Some 1,200 students from vulnerable families in the Kasipul constituency have started benefitting from Sh5 million fund to aid their secondary education as schools reopened.
The students who learn at various secondary schools in the country were stranded on how to return to school without fees.
Through the Philip Aroko Foundation, director Philip Aroko came to their aid and issued them with bursaries ranging between Sh4,000 to Sh7,000.
Aroko argued that his desire to undertake the programme was aimed at promoting education by supporting financially challenged parents to pay school fees.
“A number of these students are bright but their guardians or parents are unable to afford their school fees. I felt it is important to support such students because they are the people who will transform our society in future,” Aroko said.
Speaking on Saturday when he disbursed the cheques at Sikri village in East Kamagak ward in the constituency, the director said the programme should not be politicized because he was doing it out of his willingness to help the needy children to pursue their education.
The program began with 207 students who are already in Form 2 and Form 3 in various secondary schools whose parents have difficulties in paying school fees.
“Instead of politicizing the project, we should find ways of helping the many needy people we have in our midst. I want our people to welcome projects meant to develop and transform their lives,” he added.
Aroko who was accompanied by former MCA Samuel Okumu, coordinator Pacific Onyano and Psychologist Pauline Achieng said he had realized that bursary funds issued by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and other kitties are not enough.
He promised to continue supporting needy children and other vulnerable families.
“Education is the foundation of economic development and must be given utmost priority,” Aroko said.
Okumu asked the students to use the support as motivation to work hard in school.
“I hope the support will give the students ample time to concentrate on their academics because they won’t be sent back home for school fees,” Okumu said.
Achieng said they also undertook the students especially girls through mentorship sessions to enable them to overcome social challenges.
The challenges are associated with stress and behaviours that interfere with their concentration on their studies.
“Girls were given sanitary pads for personal hygiene and to make the girls concentrate on their academic work,” Achieng said.
Parents Evelyn Anyango and Henry Otula whose children benefited said the programme accorded them relief at a time when many people are feeling hard economic times.
“The money has assisted me greatly in paying my son’s school fees. The programme should continue because it helps many unable parents,” Anyango said.
