Anita Nderu Raftery recently had netizens in stitches as she shared a nostalgic recollection of her first experience washing clothes by hand. The celebrated media personality and digital content creator took to social media to reflect on the harsh realities of life away from home, a sentiment many boarding school students can relate to.
Many of us have found ourselves in similar situations where the urgency of freshly cleaned clothes meets the stark realization that there is no washing machine in sight. In a humorous skit, a young man is seen washing his shirt late at night, then proceeding to slap it against a wall to dry it faster. Anita’s reaction to the clip was nothing short of comedic gold. She laughed at the absurdity, stating, “The slapping of the shirt against the wall has me in tears!” and proceeded to share her own memorable experience with laundry.
Growing up, Anita had always longed to join a boarding school, fascinated by the stories of independence and adventure shared by her elder brothers. After a persistent two-year campaign, her parents, especially her mother, finally relented. Her father, ever cautious, crafted indestructible steel trunks for her a true testament to a protective parent’s love.
However, Anita’s dream faced an unexpected setback when she arrived at the intended school only to discover that they had discontinued the IGCSE curriculum. Undeterred, she pivoted and found herself in Uganda, where her elder brother was studying. She joined Vienna College, Kampala, where she was introduced to a new education system, new friends, and a newfound appreciation for self-reliance.
It was here that Anita had her first real encounter with the age-old tradition of hand-washing clothes. Like many privileged students who had always relied on assistance at home, she initially assumed her older brother would handle laundry duties. Reality, however, had other plans. When she realized that help was not coming, she had no choice but to roll up her sleeves, pick up a bucket, and get to work. The experience left her with bruised knuckles but a valuable life skill. “I very quickly learnt there was another way!” she joked, emphasizing that necessity is indeed the best teacher.
Anita’s recollection resonated with many, sparking discussions on personal growth, the transition into adulthood, and the humorous struggles of self-sufficiency. Her story is a reminder that some of the best lessons come from the most unexpected experiences.
