A top-performing girl from Kinango constituency, Kwale county risk missing her place at a national school for failing to raise the necessary fees and other requirements, despite excelling in the Grade 9 National Assessment.
Nadzuwa Gari Chibundo, who emerged best girl in the constituency after scoring 58 out of 72 marks, was admitted to Matuga Girls’ National School following her impressive performance at Yapha Primary School in Kinango Sub-County.
However, the orphaned learner is currently at home due to financial constraints, a situation that threatens to derail her academic journey.
“I worked very hard because I want to become a doctor. Being at home after performing well is very painful,” Nadzuwa said, noting that she remained disciplined and focused on her studies despite facing numerous challenges.
Nadzuwa lives with her grandmother, Umazi Mwanzije, who says the cost of joining a national school is beyond her means.
“I lost both her parents and have struggled to educate her. I have no stable source of income, and the fees required are too high for me,” said Mwanzije.
Yapha Primary School head teacher Wilson Msili attributed Nadzuwa’s exceptional performance to discipline, consistency and determination.
“She is a disciplined and hard-working learner. That is why she performed so well and earned a chance to join a national school,” said Msili.
He added that teachers at the school have started mobilising resources among themselves to support the learner, although their contribution may not be sufficient to meet all the requirements.
“We have begun assisting her with some basic necessities, but we are appealing to leaders, well-wishers, and education stakeholders to step in and support her,” he said.
Nadzuwa has appealed to the Kwale County Government, the Kinango Member of Parliament, the area ward representative and social welfare organisations to intervene and help her continue with her education.
Education stakeholders say access to education is a fundamental right and plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty, particularly for girls from vulnerable backgrounds.
They note that educating girls not only improves individual livelihoods but also contributes significantly to community development and national growth.
Nadzuwa’s case underscores the need for timely intervention to ensure that bright learners from disadvantaged backgrounds are not locked out of education due to poverty.
By Chari Suche
