Education professionals from Nyanza have been urged to give back and support other development projects in primary and secondary schools they learnt at.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association Homa Bay chairman Dickens Bula and Homa Bay High School principal Vincent Mayienga argued that many learning institutions in Nyanza region are struggling with limited resources in schools.
They said financial constraints affect normal school operations, including accommodation, meals, infrastructure and other learning materials.
Bula urged alumni students in various schools to assist former learning institutions by supporting them to improve their status and academic performance.
“Assistance must not be in the form of large sums of money. One can motivate learners through a talk,” Bula said.
Speaking during the Homa Bay High School Alumni Reunion, Bula said former students of various schools can contribute and make changes in their former schools.
At Homa Bay High School, some former students have started the constitution of a Sh600 million library and resource centre.
The group has also been involved in various education initiatives, including infrastructural development and student mentorship.
The alumni also built a modern gate at the school as well as buying a school van that supports academic trips.
They gave out a bursary of Sh500,000 to support education of more than 15 students in the school.
Their fees and other personal needs are being taken care of by former students.
Bula said former students should make it a routine to visit their former schools and talk to students about career goals.
“There are many ways of supporting former schools,” he said.
“Words of encouragement can make students to stay positive towards life and improve their academic performance.”
There are 335 secondary schools in Homa Bay county. Some of them have alumni associations while others do not.
Bula said there is a proposal to have school boards made up of alumni.
He said former students understand the challenges that the institutions have and can come up with ideas of addressing the problems.
Mayienga said students at the school no longer walk on mud after the alumni association put up carbon on walkways.
“Students no longer walk on dirt when moving from one class to another or when going to the assembly. All the walkways have cabros courtesy of the alumni association,” he said.
Mayienga said the school has also been receiving books donated by the former students.
The association chairman Fred Nyawade said they involved in various activities, including sponsoring of students, members' welfare and networking sessions.
He said their mission is to build a Sh600 million library and resource centre to leave a legacy at the institution.
The building will accommodate at least 3,500 students.
“Homa Bay High School will be tremendously transformed after the completion of the library and resource centre,” Nyawade said.
“It alumni will become one of the most impactful Alumni Association in Kenya and beyond.”
He said it is significant for former students to support their former school, adding that the work of developing schools should not be left to the government alone.
“Let’s support schools by giving books and other learning materials. Let schools count on former students for support because what the government provides is never enough,” he said.
Former Supreme Court judge Jackton Ojwang was among former students who attended the meeting.