Rose Tata Wekesa, a dedicated educator at St. Austin’s Academy in Lavington, Nairobi, is set to make history by attempting to secure the Guinness World Record for the longest science lesson by an individual. On February 13, 2024, Wekesa plans to conduct an uninterrupted science class for a minimum of 50 hours, encompassing Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Recognizing the immense challenge ahead, Wekesa shared her preparation efforts, stating, “I have been working on building my endurance, I have a team behind me that has helped with the lesson plan. The past three days, I stayed awake for 44 hours to train my body to stay awake.”
The ambitious teacher aims not only to break a record but also to inspire and promote the teaching profession. With 12 years of teaching experience, Tata mentioned that nearly nine of her students aspire to become teachers. Her broader mission is to showcase the doable and interesting side of science, motivating young individuals to pursue teaching as a career.
“I decided to do this because as a teacher, I do not like how science classes are packed, and many students end up not fulfilling their potential. I want to show the doable and interesting side of science. I want to motivate young ones in school who want to become teachers by showing a teacher can achieve greater things beyond the classroom,” Tata explained.
Her dedication to imparting knowledge and inspiring younger generations serves as the driving force behind her pursuit. Tata envisions using the platform and the Guinness World Record to advocate for reforms in education policies.
“Teaching is a noble career and teachers should be highly esteemed. I intend to use the platform and the record to reach out to bodies that make policies to do with education and advocate for reforms,” Ms. Tata emphasized.
In preparation for the record-breaking attempt, Tata has appealed for support from Kenyans and other well-wishers interested in partnering with her. Guinness World Records has provided guidelines for the attempt, specifying a minimum requirement of 10 students present at any given time. All registered students must be 18 years and above, classifying the challenge as an endurance test. Wekesa plans to register 30 students for the event, and the entire attempt will be broadcast live on all her social media platforms.
As the date approaches, the educational community and well-wishers eagerly anticipate Rose Tata Wekesa’s historic endeavor, recognizing the potential impact on education and the teaching profession in Kenya.
