It was all joy and jubilation at the Thika Rescue Centre after one of the destitute children in the institution graduated from Mt. Kenya University (MKU) with a bachelor’s degree in commerce with an accounting option on Friday.
Daudi Hani, who hails from Garissa County, managed to beat all the odds since he was rescued after the death of his single mom when he was 10 and succeeded in scaling the educational ladder.
His journey started at Garissa Rescue Centre before he transferred to Thika, where he joined Junior Academy School in Class 5. He passed well in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCSE) scoring 400 marks, then joined Kiambu Secondary School, where he scored a ‘C’ plain.
Since he couldn’t get university admission with that grade, he says he opted to repeat Form Four at Bishop Ndingi Secondary School in Naivasha, where he got a ’B’ minus.
He was then admitted to Mount Kenya University, where, despite the educational hardships and lack of psychosocial support, he managed to score a second-class Lower division.
“The journey has been unbelievable. Having no parents and not much psychosocial support, it wasn’t easy at all. However, a number of well-wishers and some organisations came through and supported my cause,” said Hani.
Hani’s dream might have come true after the Secretary, Department of Children Services, Shem Nyakutu, who joined the children during their celebrations, announced the Ministry will employ him this month to reward him for the hard work he put in despite the difficult learning environment.
“With financial and psychosocial support, I believe no one is limited. These rescue centres have several bright students who, if supported well, will attain their dreams, “said Hani.
Nyakutu termed the achievement a milestone and a motivation for the disadvantaged children as they seek to achieve their dreams.
He said the government will continue supporting rescue centres by providing a good environment and support systems, adding that they seek to employ more teachers and psychosocial support workers to help the children get out of life’s traumas.
While noting that they have a huge staff deficit, he said a lot was being done to address the gap.
He added that they have set aside Sh100 million to secure land in all 30 government rescue centres from grabbers.
“Our land is under serious threat from grabbers. The process to fence the centres starts this year. We will also equip the facilities to improve the environment, “said Nyakutu.
Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a, while lauding the achievement, said the boy has set a good precedent and proved that disadvantaged children can as well make it.
Ng’ang’a, who is the chair of Social Protection Services in Parliament, said her committee was taking priority in uplifting the lives of the less fortunate in society, saying every child has a right to education and other essential services just like any other.
By Muoki Charles
