The CTAUN “Best Practices” Award is given to the teacher who brought back something she/he learned about the United Nations from a CTAUN conference, taught it to the students and teachers and did some good with it.

On Friday Jan. 30,  at the conference for teachers called (CTAUN) Committee on Teaching About the United Nations, Ms. Irene Kabot received for William B. Ward Elementary School the “Best Practices Award” for their Wells of Love and Hope peace project. (in picture, Phyllis Hickey left, presenting award to Ms. Irene Kabot on right)

I got back to the conference room after lunch and didn’t see Phyllis (the Best Practices director). I sat down in the auditorium and very soon noticed that she and others were on the dais. On THE dais? At the UN? Oh, my…and I was late.

They started speaking and I scooted over to the side with our Administrative Assistant Cynthia Barr-Pfeffer. Then when there seemed to be a break I walked up to Ann Marie Carlson (director of CTAUN) and pointed to myself and then the dais to ask “Do I belong up there?” she nodded yes and I sheepishly walked up, sat at the dais and very nervously awaited my turn.
I had two minutes to tell 800 of my peers, of all the good the children, teachers, parents, friends and staff have done over the one year that the Wells of Love and Hope Project has been active.
All I remember is muttering something about Children Helping Children. Rotary. Magic tricks. And What have you done with Justin? Then I was given the very lovely Award certificate and it seemed many teachers complimented me on my enthusiasm as I walked back to my seat, shakily and very thirsty for some water.
I do remember showing them our new T-shirts, wrist bands and telling them that we are digging a well, planting tees and writing letters to the children at the at Utini Primary school. I do remember getting a note from Phyllis reminding me that I was running over my two minutes.
I wanted to tell them of all the love and compassion and generosity the Ward community has shown the people of Kibwezi; children and adults they have never met.
I am so proud of all of us at William B. Ward. I hope it showed.
Watch my speech at he CTAUN conference and see for yourself.
With much peace and love,
Irene Kabot