The news spread swiftly among past pupils of Baptist High. The former headmaster of Baptist High had passed away. To many of us, he was Sir Khriezotuo. He signed his name as B.K. Sachü. On social media, there were many familiar names, mostly former students, offering condolences followed by the sentiment that marked who he was in life: ‘a gentle guardian of the young.’ An alumni member said it was like the passing of an era. Another mourner wrote, ‘he was a teacher every student loved.’ Students from different batches came forward to pay tribute to a beloved teacher. Indeed, it was the end of an era in this month of teachers. Sir Khriezotuo’s teaching career spanned many decades. He was already serving in the early sixties when we began school. In the early nineties he was still around when our children attended the same school. That is very rare. Back in the day, it was Baptist English School, not Baptist High. There were very few schools in town and it made sense for people living in the vicinity to send their children to the Baptist English School. Students even came from across town to attend a school that used to win many prizes in inter-school competitions. I have no doubt it was the devotion and dedication of teachers such as Sir Khriezotuo that placed the school in its early days in such an enviable position. The Boy Scouts and Girl Guides movement was popular and encouraged by the school owing to which many adolescent students became part of the Lord Baden Powell movement. Through all these steps, Sir Khriezotuo’s form was visible, encouraging the students to be a part of the positive and character-buildingavenues for young minds and bodies. He was a sympathetic leader, choosing to lead with compassion, making allowance for our foibles. Sometimes some teachers become the embodiment of the school. I believe Sir Khriezotuo was one such. He built up his students, reminding them of the futures they would inherit by applying discipline and hard work and integrity in their personal lives. In the early days of the school, there was room for teachers to impart their values and philosophy to students. In those days, Physical Training was a part of the curriculum. On Fridays, students would assemble in a group that spread across the area called the Mission ground, and instructors led them through the PT that lasted forty-five minutes. Whether it was a PT day or not, Sir Khriezotuo was one of the first teachers to arrive at school, and notably the last to leave. In an age when teachers were figures of authority to be feared and obeyed, Sir Khriezotuo provided an understanding ear to student problems. It was the balance that countered autocracy. Many a student heart was set at peace by his gentle handling of issues. Indeed, many are the former students who remember him with good memories and gratefulness for those memories. Is it the end of an era? Possibly. With the passing on of old teachers, one by one, the shared memory bank becomes more narrow. In the vacuum of their passing away, the meaning of memories is lessened. The old school buildings from his time, have for the most, been pulled down to make way for the Baptist College. The mahogany building, thanks to its sturdy architecture, has survived time. It used to house classes four to six. Between the blocks of stone on which it was built, many lost pencils were recovered. Sadly, the chapel in which Sir Khriezotuo used to lead numberless morning Assemblies, has long been demolished and only old timers will remember the wooden building that housed so many school events. Passionate debates were conducted within its walls and numerous concerts were conducted on its stage. Future speakers honed their talents at the pulpit of the chapel. School choirs practiced the anthem and other choral pieces within its walls. With the demolition of the chapel, its former life and glory lives on only in the memory of past pupils. The important point is that it lives on in hearts and minds. Just as the memory of a dedicated teacher like Sir Khriezotuo will live on in the hearts of his students. Precious is his legacy.
