Update from AISA on Nairobi Terror Attack

Dear colleagues, friends and members of the TIE community

By now I am sure you have heard about the tragic events unfolding in the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya. It is with relief that I can tell you that all the Association of International Schools in Africa's (AISA) staff and their families are all safe.

As many of you know, AISA also has four member schools in Nairobi: the International School of Kenya (ISK), Brookhouse School, Rosslyn Academy and the Aga Khan Academy. Many from these communities frequent the Westgate Mall. I have now received reports from all four heads of school, and the news is mixed.

We were relieved to learn that none of the staff members from our schools were injured. However, some students and their parents have been struck by bullets or shrapnel from exploding grenades, and tragically, we have just learned that three members of the ISK community (a Grade 9 student, her mother and the brother of a staff member) lost their lives in the attack. Students and parents from other schools in Nairobi have also been killed, and many more injured.

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the 69 people who are known to have died and to the more than 170 injured. We are all mindful that the situation is not yet resolved, and concern remains for those still trapped inside the building. At this writing, it is yet not clear when the siege may be over.

Without doubt, the Nairobi community has suffered a significant trauma. There will be counseling required to help the community work through what has happened. The images and stories we have been hearing are beyond belief.

Although I remain astounded by this profane act of cruelty, I am also amazed by the resilience of the human spirit and our ability to rise to meet what seem to be insurmountable challenges. Thank you to all of you who have sent messages of concern, and for the offers of support that continue to come - particularly for counseling support. I will certainly be passing these on to the schools concerned. AISA will also be publishing regular updates on our Facebook page (see below); please feel free to post your comments there.

In closing, let us remember all those who have been affected by this gruesome act. Let us also remember that we have a great responsibility to engender in our students an enduring capacity for tolerance and compassion, and an unwavering knowledge of what is right and good.

Dr. Bateman is Executive Director of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA). Visit AISA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Association-of-International-Schools-in-Africa-AISA/222917427837223.

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09/30/2013 - reton
i am a Kenyan living in Tunis. the situation at the W.G Mall was very sad but thank God it has been resolved now. forensic experts are however on the sight doing their investigations. my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.

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