In a dedicated effort to align with the government's 100% transition plan and provide a pathway for abandoned children in the community to pursue their education, Lotus of Highway High School, located in Bukembe Eastward, Bungoma South Sub County has emerged as a beacon of success.
Masicha Soita, a student who scored a B plain at Lotus of Highway High School says that she has faced diverse challenges since her primary Education.
The top scorer said that she lacked fees to proceed with Education but the school stood firm and supported her.
“If it were not Lotus of Highway High School I wouldn’t be here today, I appreciate all the support. I aim to take a medical course at University,” she said.
Soita who attended her primary Education at Webuye ACK primary school and got 324 in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCPE) says was able to work hard and produce a B plain of 66 points.
Velma Atyng’a who attended Nzoia Industrial primary school and scored 281 marks in KCPE managed to get a C + plus attributed an outstanding performance to determination and hard work noting that she plans to take a land survey course at the University so that she be useful in the society in solving land issues.
“If I get support and study the land course I will be able to help our community in solving the high number of land disputes,” she said.
Atyng’a reveals that the school has simple structures but she was able to utilize them and produce good grades.
Elijah Kefa, the school's director, disclosed that the institution was founded with the primary goal of supporting abandoned students in realizing their educational aspirations and achieving their dreams.
Commending the institution for its commitment, Kefa highlighted the school's role in not only academic excellence but also in fostering talents through a range of co-curricular activities.
"Beyond academics, we organize inter-school sporting competitions to nurture our students' talents," he emphasized.
Originally established as a primary school in 2003, Lotus Highway High School expanded to accommodate a secondary section due to a growing population and consistent performance in both internal and external examinations.
The director emphasized the school's role as a rehabilitative centre, catering to neglected children, those unable to join form one, teenage mothers, and students expelled from other schools.
Speaking to the press on Monday at the school premises, Joshua Odongo, the Deputy Principal, announced the outstanding performance in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
The results showcased a remarkable achievement with two scoring B+, 10 (B plain), 9 (C+), 3 (C plain), and 1 (C-).
Odongo proudly revealed that, according to the Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu, the school attained an impressive mean grade of B- (minus).
Out of the 37 candidates registered for the 2023 KCSE examinations, 33 secured direct admission to universities.
While encouraging those who didn't achieve university entry grades, Odongo suggested joining Technical Institutes in the region, emphasizing the importance of gaining valuable knowledge.
"Failing to secure direct university entry grades doesn't equate to failure. Instead, consider enrolling in one of the Technical Institutes or Vocational Institutes in Bungoma and pursue a course with deferred payment options," remarked the Deputy Principal.
Highlighting the school's transformative approach, Odongo emphasized its focus on students with initially low marks, mentoring them to become high achievers.
As a private institution, Odongo acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the school, urging the government to explore avenues of supporting private schools in the country.
"If the government could find ways to support private schools, many neglected children's lives could be positively impacted," he concluded.