On The Ground - March/April ‘24
Director Misala, director of Hebrone School and champion of the Club of Leaders, passed away in March. Dr Jerry, our DRC executive director, shared a story he received from the funeral director that demonstrated the love and dedication the students felt for Mr Misala and how it empowered them to utilize their skills of problem solving, creativity, and collaboration.
About 30 fifth and sixth grade students went to the funeral home and said to authorities, “We want to go to the morgue”. The funeral director stated that they couldn’t go because they did not have ID’s. The students replied, “We don’t have IDs but we have more than IDs because we are dressed in uniform”. In an attempt to discourage them, the director added, “You don’t have masks to wear at the morgue.” To which the students replied, “Yes, we don’t have masks but we will go and see our Director’s coffin from afar only.” The director tried for the last time to discourage them by saying, “You know it is a far journey.” To which the students replied, “It is far, that's why we made a contribution. We have 7,500 FC for our transportation.” Finally, the director said, “Since you did this, I will add 35,000 FC for you all to be able to join in the morgue and in the cemetery.” All of those students attended the ceremonies.
As the CoL reflected on Mr Misala and his qualities, they decided to honor his memory by presenting an award to five CoL members each quarter. The students will create a list of the qualities; like cheerfulness, honesty, and intelligence, that were demonstrated by Mr Misala and will be recognized in CoL members. A committee of teachers, students, and parents will determine students from each grade who demonstrate these qualities. The ceremony will include a presentation, certificate, and photograph.
Mr. Pombo, Malembe Rise master teacher, shared his thoughts on the CoL meetings surrounding Mr Misala’s passing, “some of the students demonstrated a lot of thinking and communication skills, which encouraged the others. I liked Dr Jerry’s reflection exercise with all the members, students and adults, on the death of Director Misala; the emotions felt, his qualities, the encouragement of all the members because of their good ideas, especially the awareness and determination of everyone after the disappearance of this great leader which are proof of the mental development of the members thanks to the CoL.”
