Why Kenyan Teacher Chose to Break World Record for Longest Science Lesson

It's 11 pm on Valentine's Day, and while many Kenyans are expressing their love and affection in various ways, there's a teacher who is dedicated to teaching real chemistry in a laboratory.

Rose Tata Wafula, in full lab attire, is providing a lesson while cameras film the occasion. The complete session is being broadcast simultaneously on YouTube and Facebook, demonstrated by a countdown device in the background. Around this time, a few learners seem to struggle to stay awake, presumably contemplating why they joined the session so late. Though their spirit is willing, their bodies appear frail. Despite the romantic ambience, Tata remains focused on teaching chemical reactions and bonds, refusing to let the celebrations divert her attention. If you fail to grasp her intention on this day of affection, you might label her a buzzkill or employ a less complimentary description.

To set a new Guinness World Record for the longest science class, she has currently been teaching for 30 hours and 12 minutes since starting on February 14. Her objective is to teach 50 hours, but she plans to extend the class to 60 hours to account for breaks, concluding at 7 pm on Thursday, February 15. Throughout this extensive session, a wide range of topics will be covered, including various chemicals and their reactions, as well as the periodic table. Additionally, a substantial amount of biology will be explained.

The day after Valentine's Day has arrived and the time is 10 am. Tata, exhausted from all her work, eagerly longs to take a break. Outside, her husband Victor Wekesa Wafula awaits, embracing her lovingly as she leaves the laboratory. He whispers sweet words into her ear, filling her heart with overwhelming joy. As she hurries down the stairs towards her room, they share an affectionate gaze. She has only around 20 minutes to spend on showering, using the restroom, changing clothes, getting a quick massage, going through medical tests, eating, and finishing up with other demands. Her husband does not accompany her. She finds herself in the care of Mercy Macharia, a compassionate director at a security firm who has graciously offered her assistance to aid her friend.

Despite her initial rejection to teach the lengthiest chemistry class, Tata took a different approach and applied for a comprehensive science lesson covering biology, physics, and chemistry. This strategic move ultimately resulted in her approval, as confirmed by Mr. Wafula. Tata now finds herself in an unprecedented position, as no one has ever attempted the record for the longest science class before. It's comparable to an athlete embarking on a completely new race. To meet the requirements set by GWR, the marathon lesson should last at least 24 hours. However, Tata chose to surpass expectations and extend it to an impressive 50 hours.

She has been permitted to take a five-minute break every hour. To utilize her respite, she has opted for lengthy periods of instruction, going without pause for a block of four hours before pausing for only 20 minutes. Adhering to regulations, there must be a minimum of 10 pupils engaged in the class on a steady basis.