Education stakeholders in Tinderet Sub County yesterday gathered at St John’s Tachasis Mixed Day Senior School for a thanksgiving ceremony following the school’s impressive performance in last year’s KCSE examinations where all the 332 candidates attained university entry grades.
Speaking during the occasion attended by local leaders and the clergy, area MP Julius Melly congratulated the students, teachers and parents for the outstanding achievement, saying the results demonstrated that hard work, discipline and cooperation could transform education standards in the constituency.
Melly said the performance was a major motivation to other schools in the area and challenged students to remain focused in their pursuit of academic excellence.
“This achievement is not only a victory for the school but also for the entire Tinderet constituency. Having all the 332 candidates qualify for university admission is a clear indication that our schools are capable of competing nationally,” said Melly.
The legislator commended the teaching fraternity for their commitment and sacrifice in ensuring learners achieved good grades despite various challenges facing the education sector.
He urged parents to continue supporting schools and closely monitor the progress of their children to sustain the improving academic standards in the region.
Melly further called on students joining universities to remain disciplined and pursue courses that would empower them economically and contribute positively to national development.
“You are the future leaders of this country. As you proceed to universities and colleges, remain responsible ambassadors of your families, your school and the constituency,” he told the students.
The MP also reiterated his commitment to supporting education through bursary allocations and infrastructure development in schools across the constituency.
He noted that improving school facilities and ensuring access to quality learning environments remained key in enhancing performance in national examinations.
During the ceremony, the Principal Secretary for economic planning Dr Bonface Makokha, who represented the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi as the chief guest, congratulated the school community for the stellar results and challenged learners to use education as a tool for social and economic transformation.
Dr Makokha said the government remained committed to strengthening the education sector through increased investment and policy reforms aimed at improving access and quality.
He described education as a major pillar in the country’s development agenda and urged students to take advantage of available opportunities in higher learning institutions.
“The performance by this school is commendable and reflects the importance of teamwork among teachers, students and parents. Education remains the greatest equaliser in society,” said Dr Makokha.
He encouraged students from humble backgrounds not to lose hope, assuring them that the government was putting in place mechanisms to ensure needy learners access university education.
The PS also emphasized the need for learners to embrace innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in order to fit into the evolving job market.
“Our economy requires skilled and innovative young people who can create opportunities and drive development. The students who have qualified for university should aim at becoming problem-solvers in society,” he said.
Dr Makokha further urged schools to continue nurturing discipline and moral values alongside academic excellence.
He said the success recorded by the institution should inspire other schools within Tinderet subcounty and beyond to raise their performance standards.
Parents who attended the ceremony expressed joy over the results, saying the performance had restored confidence in public schools within the region.
Mary Chepkemoi, a parent, said the achievement proved that rural schools could excel nationally if accorded proper support.
“We are proud of our children and the teachers. This performance gives hope to many parents who desire quality education for their children,” she said.
Student leaders also pledged to uphold the school’s culture of discipline and hard work to ensure future candidates perform even better.
The thanksgiving ceremony was marked by prayers, songs, traditional dances and presentations celebrating the school’s academic milestone.
Other education stakeholders present during the event challenged schools in the region to emulate the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.
by Sammy Mwibanda
