolizes the people of Kenya. The red bar symbolizes the blood shed in the struggle for independence. The green bar symbolizes Kenya’s natural resources. The two narrow white bars symbolize peace and unity. |
The National Anthem
| Kiswahili
Ee Mungu nguvu yetu Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi Amani na uhuru Amkeni ndugu zetu Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu Tunayoipenda Natujenge taifa letu Kenya istahili heshima Pamoja kazini |
English
O God of all creation Justice be our shield and defender Peace and liberty Let one and all arise Service be our earnest endeavour Heritage of splendour Let all with one accord Build this our nation together The fruit of our labour |
Previous Comments From Old ATK Site:
Mukururi Wang’ang’a said: It is very encouraging to hear how you hoist and sing the national anthem with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is a sign of patriotism. Keep it up.
Enlighten me why do we hoist the National Flag on Mondays and Fridays in schools. Thank you.