Vulnerable learners in Homa Bay have been handed a fresh opportunity to continue their education after the Voice of Peace (VOP) organisation rolled out a major sponsorship programme targeting Grade 10 students.
At least 200 learners from different parts of the region have so far benefited from the initiative, which focuses on orphans and children from severely disadvantaged families.
The beneficiaries were identified with the help of local administrators, including chiefs and their assistants, to ensure support reaches the most deserving cases.
Parents whose children were selected said the intervention has come at a time when many families are struggling to cope with the high cost of living, making school fees unaffordable.
Under the arrangement, parents are only expected to support the school feeding programme by contributing 20 kilograms of maize and 10 kilograms of beans per term, a contribution they said is manageable compared to full school fees.
Speaking during the release of school fees cheques at Rodi Trading Centre, Voice of Peace Coordinator Johannes Akula said the programme was launched in response to an alarming increase in the number of learners dropping out of school due to poverty.
“Our goal is to ensure that no child stays out of school simply because their parents cannot afford fees. We are supporting learners to access education that develops them academically, spiritually, mentally, and physically,” Akula said.
The initiative has been widely praised by parents, who described VOP as a dependable partner in education.
John Ochieng, a parent, said the organisation has proven its credibility after initial doubts from parents.
“Many of us thought it was just talk, but after enrolling our children, we saw real support. Students pursuing certificate and diploma courses have also benefited without any complaints,” he said.
He further acknowledged Pastor Samuel Okoth, who championed the inclusion of Grade 10 students into the programme, noting that the minimal contribution required from parents reflects the tough economic reality facing many households.
Another parent, Lydia Atieno from Kodera in Kasipul, said the sponsorship has restored hope among families.
“Life has been very difficult, and we had no way of keeping our children in school. Today our children are learning without school fees, and we are very grateful,” she said.
Atieno also thanked local pastors, chiefs, and community leaders for coordinating the programme and encouraging parents to register, saying the initiative belongs to the entire community.
Pastor Okoth said supporting education is a foundation for peace and development, adding that it is hard to promote harmony when children are forced to stay at home due to lack of school fees.
Currently, more than 200 learners are under the sponsorship programme, with others already placed in schools.
Organisers project that the number of beneficiaries could rise to nearly 4,000 secondary school students by the end of the year.
By Sitna Omar
