A Community-Based Organization (CBO) has stepped-in and assisted in payment of school fees for 120 needy learners from North Kanyabala Sub-location in Homa Bay County.
Members of the Yamalang’o CBO came to the rescue of learners who were on the brink of dropping out of school, by mobilizing resources to pay their school fees.
Last month, the 451 members of the CBO, held a funds drive and raised over Sh. 500,000 towards the school fees kitty.
Half of the funds came directly from the members, while the other half was contributed by donors inspired by the cause.
They disbursed cheques of Sh 4,000 to each of the needy learners.
“Often you will see learners sent back home for fees, but we are now coming to their aid.” said Mary Triza, the CBO Chairperson.
She noted that balances as little as Sh. 1,000 frequently keep children out of class for weeks in poverty-stricken homes.
Triza noted that although the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) offers bursaries, the support was inadequate.
North Kanyabala Assistant Chief, Washington Kideo, lauded the support emphasizing that keeping learners in school combats emerging threats like goonism, alcoholism and drug abuse.
Mr Kideo said youths should be nurtured to be future responsible and dependable citizens by educating them.
He warned youths against joining criminal gangs or allowing themselves to be used as goons as the political campaign season approaches.
“I encourage learners who have benefited to take their time in school and learn. They should know that the money paid for them was a sacrifice. We want to see results,” The administrator stressed.
A local resident, George Okumu said education remains the ultimate investment to break the cycle of poverty and crime.
He urged other CBOs to come-up with solutions to solve societal challenges.
“We can solve many societal challenges if we educate our children. Education is the ultimate equalizer.” Mr Okumu said.
by Davis Langat
