Award-Winning Teacher Shokwei Barsulai Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Mother, Vows to Carry on Her Legacy

By Wasike Elvis 

 Award-winning teacher and Kamariny Primary and Junior School Headteacher Shokwei V. Barsulai has paid an emotional tribute to her late mother, Milcah Barsulai, describing her as a champion of women’s empowerment whose legacy continues to shape her life and service to the community.

In a heartfelt message reflecting on her mother’s life and influence, Shokwei said Milcah, who passed away in 2021, instilled in her the values of hard work, compassion, courage and service to humanity.

She recalled growing up watching her mother work with women through Maendeleo ya Wanawake, where she championed initiatives aimed at improving women's economic independence and the welfare of families.

According to Shokwei, her mother was a strong advocate for table banking as a means of empowering women economically, the use of energy-saving *meko* to reduce dependence on firewood, and family planning.

Through her involvement in community activities, Milcah travelled widely, established networks and mentored women, some of whom later rose to become Women Representatives following the introduction of the position under Kenya's new constitutional framework.

Although she eventually retired from community work and ventured into business, Shokwei said her mother's commitment to hard work and serving others remained an enduring part of her life.

The headteacher noted that people frequently remind her of the striking similarities between her and her late mother, particularly in her dedication to children, community service and efforts to improve the lives of others.

“Today, many people tell me, ‘You are your mother’s daughter!’ They see her in the work I do, in my passion for children, in my community service, and in my desire to make a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

Shokwei said she has come to appreciate that her work and personal values are a continuation of the foundation her mother laid many years ago.

She expressed confidence that the values Milcah instilled in her would continue guiding her journey, allowing her to reach places her mother never had the opportunity to reach.

“Uko penye mama yangu hakufika kwa majaliwa ya Mungu, nitafika,” she said, expressing her determination to fulfil the dreams and aspirations inspired by her mother's life.

Despite celebrating achievements and blessings in her life, the award-winning teacher admitted that her mother's absence remains deeply painful, especially during moments when she wishes she could share her successes with her.

She described imagining the conversations, laughter and tears of joy they would have shared if her mother were still alive, saying she often longs to call her and tell her about the developments in her life.

In one of the most emotional parts of her tribute, Shokwei recalled the affectionate words she wishes she could hear from her mother once again.

“Eeeeeec Chemu, wewe ni mimi aki,” she recalled, expressing how much she misses hearing her mother's familiar voice and receiving her affirmation.

She said that while she openly celebrates her achievements with the world, a part of her still yearns for her mother's presence and approval.

“There are blessings I celebrate with the world, but deep inside, there is a little girl who still wishes her mother were here to celebrate them with her,” she said.

Shokwei pledged to honour Milcah's memory by continuing to serve humanity, nurture children and make a positive difference in society.

She described her mother's influence as a legacy that did not end with her death in 2021 but instead found a new home in the values, aspirations and work of her daughter.

“Your journey on earth ended, but your influence did not. I pray that, through my service to humanity, I will continue to honour your name and carry your legacy to places you never had the opportunity to reach,” she said.

The headteacher concluded her tribute with a moving reflection on the enduring bond between a mother and daughter, acknowledging that much of who she has become is rooted in the example her mother set.

“I am because you were. I serve because you taught me, even without knowing how far your example would take me,” she said.

As she continues her work in education and community service, Shokwei said she remains committed to keeping her mother's spirit alive through her actions, describing Milcah's influence as a lasting inheritance that transcends death.

“Your legacy did not end in 2021, Dear Mama. It found another home in me.”

She ended the tribute with a prayer for her late mother to rest in peace, expressing hope that they would one day be reunited.

“Until we meet again, may the good Lord hold you close.”