A Bodaboda riders’ organization in Ndhiwa Sub-County has embarked on a program to support needy students by way of payment of school fees.
The initiative which started three years ago supports students in secondary and tertiary institutions.
The group dubbed Nasa Community Based Organisation this year alone supported 160 needy students.
Nasa group members who are drawn from Kabuoch North and Kabuoch South locations contribute money to pay fees for bright but needy learners.
Group Chairman Philip Akungu said many students from needy families in the area were in need of support and the group was stepping in to curb incidences of school drop outs.
He said the children of some of their members were among those affected and thus the group was established to address the problem.
Akungu said the group was particularly stepping in to support orphaned children who are vulnerable and could drop out of school due to lack of fees.
‘We want to ensure no child in our two locations drops out of school due to lack of
fees,’ Mr Okungu said.
He said the money generated by the group includes individual contributions and support from friends and local leaders.
This year, the organization contributed Sh450,000 which catered for tution fees for 160 students.
Beneficiaries were given bank slips Monday at a meeting held at Luanda Kawuor trading centre.
‘We expect to increase the number of beneficiaries in the coming years,’ the group chairperson said.
Kawuor Sub Location Assistant Chief John Nyadiera hailed the group’s efforts saying it will help in curbing rates of school dropouts.
‘With this programme, parents are certain that their children will be in school in spite of their financial constraints,’ Mr Nyadiera said.
He said absenteeism from school due to lack of fees was a threat to teenage girls, noting that most adolescent girls who are impregnated are those who are sent home to collect fees.
The administrator also accused some politicians of favouritism when disbursing bursary funds.
‘Initiatives like this one how
ever does not discriminate against anyone,’ Mr Nyadiera said.
Group Deputy Chairperson Benedict Otieno said the outfit’s dream is to change the face of the community.
‘We call on well-wishers and the government to support our initiative in raising funds,’ Mr Otieno said.
Source: Kenya News Agency