Some 257 students in West Pokot County who sat for Kenya Certificate of Primary Education last year have secured Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarships.
The bright but needy students scored over 250 marks and will have their secondary education sponsored fully under Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarships, an initiative of the Government and Equity Bank. They are part of 800 needy students who had applied for the same scholarships in the county.
Addressing parents and beneficiaries of the program at Makutano Stadium in West Pokot County, Equity Group Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr. James Mwangi said the scholarship catered for students’ tuition fees, transport costs, uniform and pocket money for the four years they will pursue secondary education.
Apart from that, the CEO said the students will also benefit from the mentorship and leadership development programs to equip them with life skills. This is geared to transform them into responsible future leaders.
Dr. Mwangi encouraged the beneficiaries to study hard in the next four years in order to qualify for University stressing, “We will pay for your full secondary school education, provide you with all your necessities while in school and as your sponsors we want you to prove your abilities by working hard and at the end of your secondary education we will want to see you attain good grades that will enable you to join the university of your dream. From today you have no excuse not to excel.’’
West Pokot Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo who attended the event thanked Equity Foundation and the government for the kind gesture noting: ‘‘As a county, we are very happy with what you are doing as Equity Bank. You have transformed education in the country whereby many needy students have benefitted from the Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarships programs.”
Prof. Lonyangapuo assured that his administration will in the meantime educate 143 additional needy children from the county to supplement Equity Foundation and the national government’s efforts.
Cecilia Ngige who chaired the beneficiaries’ selection board said they had a difficult time trying to get the most deserving students out of the 800 applicants.
Ngige urged the county and national governments as well as charitable organisations and wealthy individuals to come to the rescue of thousands of needy students who drop out of school due to lack of fees and other necessary.
By Anthony Melly
