Chapter 40

The principal of Dar-es-salaam International School was a tall and averagely built Englishman who was blue-eyed and suntanned. He had broad shoulders, dark thick hair, and a massive forehead.

On this cold Monday morning, he wore grey trousers and a white shirt. His red stripped tie hung loosely on his collar while his coat hung on a hook on the wall in his office.

"Come in," said the principal as he welcomed Alfredo and his son into his office.

Then he told his secretary, a slim young woman and a brunette who had ushered them into his office, "Take these circulars from the Education and Foreign Affairs ministries and pin on the school bulletin board."

The school principal regarded them and said, "What can I do for you?"

"My name is Alfredo Karahani, and this is Esau," the old man introduced himself to the principal and added, "I have come all the way from Mombasa in Kenya to seek admission for my son into your reputable school."

"Thank you," replied the principal and added, "My name is Peter Pollard, the school principal, as you can see."

"Very pleased to meet you," said Alfredo as they shook hands.

There was a brief pause, and then Pollard said, "What form do you want your son to join?"

"Fifth form since he has done his school certificate examinations, ordinary level, in Kenya."

"May I see his school certificate results?"

Alfredo looked at his son, then he said, "Give the principal your examination results slip."

Esau obeyed.

The principal looked at it, smiled, and remarked, "These are very impressive and commendable results. We can definitely admit him immediately."

He paused as he studied the grades, and then he said: "What subject combination does Esau want to study for his advanced level examinations?"

Alfredo's eyes shifted to his son, and he said, "Esau, answer that question."

"I would like to do the arts subjects, namely English, Kiswahili, History and Economics," Esau said.

"But you are equally good at the sciences. You could opt for mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. That would lead you to a career in either medicine or engineering," Pollard said and asked, "Don't you wish to do any of these courses?"

"No, sir," Esau replied. "I desire to be an administrative officer or manager in a private company."

"Oh, I see. Then that's quite okay if you stick to the arts combination," Pollard said. Then he added, "Well, we have a few vacancies left in the arts stream. Esau can have his subject combination."

Alfredo smiled when he realised his son had similar desires and ambitions like him. He told the principal, "Thank you, sir. I think it is best for him."

"You are most welcome," said Pollard, and then he reached for some papers that lay on his desk and picked up some.

There was a brief silence which settled in the office.

"Fill you your particulars in this form, Esau," Pollard said as he over the form to the young man.

As Esau was busy filling out the form, the principal said, "We'll definitely require your two passport photographs for our records to enable us to issue you with a school identity card to your son. You will also pay fees at the bursar's office. I hope you are comfortable with those arrangements."

"Sure," replied Alfredo. "We came fully prepared."

They finalised everything, and Esau was issued with an admission letter to study the arts combination for his A-levels.

Then Pollard said, "Esau will be taken to Rhodes dormitory where he will be staying and begin attending classes immediately," he paused briefly and then turned to Esau: "We are very strict about the school rules; in fact the discipline in our school is the talk of the whole nation. We hope you will be a well-behaved pupil like the rest here."

"Yes, sir." Esau replied.

Pollard went on, "Being a mixed school, we hope you will behave yourself. I must warn you that we don't tolerate indiscipline cases here. After all, you have read the school rules, and both of you signed, haven't you?"

"Yes, we have!" Father and son replied in chorus.

"Well, then the ball is in your court. Our school secretary will hand you over to your class teacher and matron to take you round and be shown your dormitory," Pollard said.

Then he waved his hand in his characteric gesture of dismissal.

Alfredo saw it and said, "Thanks so much for your assistance, Mr. Pollard. Here is my business card in case you wish to reach me in situations of emergency."

He handed his card to Pollard and then walked out of the school principal's office, closing the door behind him.